Pilgrimage to Marian Shrines & Assisi Under The Spiritual Direction Of Fr. Generoso Gernimo

Today begins your international overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Relax and enjoy as you embark on your spiritual journey. Embrace the excitement ahead!

Upon landing at Lisbon Airport, head to baggage claim and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. We visit the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, built in thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for guiding Vasco da Gama on his voyage linking Europe and Asia. We continue through the Belém Quarter, viewing the iconic Belém Tower, guardian of Lisbon’s harbor and adorned with beautiful sculptures including St. Vincent and Our Lady of Safe Homecoming. Our pilgrimage continues to Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon, built upon the birthplace of St. Anthony. Though often known as St. Anthony of Padua, he was born here in Lisbon. It was also here that Pope John Paul II visited in 1982. We celebrate Mass before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we travel north to Santarém, where we celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, home of a 13th-century Eucharistic Miracle. We then continue to Fatima. Upon arrival, we visit the Hamlet of Aljustrel, home of the three shepherd children, as well as the Parish Church and Fatima Parish Cemetery. We continue to Fatima for dinner and overnight.

Today we spend a day in Fatima, one of the most significant Marian apparition sites in the world. In 1917, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia and Saints Jacinta Marto and Francisco Marto, calling for prayer, penance, and peace during a time of global turmoil. We begin at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions, built on the very site of the first apparition on May 13, 1917. We then visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the tombs of the three visionaries are located, and view the monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the square. We also visit the “Fatima: Light and Peace” Museum and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. After free time for lunch, we pray the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra, the path taken by the shepherd children. We conclude with a visit to Valinhos, site of the August apparition and the Angel’s appearances. In the evening, we participate in the beautiful candlelight procession.

Following breakfast, we depart Fatima and journey into Spain to Salamanca, a historic university city in the Castilla y León region. During our walking tour, we visit the grand Plaza Mayor, see La Clerecía of the Jesuit Order, and view La Casa de las Conchas, whose shell-covered façade recalls the Camino pilgrimage to Santiago. We pass the University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain, and walk across the Roman Bridge over the River Tormes. We also visit the two Salamanca Cathedrals, the Old Romanesque Cathedral and the New Gothic Cathedral, along with churches dedicated to St. Mark and St. Martin of Tours. After this full day, we enjoy dinner and overnight in Salamanca.

This morning we travel to Alba de Tormes, where we celebrate Mass at the Carmelite Monastery founded in 1571 by Saint Teresa of Avila. Here the saint died and is buried, and we may visit the museum housing her incorrupt heart and left arm. We continue to Avila, the birthplace of St. Teresa. The city’s perfectly preserved 11th-century walls immediately impress upon arrival. We visit the Cathedral of Avila, the Basilica of San Vicente, and the Incarnation Convent where St. Teresa became a nun and began the Carmelite reform with Saint John of the Cross. After walking in the footsteps of these great saints, we continue to Burgos. Upon arrival, we enjoy dinner and have the opportunity to admire the magnificent Gothic cathedral before our overnight stay.

After breakfast, we depart for Loyola to visit the birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order and author of the Spiritual Exercises. We visit the 17th-century Basilica and the “Holy House,” including the room where St. Ignatius began his conversion. Following free time for lunch, we continue toward Lourdes, enjoying scenic views of the Pyrenees Mountains. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

We pray and reflect in Lourdes, where Our Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 at the Grotto of Massabielle, identifying herself as the Immaculate Conception. We celebrate Mass at the Grotto and have time for personal prayer. We may wash in and drink from the miraculous spring discovered by Bernadette. We walk the life-size Stations of the Cross overlooking the Grotto and visit Boly Mill, Bernadette’s birthplace, as well as the Cachot, where her family once lived in poverty. Each evening, we participate in the candlelight Rosary procession before dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

We pray and reflect in Lourdes, where Our Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 at the Grotto of Massabielle, identifying herself as the Immaculate Conception. We celebrate Mass at the Grotto and have time for personal prayer. We may wash in and drink from the miraculous spring discovered by Bernadette. We walk the life-size Stations of the Cross overlooking the Grotto and visit Boly Mill, Bernadette’s birthplace, as well as the Cachot, where her family once lived in poverty. Each evening, we participate in the candlelight Rosary procession before dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

After breakfast, we transfer to Toulouse for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, we are greeted and begin our journey north to Assisi. Nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, Assisi is the beloved hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, enjoy dinner together, and settle in for a peaceful overnight in this holy town.

Today we tour of the Basilica of St. Francis, where you will see the tomb of St. Francis, and have the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, along with a few of the saint’s possessions. Next, you will visit the Santuario Della Spogliazione where Blessed Carlo Acutis’ tomb is, the first millennial to be declared Blessed. Continue the tour by walking through this picturesque town, where St. Francis and St. Clare both followed God’s call to rebuild his church. Enjoy some free time – for additional prayer, shopping, and lunch. After lunch, board the bus, which will take you outside of the walls of Assisi, to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This Basilica is made up of two structures, both of which you will visit. The first structure is the “Porziuncola” and the second is the “Capella del Transito” which is the place where St. Francis died. Return to the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight.

This morning, you will ride through the beautiful Umbrian mountains to Orvieto. This incredible town sits on a volcanic high rock formation. Here we visit one of the most beautiful and renowned Cathedrals in Italy. Because of its strategic location, its Christian history officially started in 1004, but Orvieto was built over preexisting Etruscan-era cave tunnels dating back 2,500 years, which some historians believe Christians used to celebrate Mass when Christianity was forbidden. Here we celebrate Mass. Transfer to Rome for dinner and overnight.

Today is a free day to enjoy Rome at your own pace. You may choose to revisit a favorite basilica for prayer, explore the charming streets and piazzas of the Eternal.

This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flights home, carrying with us unforgettable memories and graces from our pilgrimage.