PILGRIMAGES WITH THE SISTERS OF MARY
Serving the Lord with Joy!
Journey on pilgrimage with the Sisters of Mary
YOU’RE INVITED!
A pilgrimage is traditionally a journey to a holy place — a place where saints have walked, a place where God has met people and blessed them. We believe that through your visit to our villages you are on holy ground. Be blessed and remain open to all that God has prepared for you.
The Sisters of Mary are devoted to helping the poorest of the poor in Asia, Latin America and Africa. The religious order was founded by Father Aloysius Schwartz, champion of the poor. The Sisters have been operating charitable programs for more than fifty years serving children with the greatest need who have the greatest potential.
We invite you to come and see for yourself the life-changing work of helping children break free from a life of poverty!
PILGRIMAGE AND RETREAT OFFERINGS
Jesus says to His disciples, “Come and see” (John 1:39) and we encourage the same sense of seeking…come and find rest, reflection, service, and inspiration.
Guests participate in the daily lives of the Sisters with ample time for private prayer and personal reflection.
ALL TRIPS INCLUDE
- Visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Round-trip airport transfers within Mexico
- All meals
- Daily Holy Hour and celebration of the Mass
- Daily audio reflection from Fr. Al sharing his spiritual insights on the care of the poor
- Accommodations at the Villa Aloysius retreat center
- Medical Insurance
- Daily conference with Fr. Dan Leary, missionary chaplain for the Sisters of Mary (when available)
We offer three- five- or seven-night options for groups of up to 55 persons. Our retreat facility the Villa Aloysius is a multi-purpose retreat center featuring the founder’s memorial hall, chapel, a replica Chapel of Banneux, guesthouse, café, restaurant, and conference rooms.
Entrance to the Villa Aloysius, our comfortable retreat facility.
The Sisters of Mary are an official religious order of 400 Sisters, who have dedicated their lives to helping poor children.
OUR VALUES
Humble and joyful service to the Lord and our neighbor
Solidarity with the poor
Respect for human dignity
Passion, perseverance, and adaptability
Pilgrims are integrated into the daily life of our villages, assisting the children and Sisters with daily chores and enjoying time spent together.
“It changes you at your core. You learn how blessed we are to be born when and where we are born, minor irritations don’t matter, you know all is a gift. You want to never complain again, truly live gratitude and be Jesus to others. The bar is high but with God all is possible.”
“Spending time with the girls at Villa de las Ninas was truly a special experience. Praying with them, playing with them and helping them in their everyday responsibilities was truly a gift of grace! The Sisters of Mary are truly molding hearts and minds for Christ. “
“Our Lord and our Blessed Mother touched my heart in a profound way through the Sisters of Mary and the beautiful children. My visit to Chalco has forever changed me. I joyfully look forward to my MULTIPLE visits in the future.”
“The graces and blessings that I received from being on retreat are still flowing. It’s hard to articulate all that I encountered. The peace and safety that I felt while being in Chalco was comforting. The interaction with the girls, and the healing service profoundly affected my heart. Everyone that I met was hospitable, cordial, and willing to meet any need…The most impactful moments for me came in the Hacienda Chapel. Listening to Father Al’s talks.”
It is not enough to give the poor food and clothing. They need education that gives them the skills to build a dignified existence for themselves.”
