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Destination Descriptions
EUROPE
The beauty of pilgrimage in Europe is the discovery of the places of importance in the history o the Church. The most important aspect of any religious pilgrimage is that the trip is taken with the intention of enriching the spiritual life of the pilgrim.
A pilgrimage can be a journey to one of the many towns in Europe associated with the life of one of the saints, including Assisi (St. Francis), Italy, where today pilgrims may visit the Basilica dedicated to St. Francis, the Convent of St. Clare, as well as the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, the site of the beginning of the Franciscan order. Lisieux (St. Therese), France is another town in Europe that holds much interest for those pilgrims following the life of a saint. In Lisieux, visit the Great Basilica dedicated to St. Therese, the Carmelite Convent, and the Buissonets, home of the Martin family. Of course, Santiago de Compostela (St. James), Spain is one of the most famous cities of pilgrimage and has been throughout the history of Europe. Dedicated to the apostle James who was said to have lived in the area now occupying northern Spain, the Basilica of Santiago is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
A pilgrimage may also be a visit to one of the sites of a Eucharistic miracle, such as Lanciano, Italy, Santarem Portugal, or Orvieto, Italy.
One of the most popular reasons for pilgrimage to Europe is to visit one of the many sites of Marian Apparitions. The Catholic Tour Company offers programs that include some of the well-established sites of pilgrimage as well as some of the newer-reported apparitions-everything from Lourdes, France, to Medjugorje in the former Yugoslavia.
On February 11, 1858, the Blessed Mother appeared to a young French peasant girl named Bernadette Soubourois. At the conclusion of all of the apparitions, the Blessed Mother had appeared to Bernadette a total of eighteen times. Today Lourdes holds a special place in the hearts of pilgrims as a place of healing. One of the other shrines of great importance in Europe is that of Fatima, Portugal. On May 13, 1917, three young peasant children (Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco) received an apparition of the Blessed Mother. Today Fatima is visited by pilgrims from around the world who search for and find the messages of peace left by Mary for the world.
The Catholic Tour Company is proud to offer a number of pilgrimage combinations covering Europe. Our itineraries are an exciting mix of religion, culture, and history and afford American pilgrims the opportunity to explore an aspect of travel in Europe that is of great importance to their spiritual life.
FATIMA, PORTUGAL ... Fatima, Portugal is the site of one of the most famous apparitions of the Blessed Mother. On May 13, 1917, three young peasant Children (Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco) received an apparition of the Blessed Mother. She gave them many important messages and taught them the need for prayer. These apparitions continued on the 13th of each month until October 13, 1917. On this day the Blessed Mother performed the Miracle of the Sun. Today Fatima is visited by pilgrims from around the world who search for and find the messages of peace left by Mary for the world.
ASSISI, ITALY ... One of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on earth, Assisi, located in the heart of Italy, is the town of the beloved St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order. Visit his beautiful church, the Basilica of St. Francis with its beautiful artwork by Giotto, as well as the Church of St. Clare where one can see her incorrupt body. Also visit the site of the church of the first Franciscan order.
HOLY LAND (ISRAEL) ... The Holy Land, what is today known as the country of Israel, is without a doubt one of the most well-known and most desirable spots of pilgrimage for Christian, Jew, and Moslem alike.
For the Christian pilgrim, the Holy Land casts an almost overwhelming spell. One can visit Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, Nazareth, where He grew up, and of course Most Holy Jerusalem, where we can follow the footsteps of Christ on the Via Dolorosa. Also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the room of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, as well as many other very important religious sites in the Holy Land.
LOURDES ... Lourdes, France is known today as the most famous healing shrines of our times.
On February 11, 1858, the Blessed Mother appeared to a young French peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous. By the end of all of the apparitions, the Blessed Mother has appeared to Bernadette eighteen times.
One important aspect of the Shrine of Lourdes is the miraculous water, first uncovered by Bernadette under the direction of the Virgin Mary and said to have a healing effect on many people. The "Miraculous Baths" are open year-round in Lourdes.
The apparitions in Lourdes were approved by the Church on January 18, 1862.
SANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA... Santiago, one of the Western World's most desirable spots of pilgrimage is still a special place in the hearts of many. Santiago, located in Spain and not very far from the northern border of Portugal, is home to one of the world's largest churches, St. James of Compostella. Santiago is the end of the road of the ancient pilgrim's journey as well as today's pilgrim. The town is truly dominated by the famous church.
LORETO ... In Italy, Loreto is the home of the famous Holy House. Loreto is a city located on the eastern coast of Italy. The Holy House of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph was said to have been transported by Angels from its original place in the Holy Land. This was said to have taken place around the year 1294. In fact, the name "Loreto" comes from the idea that the Holy House was set in a wood of laurels whose Latin word gives name to Loreto. One of the most popular spots visited is the Sanctuary of the Holy House built by several Florentine architects in 1468. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Holy House every year to see the sign of a true miracle.
MEXICO CITY (OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE) ... In 1531 on December 9 the Blessed Mother appeared to a peasant named Juan Diego on a hill near what came to be known as Mexico City. During an apparition the Blessed Virgin Mary asked Juan Diego to build her a sanctuary. The great miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe was the face of the Virgin Mary that was left on the tilma (cloak) of Juan Diego which today is as beautiful and as intact as it was on the day of the miracle. The tilma is displayed today in the glass case behind the altar in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Today Our Lady of Guadalupe is designated as the patroness of both North America and South America.
