A Priest for Our Lady
Pastor
The candidate serves as the spiritual father to the Executive Team and the volunteer corps. He provides a stable priestly presence for the staff and the pilgrims who frequent the grounds.
Leader
The candidate must possess documented experience in finance, marketing, and vendor supervision. He is responsible for the professional standards of the Shrine’s business entities and its long-term financial health.
Visionary
The role requires the oversight of multi-year capital projects. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to manage architectural development and large-scale building contracts.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe serves the spiritual and corporal needs of over 100,000 pilgrims each year.
Three operational pillars support the mission of the Shrine.
The Spiritual Foundation
The Shrine serves as a sanctuary of faith for more than 100,000 annual pilgrims. The 100-acre grounds facilitate an encounter with the message given to Saint Juan Diego in 1531. This mission requires the administration of the Shrine Church, the Mother of Good Counsel Votive Candle Chapel, and the various devotional areas, including the Way of the Cross and the Memorial to the Unborn. The Executive Director ensures these spaces remain dedicated to the worship of God through devotion to Mary.
Daily Operations
Leading this international pilgrimage site, the Executive Director oversees spiritual, operational, and strategic initiatives in fidelity to Catholic doctrine. Responsibilities include liturgical leadership, directing business infrastructure, and managing staff. As the Shrine enters a major expansion phase, the Director will lead fundraising and capital projects. The ideal candidate offers proven administrative experience, pastoral compassion, and a commitment to evangelization, ensuring the Shrine’s mission thrives for future generations.
The Future Vision
The next phase of the Shrine’s development focuses on the completion of two major capital projects. The Executive Director holds the mandate to finish the construction of the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House, a 33-bedroom facility designed for retreats and hospitality. Simultaneously, the Director manages the development of the Our Lady of Prémontré Priory. These projects expand the Shrine’s capacity to offer overnight accommodations and establish a permanent presence for a contemplative religious community on the grounds.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe respects the authority of the local Ordinary and the order of religious communities. Following this ecclesial order ensures a transparent and stable transition for both the candidate and the Shrine.
The Application Process
Interested priests must first secure the tentative support of their Bishop or Religious Superior before entering the formal search process. Once this permission is obtained, the candidate may request the full Position Specification.
The Search Committee
The Search Committee facilitates all subsequent communications with the candidate’s superiors. This process maintains the necessary coordination between the Shrine Board of Directors and the candidate’s diocese or community.
