Culina Mariana Café Temporarily Closed

Dear Shrine Pilgrim, 

Cardinal Burke often says, “Hospitality is one of the most important works of charity that the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe offers to pilgrims.” Indeed, hospitality is a biblical reality that remains a fundamental dimension of the Church today, and the practice of hospitality is a merit of virtue. 

Yet hospitality is not without its practicalities. Since the opening of the Shrine nearly 20 years ago, the Culina Mariana Cafe has been a continual source of hospitality in one way or another, constantly offering refreshments to pilgrims and a gathering place for our Shrine family and friends. After careful consultation and prayerful discernment, it has been decided that the Culina Mariana Cafe must be temporarily closed in order to undergo a transformative revitalization and renewal. Repairs and improvements must be made to the Culina so that we might be able to provide the most effective hospitality experience for all people coming on pilgrimage for a personal encounter with Our Lord through Our Lady. 

Therefore, effective Monday, April 14th, the Culina will temporarily close for renovation. It is our hope and expectation to reopen the Culina in late May with a grand celebration! Please pray that this may be so, according to His Holy Will.

Let us also continue to pray for one another as we pass from Passiontide to the Triduum of our Lenten journey. I hope to have good news for you about the Culina in the Season of Easter. 

Father Edward Nemeth
Executive Director
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe