This mission will work with the ministry of Hope of the Poor in Mexico City.  Hope of the Poor reaches out and serves some of most forgotten, neglected, and abandoned people in Mexico City.  This mission trip seeks to advance the ministry of Hope of the Poor with the poor in Mexico City. Hope of the Poor works under Cardinal Carlos Aguilar Reyes and is an official apostolate of the Archdiocese of Mexico. Each day will start with breakfast and a Holy Hour. We will have daily Mass.  On the first day Craig will give a tour of the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe and teach about the Tilma of Juan Diego.  During the mission we will have extended times at the Basilica for prayer, and shopping.  In addition to the mission with the poor, this mission is also a Pilgrimage as we visit the Basilica of Guadalupe on most days.  We will also be on Retreat. The "I Thirst" self-directed Retreat written specifically for a Hope of the Poor Mission will be available for you to read and reflect on each day.

As you prepare for your trip to Mexico City, we encourage you to consider the emotional and spiritual fortitude sometimes needed when working with the poor. You will encounter people living in the depths of poverty - some in conditions that seem unimaginable. While their situation is difficult, Jesus is present in each person you will meet. 

Suggestions for spiritual preparation:

-Go to an extra Mass each week

-Pray the rosary for those you will meet in Mexico

-Complete a 9 day novena to Mother Teresa

-Go to confession

-Seek spiritual direction our counsel from a priest 

Physical Preparation:

-There will be a significant amount of walking on the mission. Prepare by taking long walks.

-Stay hydrated and prepare for potential altitude sickness. Check with your doctor for more specific suggestions. 

1. Purchase Travel Insurance (required)   https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ or GeoBlue
2. Sign the Hope of the Poor Waiver before arriving in Mexico City. https://www.webwaiver.com/sign/hotp/waiver
3. Communicate any dietary restrictions in advance.  Email [email protected]
4. Submit registration and payment below once you have confirmed your spot with Fr. Keiter.
5. Submit any questions you have.  Elizabeth with Hope of the Poor will be in touch to answer questions.

Our housing in Mexico is the Convent Real Monastery De Jesus Maria, Cda. Francisco Moreno No. 129, Col Villa de Guadalupe, Mexico City. 

• The 12 sisters hosting our mission live in cloister and are devoted to prayer.
• Your possessions are safe in the Convent in Mexico City. Each room has a locking door with a key you can carry with you. 
• The Convent is not climate-controlled, but it should not be too hot or cold at any time. If you get chilly, bring a sweater or sweatshirt. 
• All the rooms have electrical outlets that are the same voltage as in the USA. You don't need a converter.
• Blankets, sheets, one pillow, and one towel are provided.
• Most rooms are double occupancy with 2 beds. There are accommodations available for married couples or families. There are separate floors for single male and female guests. Priests are housed in private rooms in a separate section of the convent. 

Typical room at the convent with multiple beds. Check out this folder with more photos of the convent! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U_w4T2DXprHr0KeInuJkqA0ZV_fNy3gk?usp=sharing

What is included with our mission?

All meals are provided, including some snacks

Purified water throughout the mission

All admissions are paid as per itinerary

Tours of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a presentation of the apparition of Mary to Juan Diego

There will be daily Mass and a Spiritual Retreat atmosphere 

Transportation to and from the airport, and to all ministry venues

At all times when you are outside of the hotel, you will be with Craig or a Hope of the Poor representative. Missionaries on a Hope of the Poor mission are not permitted to leave the convent on their own during a Hope of the Poor mission.

Wifi is available at the convent. Upon arriving in Mexico City until departure, we ask that you observe a media fast during these days of mission, pilgrimage, and retreat.

Upon arrival at the Mexico City airport, after exiting Customs, Craig Johring will meet you. It's about a 20-minute transportto the convent.

Reflection from a mission guest: 

“My experience with Hope of the Poor in Mexico City completely transformed the way I interact with the homeless. Prior to the trip, I felt uncomfortable around the homeless since I felt bad for them, but I didn’t know how I could help them. This trip showed me that something as small as a brief conversation can go a long way in showing them that they’re loved, and it has inspired me to go out of my way to have conversations with the homeless in Washington D.C. on my way to and from work. I am forever grateful for this experience, and I hope others are transformed in a similar way!”

Sturdy shoes to wear (especially if you want to play soccer)

Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, etc.

Washcloth (bath towel is provided)

Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses

Hand sanitizer

Ear plugs/eye mask for sleeping at night - several sound machines are available for your use during the mission

Light/rain jacket

Casual clothing/layers - it is typically warm during the day but chilly at night

Liquid IV or electrolytes to help with hydration

All prescription medications

Basic medications: pain reliever, stomach meds, etc.

Shorts are not generally worn in Mexico City except inside our housing at the hotel. No shorts are permitted at our ministry venues or when attending Mass outside of the hotel. Long skirts, dresses, capri pants, jeans, and pants are all good.

Consider bringing a reusable water bottle; cases of disposable bottles will be available.

Prayer materials (rosary, bible, journal, spiritual reading, etc.)

Extra clothing, shoes, etc can be left for the poor at the end of your trip. A donation box will be available to donate. A Hope of the Poor volunteer will wash and give your donations to the homeless in the days following your mission. We would love for you to bring extra clothing or shoes for this purpose. We are always in most need of men's jeans/pants, sweatshirts/jackets, and shoes of all sizes (generally men's 9 or smaller).

If you are checking luggage and would like to bring donations - we are always in need of blankets! We distribute them to the homeless each week.