RETREAT TO MEXICO
What Really Happened to the Aztecs when the Spanish Came to the New World?
Uncover the story of Mexico you've never heard.
June 2 - 8, 2025
Teotihuacan - Puebla - Cholula - Mexico City - Basilica de Guadalupe
Price increases after March 15th, 2025
$2,697
Join Rev. Nick Blaha, Professor Ezekiel Stear PhD. and Guest Speakers Joseph and Monique Gonzalez, Catholic intellectuals and authors, on a deep dive into Mexico. Walk in the footsteps of ancestral Nahuas, meditate in Sacred spaces, and revisit the cultural transformation of Guadalupe.
A RETREAT TO MEXICO
JUNE 2ND - 8TH, 2025
AFTER MARCH 15th, 2025
Price Increases
Picture yourself sipping mezcal on a warm June afternoon over a vibrant, stony plaza alive with color.
Beneath your feet, you feel intricate Spanish tiles.
You hear palm trees sway.
Agave plants stretch to the horizon, and the sunset fills the air.
As you savor sizzling arrachera steak and mole, lively marimba music echos in the background while you listen to stories of ancient triumph and devotion.
You realize the people of the past were not so different from you.
Night falls, and you reflect with new friends on your journey, anticipating tomorrow's discoveries and what they will reveal about your future.
So, what really happened?
What really happened when the Spanish came to the new world?
What was the role of the Catholic Church?
The history of Mexico is CONTROVERSIAL.
For some, there is CONFUSION and others CURIOSITY.
You may have heard the myths and lies about Mexico, the Church and Guadalupe.
But now YOU can...
Get your questions answered by published scholars and authors who have studied these topics for decades and address common misunderstandings with evidence.
INTRODUCING
Herencias De Fe is a seven day retreat in Mexico City. We will be on location in the foot steps of ancient Nahuas and the Spanish Colonialists. We will walk through their story and encounter Guadalupe through their eyes.
It’s an all-in-one retreat, historical exploration, and relaxing escape.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
THE ANCIENT NAHUAS
The Nahuas, the largest indigenous group of Central Mexico, had a complex, organized culture with cities, duties to family and society, and wisdom traditions.
They lived based on the natural rhythms around them, and sought truth from a Supreme Being as best they could.
God had a deep love for these people and plans to give them a hope and a future.
AZTEC IMPERIALISM
ONE group among them called the MEXICA (meh-SHEE-cah), or the Aztecs, rose to power. They used the ritual of human sacrifice to capture members of other groups, particularly Nahuas. Over a period of 200 years, they installed an empire of fear over indigenous communities in Central Mexico.
THE SPANISH
In 1521, Spanish invaders motivated by gold and fame captured the Nahuas.
But ...
some of the Spanish were Catholic Friars who:
- learned native languages
- gave up any chance of returning to Spain
- Sacrificed their lives to serve Nahuas
In the aftermath of the conquest, Nahua-Christian communities emerged, becoming cradles of renewed faith and culture.
THE GUADALUPAN EVENT
Ten years after the Spanish conquest, the Lady of Guadalupe appeared in a miraculous image suspended in a Flowery Paradise.
On this trip, Special Guest Speakers Joseph and Monique González share new discoveries embedded in ancient indigenous poetry that point to Guadalupe’s appearance in 1531. They will explain how the Nahuas and other natives recognized Guadalupe based on their own ancestral beliefs, not on what the Spaniards had told them.
The thorn of conquest gave way to the rose of revelation just for the indigenous people of Mexico.
HOW IT WORKS
Register for the Trip!
Receive The Journey Guide and Preparation Pack!
Pack YOUR bags!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
By the end of the trip you will gain:
Cultural-Spiritual Clarity
Discover how Mexican Catholic identity illuminates your own faith journey, gaining a clear vision of how past and present unite in your spiritual life.
Historical Understanding
Master complex historical narratives with academic insight, empowering you to confidently discuss Mexican Catholic heritage and counter common misconceptions.
Personal Transformation
Return home with renewed purpose and deepened faith, carrying practical tools for prayer and meditation learned in Mexico's sacred spaces.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Day 1 : ARRIVAL TO MEXICO
- Day 2 : PYRAMIDS
- Day 3 : CHOLULA
- Day 4 : PUEBLA
- Day 5 : MEXICO CITY
- Day 6 : BASILICA DE GUADALUPE
- Day 7 : DEPARTURE
How this retreat is like no other:
Unprecedented Scholarly Access
Learn directly from Dr. Stear, a rare Catholic professor of Spanish Colonial literature, alongside authors Joseph and Monique González, whose new research reveals indigenous prophecies about Guadalupe.
Integration of Faith and Intellect
Unlike typical retreats focused solely on spiritual experiences, this journey seamlessly blends expert-led academic seminars with daily Mass, meditation, and reflection - providing a truly holistic encounter.
Reconciliation of Cultural Identities
Gain clarity on your indigenous and Spanish roots, moving beyond polarized narratives. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to integrate your cultural and spiritual heritage.
ABOUT US
Rev. Nick Blaha, Retreat Leader
Father Nick Blaha, S.T.L. was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas in 2011. He is a 2002 graduate of Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA, and he served for three years as a FOCUS missionary before receiving his priestly formation at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago. He serves as pastor of two bilingual parishes in the urban core of Kansas City.
