On April 25, 1631, a young indigenous man named Diego Lázaro de San Francisco was walking near the town of San Bernabé in the hills of Tlaxcala when the Archangel Michael appeared to him. The heavenly prince revealed a hidden spring of healing water and instructed Diego to tell the local priest. When skeptics doubted his account, Michael appeared twice more—and the water from the spring began working miracles. Today, the Sanctuary of San Miguel del Milagro draws pilgrims who come to drink from the miraculous spring and seek the intercession of heaven's warrior angel.
This is one of only a handful of approved apparitions of St. Michael in the Catholic world, placing San Miguel del Milagro alongside Monte Gargano in Italy and Mont Saint-Michel in France in the select company of Michaeline shrines. The Mexican apparition occurred just over a century after the conquest, in a region still processing the collision of indigenous and Christian worldviews. Michael's message—that God had not forgotten this land and these people—resonated deeply.
For pilgrims seeking St. Michael's protection, San Miguel del Milagro offers a unique encounter with the Archangel in the heart of Mexico.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The apparitions to Diego Lázaro occurred over a period of several months in 1631. Michael first appeared on April 25, revealing the location of a spring and commanding Diego to have the priest consecrate the site. The local clergy were skeptical, and Diego was initially dismissed.
Michael appeared again on May 8, repeating his commands and promising that the water would bring healing. When Diego returned to the priest, he was again disbelieved. A third apparition on September 29—the Feast of St. Michael—finally convinced the ecclesiastical authorities. They discovered the spring exactly where Diego had described it.
The water from the spring began to be associated with miraculous healings. A chapel was quickly built, and pilgrimage began. The current Baroque sanctuary was constructed in the 18th century. The spring still flows within the shrine complex, and pilgrims collect water to take home.
Bishop Julián Garcés of Tlaxcala investigated the apparitions and approved the devotion. Pope Benedict XIV later confirmed the authenticity of the shrine, granting it indulgences.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in San Miguel del Milagro
Sanctuary of San Miguel del Milagro
Site of the Archangel's apparition and the miraculous spring
The 18th-century Baroque church houses the image of St. Michael venerated at the shrine. The sanctuary includes the Pocito (holy well)—the spring revealed by Michael—where pilgrims collect healing water. The complex includes a museum documenting the apparitions and subsequent miracles.
Pocito de San Miguel (Holy Well)
The spring revealed by St. Michael flows within a small chapel. Pilgrims descend steps to reach the water, which they collect in bottles and containers. The site is especially crowded on feast days.
Apparition Site
The hillside where Michael appeared to Diego Lázaro is marked and accessible to pilgrims who wish to pray at the spot of the supernatural encounter.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of St. Michael — September 29
The principal celebration draws pilgrims from throughout central Mexico. Traditional danzantes perform indigenous-influenced dances, and the Pocito sees its largest crowds.
Apparition Anniversary — April 25
Commemoration of the first apparition to Diego Lázaro.
May 8 Celebration
Anniversary of the second apparition.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotels in Tlaxcala (15 km) — The state capital offers several accommodation options.
Hotels in Puebla (40 km) — Major city with full range of hotels.
🚗 Getting There
By Car: From Tlaxcala, take the road toward Nativitas (approximately 15 km). From Puebla, take Highway 119 north toward Tlaxcala, then follow signs to San Miguel del Milagro (approximately 40 km).
By Bus: Local buses connect from Tlaxcala. From Puebla, take a bus to Tlaxcala and transfer.
🔗 Useful Links
Sanctuary of San Miguel del Milagro — Shrine information.
Diocese of Tlaxcala — Diocesan resources.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Tlaxcala (15 km) — Basilica of Our Lady of Ocotlán.
Puebla (40 km) — Cathedral and Rosary Chapel.
Mexico City (130 km) — Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil." — Prayer to Saint Michael, composed by Pope Leo XIII, 1886
