Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House 
Retreat House · Conference Center · Convent
Hospitality & The Pilgrim House
Hospitality, throughout Sacred Scripture, is a moral institution, from Abraham in Genesis 18 inviting three strangers to a lavish meal, to Lydia in Acts 16 beseeching Paul and Timothy to stay in her home. That moral institution has been upheld by the Church for the past two millennia. Egeria’s Diary of a Pilgrimage chronicles Christian hospitality offered in the fourth century to pilgrims seeking holy places and splendid liturgies. Saint Benedict devotes the 53rd chapter of his monastic Rule to the merit of hospitality: “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35).” Even to this day, the apostolate of Catholic hospitality can be seen thriving throughout Europe along the various pilgrimage routes of the Camino de Santiago, leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe recognizes the importance of establishing an apostolate of hospitality to pilgrims. Each year, over 100,000 pilgrims come on pilgrimage to the Shrine. Numerous pilgrims have expressed a desire to spend many days at the Shrine, as if on retreat or attending a conference, in order to deepen their spiritual life and their relationship with Our Lord with the help of His Virgin Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe. To fulfill this apostolate of hospitality at the Shrine, plans are underway to build the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House, located behind the Shrine Church.
Retreat House
That care and accommodation will be realized in a triune mission in one building.
First, the Pilgrim House will be a place that provides the opportunity to stay for extended periods of time near the Shrine Church, the spiritual center of the grounds.
Convent & Chapel
Second, in this same building will be a convent for religious sisters whose apostolic work will be fulfilling the Shrine’s hospitality outreach as well as offering prayers for guests, pilgrims, and the Shrine’s mission.
There will also be a chapel for the pilgrims on retreat as well as the religious sisters.
Auditorium Halls & Dining Room
Third, in addition to being a retreat house and a convent, this building will also offer a large hall for major spiritual conferences and for hospitality during major events at the Shrine, a smaller conference room, and a meeting room which will also serve pilgrims their meals—and all in a setting of beauty and holiness.
The Pilgrim House
The world as it is today is very far away from God. Those who hear the voice of God calling them to Himself—“come with me by yourselves to a quiet place for some rest” (Mk 6, 30-31; Cf. Lk 9, 10)—are seeking a place where they can have a truly intimate encounter with Our Lord through Our Lady. The Shrine is responding to that summons by building a place of intimate encounter with Jesus Christ in the Pilgrim House.
Pilgrim House Updates
Pilgrim House Construction - Phase I Begins
- The work begins. Project leaders walk the site of the future Pilgrim House, surveying the land where hospitality for pilgrims will soon take shape.
- With careful attention, the team studies the terrain, ensuring that every step forward reflects both practical wisdom and fidelity to the Shrine’s sacred mission.
- Against the backdrop of the Shrine church, the vision becomes tangible. Plans are reviewed as the foundation of the Pilgrim House moves from concept to construction.
- Details matter. Engineers and planners examine elevations and infrastructure to ensure that the new development harmonizes with the beauty and integrity of the Shrine grounds.
- Looking outward from the hilltop, the team reflects on how the Pilgrim House will serve generations of pilgrims seeking rest, prayer, and renewal.
- Project leaders and contractors review site conditions as work progresses around the Pilgrim House. Each decision is made with care, ensuring that future development serves pilgrims well while honoring the Shrine’s long-term mission.
- Heavy machinery arrives. What was once quiet woodland now echoes with the sounds of preparation as the land is readied for new life.
- Collaboration continues on site, with careful oversight at every stage to ensure excellence in execution and stewardship of resources.
- Earth is moved and shaped. The transformation begins, marking the first visible signs of the Pilgrim House becoming a reality.
- Project leaders observe the excavation, witnessing the literal laying of groundwork for a house dedicated to welcoming Christ’s pilgrims.
- As the soil is cleared, the foundation area emerges — a visible sign of the Shrine’s continued growth in service to the faithful.
- From the vantage point of the Shrine church, progress is evident. What began with vision and prayer now advances through steady labor — preparing a lasting home for pilgrims under Our Lady’s mantle.
