Latin American countries such as Ecuador, Colombia and Peru are considered Catholic countries not only because of more than 80% of the population considers themselves Roman Catholic, but also because of their continued devotion to Our Lady and because they continue to practice their Catholic culture in an open public manner. Obviously, a Pilgrim can journey to the “old countries” of Europe and experience numerous Marian Shrine, miraculous waters, and ancient churches but if the spiritually minded Pilgrim wants to experience a truly memorable experience….then he needs the “complete package” of not only shrines and churches….but also to join the local faithful following Catholic Traditions that have been practiced in the same manner for centuries. This is what these countries have to offer…..traditional catholic observances untouched by the modern world. On our Pilgrimages you will have numerous opportunities to join the masses of the local population manifesting their faith in public.

Here we can consider a very significant factor of the devotional piety of these people. Such devotion has value and is deeply rooted in the lives of those who believe. We are not dealing with a simple credulity or with a superstition, or even with a contagious virus. It is a way of living the faith for a community of believers who need to express their faith in a tangible form: by processions with candles, by singing hymns, by pilgrimage to a sanctu­ary, by touching statues or icons, by bring­ing flowers, and by speaking aloud to God and to Our Lady. These are not merely external and empty gestures, but rather, they are manifestations of a deep faith, which help the people to survive, to bear suffering and poverty, to avoid despair and depression, to be able to forgive, to be able to die in peace with God, and in the arms of the Virgin Mary. This "popular religiosity" is not a faith that is poor, cheap or ignorant. It has emerged from the wisdom of the people who are simple and poor, and for whom God has shown His ways [Matthew 11 :25).

It would be hard to find countries that would provide this more than in Latin America.

Most popular events (but not all!)……..Learn more about what you can experience……..

Nuestro Señora de Buen Suceso Nuestro Señor del Buen Suceso Semana Santa La Dolorosa Corpus Cristi San Pedro y Pablo Nuestro Señora del Carmen Gabriel Garcia Moreno Nuestra Señora del Cisne Nuestra Señora de las Lajas All Saints/Souls Day El Señor de los Milagros St. Martin de Porres Nuestro Señora de Quinche

2 February Wednesday Semana Santa April/May 20 April May/June Last weekend in June 16 July 6 August First weekend in September 15 September 1 and 2 November First Sunday in November 3 November 21 November

Quito, Ecuador Riobamba, Ecuador Quito, Ecuador Quito, Ecuador Ecuador Ecuador Lima, Peru Quito, Ecuador Loja, Ecuador Ecuador/Colombia Quito, Ecuador Lima, Peru Lima, Peru Quito, Ecuador