A Marian pilgrimage is different from an ordinary vacation. It is a journey of the heart, where we walk with Our Blessed Mother and allow her to lead us closer to her Son. With hearts turned to her, you are invited to join a 15-day Pilgrimage – Encountering Mary in the Americas – to Mexico and Brazil with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on October 5-19, 2026
At the heart of this pilgrimage lie two of the most beloved Marian shrines in the world. In Mexico City, we encounter Our Lady of Guadalupe, where the Virgin Mary appeared to the humble peasant Juan Diego in 1531, leaving her miraculous image upon his tilma — an image that has remained vibrant for nearly five centuries. In Brazil, we kneel before Our Lady of Aparecida, whose small clay statue was drawn from the waters of the Paraíba River by fishermen in 1717, bringing an end to their empty nets and ushering in an abundance of grace to all who sought her. Both shrines speak of the same tender truth: a Mother who stoops down to the lowly and reminds us that we are never alone.
Your pilgrimage begins in Cuautitlán, the birthplace of St. Juan Diego. Here, you will visit the Santuario El Cerrito San Juan Diego, a sacred site that preserves his memory through a museum recounting his life and his encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe. From there, you travel to Tlatelolco to visit the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where the Temple of St. James the Apostle stands. You will also visit the Church of Santiago de Tlatelolco, home to the baptismal font where St. Juan Diego was baptized.
Spend a grace-filled day with Our Blessed Mother at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including a visit and celebration of the Holy Mass. The Basilica houses the original tilma bearing her miraculous image. You will see the bent crucifix, known as the Holy Christ of the Attack, which absorbed the force of a dynamite explosion in 1921 while the sacred image of Our Lady remained unharmed. After visiting both the Old and New Basilicas, continue to Tepeyac Hill, the Chapel of the Well, and the beautifully landscaped gardens that surround this holy place.
Continue to Ocotlán to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity and the breathtaking Basilica of Our Lady of Ocotlán, a sacred apparition site of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then proceed to Puebla to visit Santo Domingo Church, home to the magnificent Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated for its lavishly gilded walls and ceilings adorned with gold leaf.
Depart Mexico and arrive in Sao Paulo, Brazil for a three-night stay. Explore the city’s highlights, including a visit and Holy Mass at the famous Sé Cathedral, the fourth-largest Neo-Gothic cathedral in the world, and the historic Church of Our Lady Achiropita. Visit the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Penha, one of the city’s most beloved Catholic landmarks. Drive through vibrant districts and landmarks, including Liberdade, Paulista Avenue, Ibirapuera Park, and Sunset Square, taking in the energy, culture, and beauty of São Paulo.
Continue your pilgrimage to Aparecida, a place of deep Marian devotion and home to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, dedicated to Brazil’s beloved patroness. Recognized as the largest Marian shrine in the world, the basilica is also the second-largest Catholic church in terms of interior area, second only to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Wind down your pilgrimage with a four-night stay in Rio de Janeiro, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Celebrate Holy Mass at the Nossa Senhora de Copacabana Church, entrusting your intentions in this beautiful seaside parish. You will also visit the city’s major landmarks, including the world-famous Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A powerful symbol of Christianity, this iconic statue watches over Rio and stands as an enduring emblem of faith and hope for the world.
Put your hand in Mary’s and allow her to gently lead you to Jesus. Join this 15-day Marian Pilgrimage, Encountering Mary in the Americas, as you journey through Mexico and Brazil with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on October 5–19, 2026. May this sacred journey deepen your faith and draw you ever closer to Christ through the loving guidance of Our Blessed Mother.