Ezekiel Stear, Guest Speaker
Ezekiel Stear teaches Spanish and Colonial Latin American Literature at Auburn University and researches Indigenous texts from colonial Mesoamerica and the Andes.
His book, Nahua Horizons: Writing, Persuasion, and Futurities in Colonial Mexico (Univ. of Arizona Press, 2025) examines the key roles Nahua texts played in shaping culture. His articles and book chapters question the idea that the Spanish erased Native cultures. Stear earned his PhD in Spanish from the Univ. of Kansas.
Joseph Julián and Monique González, Special Guest Speakers
Joseph Julián González is a composer for award-winning films, TV shows, stage productions, and concerts. His music has been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Vatican, and other prestigious venues. This thirty-year Hollywood veteran's composing credits include the Academy Award-nominated feature documentary Colors Straight Up, the Emmy Award-winning Made in LA, and the Peabody Award-winning six-part miniseries Latino Americans. González conducted the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra for his score for the Imagen Award-winning PBS landmark documentary Children of Giant. He also co-composed the score to Quentin Tarantino's Curdled with rock 'n' roll legend Slash from Guns N' Roses.
Monique González has studied classical voice with various notable vocal instructors, including Alfred Binod. She has been a professional cantor at several prominent churches in Los Angeles, New York City, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Monique has worked in marketing and promotions for various Catholic apostolates, including YOU! Magazine, Legatus, Defenders of the Catholic Faith, and Ave Maria Radio. She has racked up a sizable credit list as music editor and score production coordinator for several movies and feature documentaries. She has produced internationally recorded full-orchestral scores, including the award-winning PBS documentary Children of Giant, and was a singer on the Peabody Award-winning miniseries Latino Americans. She authored the libretto for the three-act opera Sueños de Béjar (Dreams of Béjar).
Visit Joseph Julián González and Monique González's website to learn more about Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy, How God Prepared The Americas for Conversion Before The Lady Appeared.
Olivia Stear, Owner and Tour Operator, Via Heritage Travel, LLC.
In 2002, Olivia Stear made the transformative decision to leave her role at a prominent San Francisco advertising agency to pursue a deeper calling. 16 years as a Catholic Campus and Parish Missionary with FOCUS shaped her understanding of meaningful connection and spiritual growth. One of the greatest blessings of this life transformation was the gift of marriage and four children. Now, as a travel curator, certified through the Travel Institute, Olivia designs heritage journeys that invite travelers to explore their roots, deepen their faith, and embrace their role as mission-oriented stewards.
NOT INCLUDED
- ROUND TRIP AIR FARE
- 4 - 5 tips: hotel cleaning personnel (~$3-5/day)
- 3 - 4 tips: drivers/baggage handlers (~$1-2/ bag)
- Alcohol consumed during group dining
- Spending and shopping money
EXTENDED REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
MARCH 15th 2025
OPTION 1:
Pay in Full $2,697 Per Person
Non-Refundable $750
OR
OPTION 2:
$750 non-refundable Deposit now and $1,947 by March 2nd
Spots are limited to 20! Only 6 left, Reserve today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Mexico safe?
Safety is our top priority. We work with trusted local partners to ensure that all the locations we visit are safe for travelers. Plus, we’ll be traveling as a group with experienced guides who are familiar with the area, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.
What is the group size?
We believe in providing an intimate and personalized experience, so our group size is limited. Everyone receives personal attention, builds meaningful connections, and can focus on enjoying the journey. You’ll have a list of fellow retreatants a few weeks before departure. Before going we will meet on social media and by video to get to know each other.
What if I am not Catholic?
This retreat is open to anyone who seeks spiritual and intellectual growth, regardless of faith background. While rooted in Catholic tradition, the focus is on deepening your understanding of heritage, faith, and identity, something that many religious traditions share.
Can I bring my friends, family, or a significant other?
Absolutely! We encourage you to invite your loved ones.. Retreats are often more meaningful together, making lifelong memories. Singles, married and dating couples are welcome on this journey. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Do I have to speak Spanish or English?
No need to worry about language barriers! The trip is fully guided in English, but if you speak Spanish, that’s a bonus. Interpreters and guides will ensure that everyone can participate in and enjoy the experience.
What if I don’t have the money?
We understand that this is an investment. At the same time, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We can offer payment plans and recommend budgeting early. The value is good. Also, since the price includes lodging, transportation, and most of the meals, once we arrive, expenses are low. The spiritual and personal growth you’ll gain is priceless, and we’re here to help make it possible for you to join.
What if I don’t have the time?
This retreat is more than just time away–it’s an investment in your future, identity, and spiritual life. Many times we are comfortable taking 7 days and 6 nights for a vacation. What if that time away could also provide spiritual, inner peace and learning? We like to think of this trip as a touchstone for refocusing and renewing your purpose. After all, how often do you get the chance to do something this transformative?
How intellectual or academic is this trip?
While the academic basis is important, expect an emphasis on experiential learning. Our guides include experts in history, culture, and faith, so you’ll gain higher education-level knowledge without the pressure of a classroom. That said, it’s not about classroom hours: it’s about seeing, hearing, touching and walking through fascinating places and topics in person. Our lectures are short, and participants' time on the ground is the focus.
How nice are the accommodations?
We’ve selected safe and comfortable hotels, rich in local charm and culture, providing a peaceful environment for rest and reflection. Sign up to see the detailed itinerary below to learn more about our accommodations.
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