The Eleventh Annual Magdalene Movement
Mary in the Americas
Presented by Kathleen McGowan
December 6 – 9, 2024
Mexico City, Mexico
In Mexico City we will experience and explore the impact of the Marian traditions as they live in that land today, including a special pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Tepeyac to view the miraculous “tilma” which holds her image from 1531.
We will then go back further in time to the magnificent ancient site of Teotihuacan with its magnificent ancient pyramids, known to be a place of creation and deep connection with the Divine by the Mesoamerican people (bucket list!) Here we explore the connection with the ancient mysteries via the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan, also known as the Spider Woman, a fierce protector and divine mother force.
Archaeologists believe now that the people of Teotihuacan sought to create “paradise on earth” and we can see how these ancient beliefs and practices – including a belief in sacred union – flow into the mystical Christian practices which arrive later and merge with the ancients.
Kathleen will give a very special presentation on how the Marian traditions traveled to the Americas. The importance of the Madonna of Guadalupe and her story – a true and bonafide miracle – will be presented here, with comparisons to the Shroud of Turin.
Kathleen will follow this with a second seminar on the connection of the pyramids around the world – including some new discoveries possibly connecting Teotihuacan to Egypt, and the “heiros-gamos”/ sacred marriage traditions which also existed at Teotihuacan! We will also visit the magnificent site of Teotihuacan in depth.
We have created two different options for tour extensions to accommodate the different time needs of our guests. One extension gives us more time in Mexico City, with an included journey to the house and museum of Frida Kahlo, and a further adventure takes us to the gorgeous town of San Miguel de Allende. Named for the Archangel Michael, this is an artist’s haven of culture and celebration, and we have the opportunity to observe some magical aspects of the Festival of Guadalupe!
RETREAT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
(At press time certain elements of the schedule are subject to change)
Day 1, Friday, December 6: Retreat Starts (D)
Arrival on your own to your reserved accommodations in Mexico City (Shuttle & transfer information will be given with confirmation). Time to refresh yourself before your welcome dinner with wine, a program overview for the weekend by Kathleen and the preliminaries of the workshop.
Day 2, Saturday, December 7: Retreat Continues. Morning workshop. Afternoon tour to the Archeological site of Teotihuacan (B/D)
We will all join for breakfast and a morning of workshops and discussions. Kathleen will give a presentation in the morning on how the Marian traditions traveled to the Americas, with an ultimate focus on the importance of the Guadalupe story. After lunch on our own, it’s off to visit the majestic archaeological site of Teotihuacan, home of the Aztec civilization. Its name stands for “place where the humans turn into gods.” This site, built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D. is characterized by the vast size of its monuments. It is considered one of the major Pre-Hispanic cities of Mesoamerica. Our route around the site will include an in-depth 
examination of the three most significant Teotihuacan structures: in particular, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, laid out on geometric and symbolic principles. As one of the most powerful cultural centers in Mesoamerica, Teotihuacan extended its cultural and artistic influence throughout the region, and even beyond. Our expert certified guide will delve into the stories, traditions and sacred rites that date back to this classical era. Return to our hotel for dinner.
Day 3, Sunday, December 8: Morning tour to the Basilica de Guadalupe and Cerro del Tepeyac. In the afternoon, Retreat Continues. (B/D)
After an early breakfast, we depart for a very special tour that will take us into the Basilica of Guadalupe, 
the most important site in Latin America for the Catholic faithful and the most popular, as it receives more than 20 million pilgrims every year who arrive to be close to the “Morenita del Tepeyac.” On this tour you will be able to admire both the interior of the current Basilica and the old one, and where you will also have the opportunity to ascend the Tepeyac Hill. Later you will have the opportunity to visit the Basilica Museum, which is located in the old Capuchinas convent, and there you will see a vast collection of New Spain art. Return to our hotel for lunch and then join Kathleen in the afternoon for the continuation of the Retreat workshops and seminars before our farewell dinner.
Day 4, Monday, December 9: In Mexico City. (B)
7:00 am Breakfast. We will meet for an early final breakfast and Q & A panel lecture led by Kathleen. After the morning session ends, your Retreat ends with your departure about 8:00/8:30am.
For those who are staying there will be the start of two Optional Tours, see complete details below.
