The church at the top of Tepeyac Hill was built and was named the Chapel of the Cerrito to commemorate the three apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego.

The chapel built on the hill of Tepeyac in 1666 survived for about 120 years, but eventually, it had to be replaced by something more substantial, including a chaplain’s house located beside the chapel.

In the year 1893, the Monastery of San José de Guadalupe, next to this chapel, was granted to the Discalced Carmelites. The monastery goes unnoticed, however there is a simple plaque above the door of the monastery with the golden shield of the Discalced Carmelite order. The Mexican government expelled the sisters from the building in 1926 and they returned to it in 1930. Nowadays they want people to see that they are there, praying for us. Waiting for a new vocation that refreshes the faith.

In 1895, four marble angels by sculptor Ernesto Tamariz and a the Cross of the Apostle (Blessed Conchita Cabrera de Armida devotion, 2024) were placed. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy a view of the city.

Between 1945 and 1950, the Chapel of the Cerrito was rebuilt to include a small plaza with four sculptures of the Archangels Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel.

Today, the fresco murals by artist Fernando Leal, portraits through his artwork his interpretation of the apparitions.

It was in this chapel where tradition says that Our Lady of Guadalupe told Saint Juan Diego to carry the message that She wanted a small sacred house to be built where She would listen to our sorrow, sadness, our weeping, and despair, and She will remedy it under Her compassionate gaze. She left us the message that we are her children.

It was also here that the sign requested by Bishop Zumárraga was given - the flowers that Saint Juan Diego placed in his ayate and took to the Bishop, proving that it was the Holy Mother’s desire for her temple to be built.

Exactly at the marble altar, the foot of Our Lady of Guadalupe touched the ground.

The marble covers the great rock that our Mother touched, which is now hidden from our view.

Pray for a miracle or give thanks to Our Lady of Guadalupe for the miracle she granted you.

To reach the next chapel, descend the hill in the opposite direction from which you ascended.

Community Holy Mass is at 12:30 pm, Monday through Sunday.
It is open Monday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
The schedule may change due to a special feast, a large pilgrimage, or new rules from the Cabildo.