Mexico Pilgrimage Reflections
On March 18-25, our senior class, along with a few parents and teachers, headed to Mexico to visit a number of religious, historical, and cultural places, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. They had many incredible experiences and are eager to share them. Give the reflections below a read more about this pilgrimage!
One of the first Masses on the pilgrimage Fr. Ryan, in his homily, talked about how the arena for the moral life is found in the inter-relationships between people. This is to say, the moral life is tested in the different friendships we have with one another. This year, the pilgrimage to Mexico was such a great experience that blessed and sanctified all who were on it. Through the stunning beauty of the churches and the landscape, I was invited into a deeper encounter with beauty itself — God. I loved all the churches, religious and historical sites. But what really struck me, in particular, were all the experiences that we shared in which we were given the opportunity to go outside ourselves and meet new people. Through these experiences, we were able to grow closer to one another, and closer to God. Students from other Chesterton Academies were also there, which allowed for us to meet other students who were going through roughly the same experiences and curriculums as we were. The first night in Mexico City, we bonded over exchanging different stories from school while we were swimming in the hotel pool. One night after dinner, we all ordered crepes and gathered around a local street-musician who was playing the guitar. We all sang, laughed, and ate. Through our shared experience of music, crepes, and laughter we grew closer to one another - and closer to God.
— Augie ‘22
I generally tend to stay in my comfort zone, but recently I have been trying to step out of it. At first I wasn’t planning on going to Mexico, but decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and go. I was a bit nervous at first and not sure what to expect, but it was an incredible experience. Seeing and experiencing a new country, having daily Mass in beautiful churches, and swimming in hot springs in the mountains were just a few of the highlights. I became closer friends with my classmates who went and grew a lot myself. Being pushed out of my comfort zone forced me to do things I would not normally do, and I’m so glad I did. I am grateful I got to go and I really had such a good time. I learned so much, not only about my faith and about Mexico (I certainly learned a lot about those things too), but about myself. I am glad I decided to push myself, and it was very much worth it.
— Emma ‘22
