Over 80% of The Way There!

In December, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I sent an update to our readers. As we hit the home stretch, now is a good time to revisit her maternal words — “Am I not here, I, who am your mother?” Let us respond with trusting generosity to her loving call.

 

Thanks to your faithful support, we have raised over 80% of the total funds for Phase II. This May, we're launching our 2026 Fundraising Campaign. The goal is to reach $7,000,000 by August 15th. This would put us in a terrific position when occupying the church for Mass. Words from December that are even more applicable now.

 

Just as Our Lady guided a young discerner years ago through a providential encounter at her Basilica in Mexico City, she is guiding us now. Will you help us cross the finish line?

 

Please make your most generous gift today. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer and honors our Blessed Mother's powerful protection.

 

Donate here on our Giving Page or through the envelopes provided.

 

Thank you for your prayerful support. May Our Lady of Guadalupe bless you abundantly!

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A few days later, I forwarded a message to our benefactors from an old friend who liked the seminary so much, he went back. As rector, 135 seminarians are under the care of Fr. Michael Goldade. Let’s remember them in our prayers, too.

 

Dear Father,

When I saw your last update I had to write in. That picture was taken on our pilgrimage to

Mexico City during our senior year in 1998.

I had already made up my mind to enter the seminary. You were still discerning.  I remember you were torn and couldn’t find peace, even after much prayer. Certainly, Our Lady of Guadalupe arranged something very special for that trip. I remember after venerating the Tilma that we turned around to leave, and up walks an old bishop.

Whatever he said to you must have been the nudge you needed. Half a year later, we entered seminary, then six years after that, we were ordained. The seminarians will keep the project in their prayers. God bless you and your restoration project.

 

The bishop we met that day was named Msgr. Lopez Avina, the Archbishop Emeritus of Durango. He died right before I was ordained with Fr. Goldade in 2004. I went back to Mexico as a new priest and offered Mass in Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and remembered His Excellency in my Commemoration of the Dead.