|
Day 1 - USA / PARIS
This afternoon we depart the U.S. for our transatlantic flight to Paris. Meals are served on board. |
|
|
Day 2 - PARIS
Upon our arrival in Paris we meet our Pilgrimage Tours' tour director who will remain with us until the end of our tour. We embark on a motor coach tour of the city to include the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysees. Then we go to Rue de Bac where we will celebrate Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, where St. Catherine Laboure received her apparitions of Mary. Finally, we will visit the Shrine of Vincent de Paul. Dinner and overnight in Paris. |
 |
|
Day 3 - PARIS / CHARTRES / LISIEUX
This morning we go to the town of Chartres, situated on top of a hill overlooking the River Eure. In the center of the city stands the Cathedral of Notre Dame, one of the finest and best preserved Gothic buildings in France. We will see its very impressive interior including its windows dating back to 1210 that form the most magnificent collection of medieval stained glass in existence. We also see the cathedral's south sprire, its statuary and its Late Gothic choir screens. After lunch we will arrive in Lisieux, home of St. Therese the Carmelite nun known as "The Little Flower" and the Newest Doctor of the Church. Here we will visit the site of the Lisieux family home, Les Buissonets, the Carmelite Convent Chapel where St. Therese and her parents are entombed. We celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Therese before returning to Paris for dinner and overnight. |
 |
|
Day 4 - PARIS / NEVERS
This morning we will celebrate Mass at the cathedral of Notre-Dame, an architectural marvel, which stands on the banks of the Seine on the site of an early Christian basilica that had in turn been built on the site of a temple from the Roman era. Here we will see the Gallery of the Kings, its Rose Window and its many chapels. When then head to the Montmartre District, the "Artists Quarter" of Paris and visit the Romanesque and Byzantine Sacre Coeur Basilica on top of Montmartre Hill. The basilica with its many domes and arches contain wonderful sculptures, paintings and mosaics. In the rear of the basilica you will see a bell tower that houses the " Savoyarde", a bell weighing nearly 19 tons and one of the largest in the world. We depart Paris and proceed to Nevers to visit the museum and convent of St. Gildards, where Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes spent the final 13 years of her life. Here you will see the incorrupt body of Saint Bernadette kept in a glass reliquary. Dinner and overnight in Nevers. |
 |
|
Day 5 - NEVERS / PARAY le MONIAL / ARS / LYON
This morning we celebrate Mass in Nevers and then continue on to Paray le Monial, known as the City of the Eucharist, and visit the site of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Margaret Mary Alacoque. Here we will visit the Chapel of the Visitations and enjoy an audio-visual presentation of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. We continue on to Ars, village of the Holy Cure and visit the house and shrine of St. John Vianney, the Patron Saint of Parish Priests. We proceed to Lyon for dinner and overnight. |
 |
|
Day 6 - LYON / LA SALETTE
This morning we depart Lyon for the French Alps and the Sanctuary of La Salette. It is here that in 1846, Mary appeared weeping to two young shepherds. Not only is the message and the event of La Salette inspiring, the site of the grounds is truly breathtaking. The shrine and its hotel are perched high atop the mountains in isolated splendor. We celebrate Mass and enjoy sightseeing on the grounds of this wonderful sanctuary. Dinner and overnight in La Salette. |
 |
|
Day 7 - LA SALETTE / AVIGNON / TOULOUSE / CARCASSONNE
Following Mass, we depart La Salette for Avignon. We arrive in Avignon and visit the grand Palace of the Popes, where in the 14th century, it service as home to the Papacy during Rome's tumultuous political conditions of the time. We depart for Carcassonne, the largest preserved walled city in the world. En route, we make a brief stop at Toulouse to visit the Romanesque St. Sernin church, one of the most magnificent pilgrimage churches on the pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela. We arrive in Carcassonne for dinner and overnight. |
 |
|
Day 8 - CARCASSONNE / LOURDES
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Carcassonne. Next we proceed to Lourdes. Upon our arrival in Lourdes, we will celebrate Mass at the Rosary Basilica before arriving at our hotel. Dinner is followed by the Candlelight Procession. Overnight in Lourdes. |
 |
|
Day 9 - LOURDES
This morning after Mass we take a walking tour to see the sites of Lourdes where, in 1858, Mary appeared to young Bernadette Soubirous. We visit the Grotto, the Spring and the healing Baths, as well as the Basilica of St. Pius X, the Rosary Basilica and Bernadette's home. The afternoon is free for Adoration, Confessions, a time of private devotion, reciting the Rosary, and relaxation before dinner. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. |
 |
|
Day 10 - LOURDES
This morning we will explore the countryside known by St. Bernadette with a trip into the snowcapped Pyrenees mountains. We will make a stop to visit the old Benedictine Abbey in the village of St. Savin. The remainder of the day is back in Lourdes where Mass will be celebrated in another of the Basilica chapels. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. |
 |
|
Day 11 - LOURDES / USA
This morning we depart Lourdes for our return flight home. Though our pilgrimage has come to an end, its blessings will last a lifetime and its graces are certain to draw us closer each day to the Lord. |
|