Your Retreat Includes:
● All Retreat activities including workshops, prayer circles and entry to exchange
● 4 days & 3 nights accommodations at the deluxe Hyatt Regency Mexico City
● Hotel taxes
● Daily breakfast
● Dinner every night
● Wine with dinner
● Welcome reception
● In room water and coffee
● Meeting coffee, tea & water breaks
● Complimentary guest room wifi
● Afternoon visit the Archaeological site of Teotihuacan
● Morning tour to the Basilica de Guadalupe and Cerro del Tepeyac
- Optional Tour # 1: An extra day in Mexico of sightseeing and exploration
- Optional Tour # 2: A 4-day/3 night tour to San Miguel
OUR RETREAT HOTEL IN MEXICO CITY – THE MEXICO CITY HYATT REGENCY
Welcome to the Deluxe Hyatt Regency Mexico City in the heart of the stylish and upscale Polanco district, filled with lively shopping, art galleries and more. Enjoy their heated outdoor pool and sundeck offering splendid views of Chapultepec Park, stay fit in the hotel gym and savor their culinary team’s delicious, distinctive creations at the included dinners.
POST-RETREAT OPTIONAL TOURS
We are offering two post-retreat tours, a one-day and a four-day option.
OPTIONAL POST-RETREAT TOUR #1:
December 9-10: AN EXTRA DAY IN MEXICO CITY (B/L/D)
This morning, open our mind to live new experiences. We begin our journey visiting Mexico City, the only city in the world where you can see the union of three eras: pre-Hispanic period, colonial period and modern time. The city was built on the very site that was once the center of Aztec Culture and where we will visit “El Templo Mayor.” It’s located on the ancient site that was the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. Then to Zocalo (or Plaza de la Constitución), the main square. Continue to the National Palace and a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral. 
Just outside the National Museum we will enjoy lunch at Casa de los Azulejos while enjoying the outside architecture at its surroundings. After lunch, depart our hotel for the Coyoacan neighborhood. We start with a walk around the district that is home to many of the Mexican artist community and features charming houses and a beautiful Coyote Fountain. We then proceed to the Frida Kahlo Museum for a visit to The Frida Kahlo Museum also known as the Blue House for the structure’s cobalt-blue walls. It’s a historic house museum and art museum dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Your Optional Tour #1 Includes:
- 2 days & 1 night accommodations at the Hyatt Regency
- Hotel taxes
- Breakfast
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Dinner
- Wine with dinner
- Mexico City Sightseeing Tour
OPTIONAL POST-RETREAT TOUR #2:
December 9-13: MEXICO CITY plus SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, attending the Special Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe Ceremony
Day 1, Monday, December 9: In Mexico City (B/L/D)
This morning, open our mind to live new experiences. We begin our journey visiting Mexico City, the only city in the world where you can see the union of three eras: pre-Hispanic period, colonial period and modern time. The city was built on the very site that was once the center of Aztec Culture and where we will visit “El Templo Mayor.” It’s located on the ancient site that was the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. Then to Zocalo (or Plaza de la Constitución), the main square. Continue to the National Palace and a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral. Just outside the National Museum we will enjoy lunch at Casa de los Azulejos while enjoying the outside architecture at its surroundings.
After lunch, depart our hotel for the Coyoacan neighborhood. We start with a walk around the district that is home to many of the Mexican artist community and features charming houses and a beautiful Coyote Fountain. We then proceed to the Frida Kahlo Museum for a visit to The Frida Kahlo Museum also known as the Blue House for the structure’s cobalt-blue walls. It’s a historic house museum and art museum dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 2, Tuesday, December 10: Transfer to San Miguel (B/L/D)
After breakfast we board our coach for the 3-hour journey to San Miguel Allende. After checking into our reserved accommodations, we will have a light lunch and then you are free to do some independent exploration and shopping in the town 
called the “Forge of Independence” for the important role it played in gaining Mexico’s independence from Spain, San Miguel de Allende is a fascinating place to discover a wonderful part of Mexico. From visiting Casa de Allende Historical Museum to seeing architecturally exquisite churches and 400-year-old restored homes, you’ll get a feel for how San Miguel manages to be both a contemporary Mexican city and a colonial gem.
Day 3, Wednesday, December 11 – In San Miguel. Touring Guanajuato Day & Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (B/L)
Today travel to Guanajuato, a colonial city and university town with a maze of narrow streets and winding alleys. You will ride on the funicular to see a panoramic view of the city. Great way to view all sights from above and get some great pictures. You will have a tour to Templo de la Compañía, Teatro Juárez, Callejón del Beso. Return to San Miguel de Allende for some free time and dinner at one of the 
wonderful restaurants before celebrating the “Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe” The most famous and beloved icon in all Mexico, the Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of the country and the “Empress of Latin America. A large banner image of the Virgin is mounted over the gate in front of the Parroquia. Late on the evening of the 11th, the mariachis gather before the image. At the stroke of midnight, they serenade her with “Las Mañanitas” the Mexican Happy Birthday song.
