Parroquia de Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús (Parish of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus), Guadalajara

The Parish of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus is a colonial-Baroque church with twin bell towers that has been a community landmark since its completion around 1720. Its origins trace back to a Carmelite convent built between 1690 and 1720 for Discalced Carmelite nuns who came from Puebla. The church's elegant exterior features classic semicircular arches, simple pilasters, and three-tiered square tower bodies accented by minimalist cornices.

Step through the entrance into a serene interior: a single nave divided into five vaulted sections, framed by tall stone columns and illuminated by stained-glass windows. The focal point is the impressive neo-Gothic main altar, accompanied by three side chapels adorned with statuary dedicated to the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and Saint Joseph. Visitors are often drawn to the exquisite wooden 18th-century sculptures and stone carvings.

Beyond its beauty, the parish acts as the spiritual and cultural heart of the area, hosting daily services and celebrations, notably the week-long festival honoring Saint Thérèse, a tradition supported by the local pastoral community and drawing residents and pilgrims alike. Travelers may also find interest in the annual Holy Week tradition known as the "Seven Temples" pilgrimage.