Pilgrim House Construction - Phase I Concludes
- The Pilgrim House began with a simple purpose: to better serve the men and women who travel to the Shrine seeking prayer, rest, and time with Our Lord and Our Lady. As the number of pilgrims continues to grow, so does the need to provide accommodations that support their spiritual journey.
- Before construction began, months of planning and review took place. Architects, engineers, and Shrine leadership worked together to ensure that the design would complement the beauty of the Shrine and meet practical needs. Every step has been taken with thoughtful stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
- Cardinal Burke regularly visits the site to review progress and speak with the project team. His presence reflects the importance of this work to the Shrine’s long term mission. The Pilgrim House is not a separate project. It is part of the Shrine’s ongoing commitment to serve souls well.
- Excavation marked the beginning of visible progress. Preparing the ground is an essential first step in any lasting structure. What may appear simple or hidden at first is, in fact, what gives stability to everything that follows.
- With the groundwork completed, the foundation was poured and structural supports were set in place. These early stages are not always the most noticeable, but they are the most important. A strong foundation ensures that the building will serve pilgrims safely and reliably for many years.
- As construction continued, walls rose and the shape of the Pilgrim House became clear. Skilled workers carefully placed each block and beam. This steady progress reflects the Shrine’s approach to growth: thoughtful, deliberate, and guided by long term vision.
- Throughout Phase I, Shrine leadership has remained closely involved, reviewing details and monitoring progress. Responsible oversight ensures that the project remains faithful to its purpose and respectful of the generosity of benefactors who make it possible.
- Phase I has now reached its conclusion. The essential structural elements are in place, marking a significant milestone. What began as drawings and plans is now a visible addition to the Shrine grounds.
- Phase II will build upon what has already been completed. Each step forward strengthens the Shrine’s ability to welcome pilgrims from across the country and around the world. The Pilgrim House is being built not only for today’s visitors, but for future generations.
- When completed, the Pilgrim House will provide a place of hospitality and reflection for those who come seeking spiritual renewal. It will allow pilgrims to remain close to the Shrine’s liturgical life and prayerful atmosphere.
- The Pilgrim House reflects the Shrine’s long term commitment to its mission. Through careful planning, responsible stewardship, and the support of generous benefactors, this project is steadily taking shape. Phase I is only the beginning of a work intended to serve the faithful for many years to come.
Pilgrim House Construction - Phase II Begins
- With Phase II underway, interior framing and structural work continue the careful expansion of the Pilgrim House. Each measured step reflects prudent planning and responsible use of resources.
- Architectural details, including arched openings that echo the Shrine’s design, are now being formed. Phase II builds thoughtfully upon the foundation laid in Phase I.
- Natural light begins to filter through newly framed windows, a reminder that this project is meant to serve pilgrims for generations to come.
- Engineers and craftsmen verify measurements and structural alignments. Careful oversight ensures the building will be durable, efficient, and well suited to its mission.
- Curved steel framing is installed with precision, preparing the way for finished walls and ceilings. This steady progress reflects long term planning rather than haste.
- Construction teams review plans and confirm dimensions. Stewardship requires not only generosity but also careful attention to detail.
- Architects, engineers, and contractors continue to work together to ensure that each addition integrates seamlessly with the existing structure.
- Hallways and guest areas begin to take shape, laying the groundwork for future accommodations that will welcome pilgrims in comfort and simplicity.
- Blueprints guide the work as teams prepare rooms that will one day host pilgrims seeking prayer and rest.
- Advanced leveling and alignment tools help guarantee that the building remains sound and true. Stability today ensures service for decades to come.
- Scaffolding and protective coverings surround the structure as exterior work advances. Phase II continues in the same careful manner established in Phase I.
- New walls and upper levels rise in continuity with the original design. Each addition is made with the Shrine’s long term mission clearly in view.
Cardinal Burke’s Vision
Receiving and Providing for Pilgrims
Duncan Stroik’s Plans
Support the building of the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House Mission
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House, please contact the Communications Department at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