Day 4, Thursday, December 12 – San Miguel, Market Tasting, Cooking Class & Spa (B/L/D)
We will visit the local market whose stalls are piled high with tropical fruits, colorful flowers, fresh vegetables, herbs and chiles. Buy ingredients for authentic Mexican food and learn the techniques to create them in a cooking class. 
After lunch it’s an “afternoon at the Spa.” We will depart to the La Gruta and La Escondido hot springs. The park-like grounds encompass swimming pools, hot tubs in graduated temperatures, restaurants and spa rooms. At both sites, visitors can swim through tunnels to an artificial cave with a hot waterfall that delivers a perfect shoulder massage. In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner at one of the wonderful local restaurants.
Day 5, Friday, December 13 – Departure Day- Tour Ends (B)
After breakfast, the Optional Tour ends as we transfer to the Guanajuato International Airport BJX (also known as del Bajio Airport) for our flight home. Be sure to book your flight AFTER 11am.
Your Optional Tour #2 Includes:
- 5 days & 4 nights accommodations including 1 extra night in Mexico City and 4 nights in San Miguel
- Hotel taxes
- Daily breakfast
- 2 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- Wine with dinner
- Transportation from Mexico City to San Miguel by coach
- Sightseeing as per Itinerary
- Cooking Class
- Afternoon Spa day
- Celebration of the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe
- Airport transfers at the end of the tour
OUR RETREAT HOTEL IN MEXICO CITY – THE MEXICO CITY HYATT REGENCY
OUR OPTIONAL HOTEL IN SAN MIGUEL – THE HOTEL HACIENDA de GUADALUPE
Located in the heart of San Miguel, the Hotel Hacienda de Guadalupe is the perfect place to enjoy this charming city. Charming traditional rooms. Eat and drink in any one of their specialty restaurants and bars such as the Estoril or the Mursaski. Enjoy your stay with a swim at the pool. Take home a souvenir of San Miguel de Allende from the jewelry store or decorate your home with their traditional crafts.
How to get from Mexico City to our hotel
Note: Transfers to and from the hotel are not included in the retreat price. Transfer options to and from the hotel will be given with your confirmation.
Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program.
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount off the credit card rate if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.
Special NO INTEREST- NO PAYMENTS* Plan!
Body Mind Spirit Journeys now offers a Credit Plan with PayPal (Click here for details)
LAND ONLY PRICING
PRICE PER PERSON IN TWIN BEDDED ROOM
Per Person Double Occupancy: $2,199 by check OR $2,299 by credit card
PRICE PER PERSON IN SINGLE ROOM
Per Person Single Room Occupancy: $2,699 by check OR $2,939 by credit card
COUPLE OR FAMILY (sharing same room)
Total for Two Persons Double Occupancy: $4,198 by check or money order, $4,419 by credit card
OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL PRICE FOR POST-RETREAT TOUR # 1 (December 9 Only)
Per Person Double Occupancy: $399 by check OR $419 by credit card
Per Person Single Room Occupancy: $469 by check OR $499 by credit card
OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL PRICE FOR POST-RETREAT TOUR # 2 (December 9-13)
Per Person Double Occupancy $1,999 by check OR $2,099 by credit card
Per Person Single Room Occupancy: $2,699 by check OR $2,839 by credit card
Pre-Retreat Extra Night Accommodations (includes breakfast only):
Price Per Person in a double room: $159 ($169 credit card)
Price Per Person in a single room: $295 ($309 credit card)
Deposit Schedule:
Non-Refundable Payment – due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour as space is limited.
Per Person Double or Single accommodations: $750 by check or money order, $800 by credit card
Final Payment (due on or before October 1, 2024)
Attendance is strictly limited due to hotel capacity and the event is expected to sell out. Early booking is highly recommended
If you have already registered and want to access the Payment Page, Click Here.
Travel Insurance
Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.
Photo credits:
Templo Mayor: Deror_avi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Frida Kahlo Blue House: Peter Andersen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Círio de Nazaré 2012: Fora do Eixo, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Antigua Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: Deror_avi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
.jpg){kind=link}
