By Deacon Raul Perez
Special to the Herald
There is something uniquely powerful about pilgrimage — a journey outward that becomes a journey inward.
For the 23 pilgrims who departed Honolulu on Nov. 6, bound for the sacred landscapes of Mexico, this truth revealed itself day after day. Each stop along the way became more than a destination; it became an opportunity for transformation, connection and grace.
From the moment we landed in Guadalajara, we felt both the unfamiliarity of a new country and the comfort of shared purpose. Our first Mass at Our Lady of Zapopan set the tone — rooted in faith, carried by hope.
Surrounded by centuries of devotion, we found ourselves woven into a much larger tapestry of belief, one that stretched across cultures and generations. The colors, music and warmth of Tlaquepaque and Guadalajara reminded us that God speaks not only through silence and prayer, but also through beauty, history and the vibrancy of human life.
As we traveled to San Juan de los Lagos and stood before its towering cathedral, we felt the humbling weight of holiness. Celebrating Mass in a place beloved by millions of pilgrims gave us a sense of belonging — to the universal church, to one another and to the countless seekers who have come before us.
Later, at Cerro del Cubilete, gazing up at the immense statue of Christ the King, we were reminded that faith calls us to look beyond our own horizons and entrust ourselves fully to God’s providence.
Guanajuato, with its winding alleyways, colonial architecture and lively plazas, welcomed us into a city where history seems to breathe through every corner. Walking its narrow streets and taking in the vibrant colors and sounds, many of us felt an unexpected stillness — a quiet invitation to reflect on our own journeys, our hopes and the many ways God has guided us to this moment.
The charm of the city encouraged us to slow down, notice the details and appreciate how beauty can gently open the heart to grace.
In San Miguel de Allende and Queretaro, the cobblestone streets and warm hospitality offered another kind of blessing. These cities — rich in culture, spirituality and artistry — reminded us that faith is not only expressed in grand sanctuaries, but also in everyday living: the craft of an artisan, the embrace of a community, the resilience of a people who have carried their traditions through centuries. Our time there encouraged us to walk with intention, to see the sacred in the ordinary and to let the journey reshape us.
Reaching Mexico City felt like stepping into the heart of the pilgrimage. The Plaza of the Three Cultures reminded us of human complexity — layers of history, conflict, faith and resilience.
But it was at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe that many of us felt something shift within. Standing before the tilma, gazing upon the image that has inspired millions, some of us wept, others prayed silently and others simply stood still, overwhelmed.
In that sacred space, every burden, every thanksgiving, every longing found a home. It was as though Mary herself whispered, “I am your mother. I hold you in my heart.”
Our journey to Teotihuacan, the Zocalo and Xochimilco wove together the ancient and the modern, the solemn and the joyful. Riding the bright trajineras on the floating gardens, laughter filled the air — a reminder that pilgrimage is also celebration, a recognition of the beauty of being together.
Puebla and Tlaxcala offered moments of deep spiritual encounter. In the Rosary Chapel, resplendent in gold and light, we were reminded that prayer is not only spoken but lived. Drinking from the healing spring at San Miguel del Milagro and visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ocotlan, we felt the nearness of God’s mercy in simple, tangible ways.
Across 10 days, we traveled hundreds of miles — but more importantly, we traveled into deeper communion: with God, with Mexican Catholic tradition and with one another. What began as a group of 23 individuals became a spiritual family — sharing prayer, meals, stories and sacred moments that will echo long after returning home.
A pilgrimage ends, but its graces do not. As we boarded our flight back to Hawaii, we carried with us not souvenirs but seeds — faith renewed, hearts humbled, spirits awakened. And like all true pilgrims, we returned not only changed, but called: to live with greater compassion, deeper prayer and a renewed sense of God’s presence in every journey still ahead.
Deacon Raul Perez serves at St. Jude Church in Kapolei.
Above: The pilgrims outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. (Courtesy photo)