Events

Oaxaca and Guanajuato are two states in Mexico that often feature the devil in nativities.  There are two theories for this: One, the devil tried to distract the three kings on their trip to Jesus.  When that failed, he joined their travels and was present …

December 8th marks one of the most widely misunderstood concepts of Catholicism.  It is even misunderstood by many practicing Catholics. The Immaculate Conception is when St. Ann became pregnant with the Blessed Mother, Mary.  It is not when Mary became pregnant with Jesus.  The easy way to remember …

St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin is the humble indigenous man the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to starting December 9, 1531.   It was Juan Diego’s cloak (tilma) that the image of Mary is imprinted on and he who is seen next to her in most every image. In 2002 …

The Virgin of Guadalupe is the tale of humble farmer, Juan Diego, who stumbles upon the Virgin Mary in 1531, shortly after the arrival of the Spanish, near present day Mexico City.  Juan Diego informs the local bishop who does not believe him.  The following day …

The nine nights of the posadas—which means “inn”—represent the nine day journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem from December 16th until Christmas Eve. Throughout town, each night, a boy dressed as Joseph a young girl dressed as Mary (usually riding donkey) and an …

In 1737 to 1776 San Miguel had many unique Christmas traditions. Posadas were introduced by the Franciscans in San Miguel Viejo featuring images of Mary and Joseph that traveled to nine homes of wealthy Spanish nine days leading up to Christmas.  The ultimate day, statues …

Ecce Homo is the image of Christ presented by Pontius Pilate prior to the crucifixion.  Ecce Homo is Latin for “Behold the man”.   Ecce Homo has allowed Sanmiguelenses to survive drought, frost and other weather disasters that could harm the harvest. Ecce Homo started in San Miguel …

Three King’s Day, known as the Epiphany in other countries, is when the three Kings arrive into everyone’s home baring gifts for children.  More so than Christmas morning, this is the typical gift giving time focusing on children.  The night before toys are sold in …

In honor of St. Anthony the Abbot, special animal blessings are held throughout San Miguel on January 17th. Blessing are for the pets and farm animals of every shape and kind, from cats, dogs, birds and turtles, to hens, rabbits, ducks, and burros are brought …

Tens of thousands of Mexican young people will make a pilgrimage January 27th  to the Shrine of Christ the King.  The pilgrimage has occurred for over 30 years and is an expression of the unity of the Mexican youth in their desire to publicly express their faith. …

The Virgin of San Juan de Lagos’ pilgrimage is the largest in the western hemisphere. Some three million or more pilgrims from across Mexico will walk for many days, sleeping in the open, to converge on the small town of San Juan de los Lagos, in the …

The Virgin of San Juan de Lagos’ pilgrimage is the largest in the western hemisphere. Some three million or more pilgrims from across Mexico will walk for many days, sleeping in the open, to converge on the small town of San Juan de los Lagos, in the …