Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of St. John of the Lakes, San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico Verified listing

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of St. John of the Lakes, San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of St. John of the Lakes (Spanish: Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos) is a Catholic church in San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, Mexico. It serves as the seat of the Diocese of San Juan de los Lagos and stands as one of the most visited religious sites in the country. Over seven million pilgrims visit it each year, making it second only to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

In 1542, the Franciscan friar Miguel de Bolonia brought the image of the Virgin to this region. He carried it during his missionary travels through towns like Juchipila, Teocaltiche, and Jalostotitlán in Los Altos de Jalisco. Devotees have considered the image miraculous since colonial times. Over generations, faith in the Virgin has only grown stronger.

The cathedral honors several major feasts. The most important one is on December 8, when people celebrate the Immaculate Conception. On February 2, pilgrims gather again for the Feast of Candelaria. Then on August 15, the faithful mark the Assumption of the Virgin into heaven. These celebrations draw large crowds and feature special masses and processions.

In addition to these feast days, the people of San Juan de los Lagos dedicate the entire month of May to the Virgin. Local guilds and neighborhoods organize daily processions and floral offerings. These traditions express both faith and gratitude. They also strengthen community ties.

The Cathedral Basilica remains a powerful symbol of devotion. People from across Mexico and beyond continue to visit, pray, and seek blessings. As a result, the city has become a spiritual destination rooted in centuries of belief and love for the Virgin.

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