Friday, January 16, 2009
 
The Holy Synod was given a tour of the Basilica of Our Lady of
Guadalupe, an important shrine to the Mother of God in Mexico. A Canon
from the Basilica offered a detailed account of the apparition of the
image of the Mother of God and gave a tour to the Bishops and the
members of the delegation.  The believers of Mexico have a sincere
piety and a great veneration for the Mother of God. The hierarchs
spent much time offering blessings to pilgrims and speaking about the
Orthodox Church to the many who asked.
 
More information about the Our Lady of Guadalupe may be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe
 
Following the visit to the Basilica, the delegation ate lunch at the
famous "Palace of Blue Tiles" and returned to the hotel to rest. Later
that day, the Holy Synod once again gathered for a third session of
meetings.