Mexico: St. Anthony’s Chapel to celebrate 100 years

Desperate to find your great-grandmother’s wedding ring -- the one you lost while cleaning house one day?

You might try asking St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost items, to help.

Or take your plea one step further and visit the good friar’s Colima, Mexico, chapel, which will turn 100 on June 13, St. Anthony’s Day.

The chapel, at Hacienda de San Antonio, an upscale resort in Mexico’s highlands, was established in 1913 when the nearby Colima Volcano threatened to destroy the area.

According to local lore, the Hacienda owner’s wife, Dona Clotilde Vogel, prayed to her favorite saint and promised to build him a chapel if the area was spared. She kept her promise. Today, besides the chapel, the 25,000-acre hacienda has 25 suites for guests, plus a working ranch, organic farm and coffee plantation.

The St. Anthony’s Day celebration on June 13 includes a procession of the statue of the saint from the nearby town of La Becerrera, an outdoor Mass, entertainment by a folkloric ballet dance troupe, music and a selection of regional foods such as cochinita pibil, mole, grilled meats and cheeses from the hacienda’s creamery.

“It is with great excitement that we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the chapel,” said Joaquin Serrano, the hacienda’s general manager. “It will be a joyous occasion for all.”

The 5,000-acre property is two hours from Manzanillo and includes a 19th century casa set on 470 acres. Guests can ride horses, hike near and around the Colima Volcano, picnic and tour the ranch.

Rates during the festivities are $440 per night, double occupancy, with a weekend rate of $1,650 for three nights that will be available until Oct. 15.

Information: (866) 516-2611.

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