This evening, I was asked to give you an update on the construction of the St. Juan Diego Pilgrim House and our approach to integrating the Pilgrim House into the larger mission of the shrine. But first, a refresher on some of the basics.
The St. Juan Diego Pilgrim House is a versatile facility which will enhance and support the mission of the Shrine as a place of religious pilgrimage. It contains 33 guest rooms, three conference and gathering spaces of varying sizes, and a convent for religious sisters who will, God willing, provide hospitality for pilgrims during their stay.
The Shrine is a special place where many graces are abundantly available for pilgrims. The Pilgrim House must emphasize and accentuate all these qualities. It’s to be an extension of the shrine and its fruits.
Recently, there have been some significant construction milestones I’d like to highlight. Phase two, above-grade structure — one of the longest in duration and most visually significant — was completed on May 22nd. This phase dealt with the steel, cement, and CMU block being placed from the basement all the way up into the top floor.
We are currently nearing completion of phase three, building enclosure. This phase covers the sheathing, underlayment, and tiles on the roof, the waterproofing and stone courses on the exterior of the building, and the windows being installed. Completing phase three will allow the building to dry out so final framing, drywall, carpentry, and other finishes can begin in phase four, interiors.
As long as there are no unforeseen delays, substantial construction completion is still on schedule for the end of January 2027, leading into a pre-opening schedule of a couple of months.
On June 22nd, we marked a major milestone with a mock-up room walkthrough. The mock-up room — room 2011, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — is on the second floor of the Pilgrim House. The walkthrough gave His Eminence, the Shrine team, the general contractor, and the architect the chance to review the layout, finishes, furniture, artwork, bathroom, and some operational supplies.
The St. Juan Diego Pilgrim House is the newest development in the Shrine’s mission. Once open, the Shrine will be able to offer hospitality to pilgrims spending days on pilgrimage, individuals and groups making a spiritual retreat, and host spiritual meetings and conferences. It is not a five-star hotel, as some critics have said, but a place of hospitality befitting the Shrine’s mission — meant to sustain and deepen the experience of encountering Our Lord while visiting the Shrine.
It is hoped that by May the Pilgrim House will be fully opened. If more time is needed, it will be taken — the important thing is to serve pilgrims well and do the job right from the beginning.
Please pray that God will continue to bless the work of the Shrine, especially the construction and opening of the St. Juan Diego Pilgrim House.
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
St. Juan Diego
Pilgrim House
Construction Update
September Update
This evening, I was asked to give you an update on the construction of the St. Juan Diego Pilgrim House and our approach to integrating the Pilgrim House into the larger mission of the shrine. But first, a refresher on some of the basics.
The St. Juan Diego Pilgrim House is a versatile facility which will enhance and support the mission of the Shrine as a place of religious pilgrimage. It contains 33 guest rooms, three conference and gathering spaces of varying sizes, and a convent for religious sisters who will, God willing, provide hospitality for pilgrims during their stay.
The Shrine is a special place where many graces are abundantly available for pilgrims. The Pilgrim House must emphasize and accentuate all these qualities. It’s to be an extension of the shrine and its fruits.
Recently, there have been some significant construction milestones I’d like to highlight. Phase two, above-grade structure — one of the longest in duration and most visually significant — was completed on May 22nd. This phase dealt with the steel, cement, and CMU block being placed from the basement all the way up into the top floor.
We are currently nearing completion of phase three, building enclosure. This phase covers the sheathing, underlayment, and tiles on the roof, the waterproofing and stone courses on the exterior of the building, and the windows being installed. Completing phase three will allow the building to dry out so final framing, drywall, carpentry, and other finishes can begin in phase four, interiors.
As long as there are no unforeseen delays, substantial construction completion is still on schedule for the end of January 2027, leading into a pre-opening schedule of a couple of months.
On June 22nd, we marked a major milestone with a mock-up room walkthrough. The mock-up room — room 2011, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — is on the second floor of the Pilgrim House. The walkthrough gave His Eminence, the Shrine team, the general contractor, and the architect the chance to review the layout, finishes, furniture, artwork, bathroom, and some operational supplies.
The St. Juan Diego Pilgrim House is the newest development in the Shrine’s mission. Once open, the Shrine will be able to offer hospitality to pilgrims spending days on pilgrimage, individuals and groups making a spiritual retreat, and host spiritual meetings and conferences. It is not a five-star hotel, as some critics have said, but a place of hospitality befitting the Shrine’s mission — meant to sustain and deepen the experience of encountering Our Lord while visiting the Shrine.
It is hoped that by May the Pilgrim House will be fully opened. If more time is needed, it will be taken — the important thing is to serve pilgrims well and do the job right from the beginning.
Please pray that God will continue to bless the work of the Shrine, especially the construction and opening of the St. Juan Diego Pilgrim House.
To Jesus through Mary
© 2026 Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe