Pilgrimage to Rome & Paris
Date
Activity Level
Moderate – High
Book By
Group Limit
40
Pilgrimage Overview
Greetings
I am Fr. Pratap R. Salibindla, OFM (Franciscan), currently serving the Cluster Parish of Windom, Heron Lake, Brewster, Minnesota, of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. In September of 2023, I had the pleasure of leading a group of 25 pilgrims on a trip to the Holy Land organized by Holy Land Travel Center.
Our journey was as enlightening as it was marvelous! We cherished every visit to the sites and events that happened 2000 years ago. Returning home, we brought with us Spirit filled rich experiences that we will treasure forever.
I am pleased to invite you to join me in visiting Paris, Lourdes, Rome, and Assisi. Together, we will explore the rich Catholic tradition of these places as we experience the miracles of our Faith. I look forward to sharing with you all the blessings of God on this Spiritual Journey.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Pratap R. Salibindla, OFM
Travel Insurance Group Name/ID: CA138
DAY 1
Depart USA
Beginning our long journey to Europe, we board our flights and try to get some sleep as we cross the Atlantic.
DAY 2
Arrive Paris
Upon arrival to Paris, we will proceed through customs and be greeted by our HLTC tour escort. After introductions, the group will go on a panoramic city tour of Paris for the main highlights before heading to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Paris (Dinner*)
DAY 3
Paris
After breakfast, you will visit and celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where you will view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. The Saint’s guardian angel led her to the chapel, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her. During apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal, as well as the green scapular. According to the Blessed Virgin Mary, those who wear the Miraculous Medal and scapular will receive special protection and abundant graces. Following your prayerful and reflective experience at this elegant chapel, you will begin your sightseeing tour of Paris. After Mass, we will visit the Pantheon, built for the patron saint of Paris, Saint Genevieve. You will continue your day with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a perfect example of Gothic art. We will visit the Holy Chapel- A gem of Gothic style. Built in seven years, an impressive feat, the Sainte Chapelle was intended to house precious Christian relics, including Christ’s crown of thorns, acquired by Saint Louis. After a break for lunch, we will enjoy time at leisure at the Eiffel Tower before climbing up to the 2nd floor. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Paris (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4
Paris
After breakfast, you will explore the life of St. Therese. According to Pope Pius X, St. Therese of Lisieux was the “greatest saint of modern times”. Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity will come alive as you walk in the Great Saint’s footsteps. During your visit, you will see the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese, and the magnificent mosaics and stained glass contained within. Following your visit to the Basilica, you will have the opportunity to view relics, clothing and personal objects of St. Therese, when you visit her family home, Les Buissonets. Additionally, you will tour the parish of St. Therese, the Cathedral of St. Peter, and the Carmelite Convent, where St. Therese entered in 1888, and is currently entombed in with her parents. Your tour of the “Little Flower’s” life culminates as you board bus to transfer to the “City of Lights” – Paris. Upon arrival enjoy dinner and an overnight.
Overnight: Paris (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5
Lourdes
Today we take the TGV Fast Train from Paris to Lourdes. Upon arrival we will check into our hotel and enjoy some free time before we participate in the candlelight processional (dates and time permitting). Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Lourdes (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6
Lourdes
This day we start with mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, where our Lady appeared to Bernadette in 1858. Later we take our official group photo in front of the Basilica, followed by our guided tour of Lourdes: The sanctuary of the Basilica of St. Pius X, the world’s largest underground church. The Basilica, The Baths, where thousands of miraculous cures have taken place is the most respected shrine and sanctuary in France. Also to be visited are sites associated with the life of Saint Bernadette, like the Boly Mill – where she was born; the Locale Mill – residence of her parents; the Cachot – formerly used as a jail where she lived at the time of the Apparitions; the Chapel – where she received her first Holy Communion; and the Parish Church containing the baptismal font where she was baptized. We will then have some free time before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Lourdes (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7
Rome
Today we bid France farewell as we make our way to the Toulouse airport for our flight to Rome. Once we arrive, we will be greeted by our Italian HLTC tour escort before proceeding to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8
Rome
Our first day in Rome begins with an exploration of Vatican City. Starting with a tour of the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. We will then discover the Vatican Museums which house many of the Western world’s most important collections of art. Our experience culminates in a visit to The Sistine Chapel, a place where our minds and hearts will surely linger for many years to come. After lunch, we will depart the Vatican to explore the Catacombs of St. Callixtus as well as the nearby Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Later, we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9
Rome
Today we enjoy a change of pace from the bustling streets of Rome by heading to nearby Assisi. Upon arrival, we will visit the Basilica of St. Francis, the upper Basilica with Giotto’s frescoes representing the life of St. Francis, then the lower Basilica and the Tomb of St. Francis. After lunch, we will transfer to the Convent of San Damiano, where St. Francis received his call to rebuild the Church and where St. Clare lived and died. Afterwards, we will proceed to the Basilica of St. Clare for a brief tour followed by Mass. We then make the drive back to Rome to enjoy a late dinner at our hotel together.
Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10
Rome
Today, we will share in the truly unique experience of attending a Papal Audience. An early morning start ensures the best possible view of the Holy Father as he personally greets and addresses the faithful. In the afternoon, we visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest basilica of the Western World. We then visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one the most important shrines in the world dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. At the close of the day, we will return to our hotel for a peaceful night of rest.
Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11
Rome
On our last day in Rome we begin with Mass at the church of Santa Maria di Loreto. Located at the very heart of Rome, this beautiful 16th century church houses many beautiful sculptures and frescoes honoring Catholic martyrs. Following Mass, the group will be given the balance of the day to explore the Eternal City at their own pace. Starting from outside the church, many of the most famous sites of ancient Rome can be seen with just a short walk. The church is also close to Vatican City as well as several interesting museums. At the close of the day, our group will gather once more for a farewell dinner before retiring to our hotel to rest.
Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12
Flight's Home
Our hearts full of joy at the memories and friendships we’ve made, we begin the long journey home
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Roundtrip Flights
- Excursions per itinerary
- 15 Nights Accommodation
- All Meals per Itinerary
- Professional Catholic Tour Guides
- Spiritual Director
- Gratuities
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Passport and Visas (Refer to the section below for Passports or Visas help)
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend that all travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect themselves and their trip investment. Travel protection plans can provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Please go to the link below to learn more Click here for Travel Insurance Details.
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