BANNEAUX / BEAURAING, BELGIUM ... The two miracles in Belgium took place from 1932 to 1933. On November 29, 1932 in Beauraing, Belgium it is reported that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to five children above a bridge near the local convent. The children reported to the curious crowds that the Blessed Mother gave each of them a special message. Most importantly, they were all called to more prayer. In the winter of 1933 in Banneaux, Belgium a young girl received an apparition from the Blessed Mother in her backyard. The interesting thing about these apparitions is that they began only weeks after the apparitions in Beauraing ended. All in all, the young girl received 8 apparitions and a small chapel was built in the girl's backyard. Also, miraculous healings were said to have occurred at a spring nearby the girl's backyard. The apparitions were approved by the Church in 1949.
RUE DU BAC, PARIS ... The Rue du Bac in Paris is also known as the site of St. Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal. On July 18, 1830 the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in the Rue du Bac church in Paris where she spoke to Catherine for over two hours on matters pertaining not only to her future but to the future of the entire world. When the Blessed Mother appeared again the following November, she instructed Catherine to have a special medal made, a medal which would become the "Miraculous Medal." To this day it is a popular and wellloved medal around the world.
LISIEUX, FRANCE ... Lisieux is the city of the beloved St. Therese, known as the Little Flower of Jesus. Today pilgrims visiting Lisieux and its beautiful Basilica can see the house of the Martin family where St. Therese grew up as well as the Carmelite convent where she spent Most of the years of her life. In Lisieux one may also visit the tomb of St. Therese as well as some important relics of St. Therese. St. Therese will always be one of our most beloved saints.
ROME ... Rome, known throughout the centuries as the "Eternal City," is one of the world's greatest spots of Catholic pilgrimage. When in Rome the highlight of any pilgrimage is the visit to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, the world's largest church. The beauty of its art and history is not to be missed! Also in the Vatican City one can visit the famous museum whose highlights include a visit to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel!
A pilgrimage to Rome also includes visits to the other three major basilicas, namely St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, as well as the catacombs of the early Christians. Rome truly has much to offer to both pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike.
Other major Marian Shrines in Europe include:include La Salette, France; Einsiedeln, Switzerland; Altotting, Germany; and Knock, Ireland.
SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO ... San Giovanni Rotondo is located in Southern Italy and it is the town of Padre Pio, one of the Church's most wellknown stigmatists. In San Giovanni Rotondo, visited by thousands of pilgrims yearly, people can visit Padre Pio's tomb and cell, the church where Padre Pio first received his stigmata, as well as the Home for the Relief of Suffering, an institution which stands as a symbol of the charitable works of Padre Pio.
NORTH AMERICA
To travel on pilgrimage does not necessarily mean that one must travel far from home. A number of shrines located throughout North America afford an opportunity for spiritual enrichment. The Catholic Tour Company is proud to offer a number of programs involving travel throughout the United States as well as Canada and Mexico.
Perhaps the most famous site of pilgrimage in North America is Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico City). In 1531 on December 9 the Blessed Mother appeared to a peasant named Juan Diego on a hill near what came to be known as Mexico City. During an apparition the Blessed Virgin Mary asked Juan Diego to build a sanctuary for her. The great miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe was the face of the Virgin Mary that was left on the tilma (cloak) of Juan Diego which today is as beautiful and as intact as it was on the day of the miracle. Today Our Lady of Guadalupe is designated as the patroness of both North America and South America.
There are a number of shrines located within the United States. The new "Pilgrimage to Washington D.C." will include a visit to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception as well as the Franciscan Monastery, both located within the nation's capitol. A highlight of the pilgrimage will be the day spent in Emmitsburg MD. Emmitsburg is the town that contains a shrine dedicated to Elizabeth Seton, founder of the parochial school system in the United States. Her shrine is a sign of the places of great religious importance in our own country.
Please will you consider joining The Catholic Tour Company on a pilgrimage close to home? We often overlook the treasures found in our own backyards. We would like to make it possible for you to discover new places of spiritual enrichment located on our own continent.
HOLY LAND
JERUSALEM ...
NAZARETH ...
BETHLEHEM ...
CANA...
CAPERNAUM ...
THE SEA OF GALILEE
Cities that conjure images from the land of Jesus - the Holy Land.
Join one of the pilgrimage groups of The Catholic Tour Company and travel to the Holy Land, what is today known as the country of Israel. It is without a doubt one of the most well-known and most desirable spots of pilgrimage for Christian, Jew, and Moslem alike.
For the Christian pilgrim, the Holy Land casts an almost overwhelming spell. One can visit the town of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, Nazareth, where He spent His youth, and of course most Holy Jerusalem, where we can follow the footsteps of Christ on the Via Dolorosa. Also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the room of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, as well as many other very important religious sites. Whether returning to Israel for a second or third time or making a once in a lifetime trip, a pilgrimage to the land of Jesus is something that should be experienced by all people of faith.
The Holy Land also makes a wonderful journey in combination with one of the great Marian shrines or famous cities of Europe. Whether you are interested in combining Israel with Rome (one of the most popular itineraries) or with the famous shrines of Fatima and Lourdes, you will find that your interests will be served with The Catholic Tour Company.
Gaining in popularity is pilgrimage to the Holy Land as well as one of its Middle Eastern neighbors. The Catholic Tour Company offers programs that combine the Holy Land with ancient and fascinating Egypt as well as a new itinerary that allows travel from Israel to Jordan, a country newly opened to the western world. Visits to both countries offer an insight into cultures that are both interesting as well as educational.
Of course, the ultimate journey is the Classic Shrines tour- combining the Holy Land with Rome as well as Lourdes and Fatima. Twenty-one days in length this itinerary is sure to attract many pilgrims.
Whether you decide to travel to the Holy Land, Italy or another destination, The Catholic Tour Company has the program for you; or we can customize a tour for your group.
The Catholic Tour Company 21625 Chagrin Blvd. # 210 Beachwood, Ohio 44122