a Pilgrimage Chaplain
March 28, 2021
France, Portugal & Spain
This pilgrimage has been canceled. You are also invited to join our other pilgrimages.
Imagine how it felt when Jesus and Mary’s eyes met on the way of the cross. And imagine the unimaginable of her watching her beloved Son hung from the cross for three hours. This Holy Week, we reflect on the sufferings of Jesus alongside her Mother. Embark on a prayerful journey to two of the most endeared Marian apparition sites, Lourdes and Fatima. Join a 12-day Blessed Holy Week Marian pilgrimage to the shrines of Fatima, Lourdes and Spain with a Pilgrimage Chaplain leaving on March 28, 2021.
Begin your pilgrimage in Fatima, Portugal where you will spend two nights at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, one of the most famous Marian shrines in the world. Celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions. This small chapel was built in 1919 on the exact spot where the tree was rooted, next to which the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the three shepherd children – Lucia, and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta – between May and October 1917. Not to be missed is a moving candlelight, rosary procession.
Leave Portugal for Spain towards the ancient town of Salamanca, an ancient university town, for lunch and a photo stop at the Plaza Mayor. Mayor. Proceed to Burgos to celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, also known as Burgos Cathedral, highly acclaimed for its Gothic style of architecture.
Drive through the Pyrenees into the French territory for your three-night stay in Lourdes, France, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the most famous healing shrine in the world. Join the communal prayers of the Stations of the Cross in the morning of Good Friday. Spend time in prayer and meditation at the Grotto of Massabielle, the famous apparition site, where Our Lady revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception. During her 9th apparition, St. Bernadette was directed to a spring that exists until today. Miraculous cures have been associated with Lourdes ever since.
Continue with your pilgrimage to Zaragoza, Spain. Celebrate Mass at the well-known grandiose Basilica -Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar, the first Marian sanctuary in the world. Next stop is Montserrat. The Basilica, next to the monastery, is home to the revered La Moreneta, or Black Virgin. Here, you will have the chance to offer your petitions before the miraculous image of Our Lady of Montserrat.
Wind down your pilgrimage in Barcelona, Spain where you will enjoy a full day guided tour of the city’s most important sights. Not to be missed is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, one of the most perfect examples of Gothic style of architecture; and the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, an unfinished Roman Catholic minor Basilica by the master architect Antoni Gaudi.
Immerse yourself in the spiritual wonders of Lourdes and Fatima. Join a 12-day Blessed Holy Week Marian Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Fatima, Lourdes and Spain with a Pilgrimage Chaplain leaving on March 28, 2021. Let this journey of faith with Mary, the Mother of God, bring you closer to Jesus as you reflect on his passion, death and resurrection this Holy Week.
Toulouse is the capital of the French department of Haute-Garonne and of the region of Occitanie. The city is on the banks of the River Garonne, 150 kms from the...
ToulouseToulouse is the capital of the French department of Haute-Garonne and of the region of Occitanie.
The city is on the banks of the River Garonne, 150 kms from the Mediterranean Sea. Toulouse is the center of the European aerospace industry. The University of Toulouse is one of the oldest in Europe (founded in 1229) and, with more than 103,000 students, it is the 4th largest university campus in France.
A city with unique architecture made of pinkish terracotta bricks, which earned it the nickname la Ville Rose (“the Pink City”), Toulouse count two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Canal du Midi; and the Basilica of St. Sernin.
Lourdes is a small town in the Hautes-Pyrenees departement in southwest France . It is the largest Catholic pilgrimage destination in France and one of the most popular Catholic shrines...
LourdesLourdes is a small town in the Hautes-Pyrenees departement in southwest France . It is the largest Catholic pilgrimage destination in France and one of the most popular Catholic shrines in the world.
On February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed herself to a poor shepherd girl, Bernadette Soubirous. Eighteen such apparitions were reported.
The most sacred site of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is the Grotto of Massabielle, also known as the Miraculous Cave or the Cave of Apparitions. The Grotto of Massabielle is the site of St. Bernadette’s vision of the Virgin Mary where she revealed herself as the Immaculate Concepcion. The Virgin Mary is said to have pointed out a previously undiscovered spring in the grotto and instructed St. Bernadette to “Go and drink at the spring and wash there.” The spring water from the grotto is believed to possess healing properties and to date, sixty seven cures have been officially recognized as miraculous by the Roman Catholic Church.
The Franciscan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu is located in Onati, in the province of Guipuzcoa, Basque Country, Spain. The location enjoys the peaceful atmosphere of the Aizkorri mountain...
ArantzazuThe Franciscan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu is located in Onati, in the province of Guipuzcoa, Basque Country, Spain.
The location enjoys the peaceful atmosphere of the Aizkorri mountain range. At this site, according to very old legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd, Rodrigo de Balanzategui in 1468.
According to this legend, the figure of Mary was in a thorn bush, and Rodrigo cried out, “Arantzan zu?” (Thou, among the thorns?!). This gave rise to the place’s name. An explanation of the word origin is that it stems from a combination of arantza and zu, “place abounding in hawthorn.” Thus Mary is often referred to here as Our Lady of the Thorns.
St. Ignatius of Loyola spent the night in vigil at this shrine and made a vow of chastity.
The historic capital of Burgos is a picture book city packed with Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Burgos is a city in northern Spain and the historic capital of Castile. The...
BurgosThe historic capital of Burgos is a picture book city packed with Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Burgos is a city in northern Spain and the historic capital of Castile. The city is bedecked with lovely 15th and 16th-century buildings built with local white limestone, which gives Burgos cityscape its own regal character.
Castilian nobleman, military leader, and diplomat El Cid Campeador is a significant historical figure in the city, as he was born a couple of miles north of Burgos and was raised and educated here.
Burgos has been selected as the Spanish Gastronomy Capital of 2013.
Fatima is one of the most important catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a town located 142 km (88 miles) north of Lisbon. Fatima’s...
FatimaFatima is one of the most important catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
It is a town located 142 km (88 miles) north of Lisbon. Fatima’s Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Fatima’s fame is due to the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children; Lucia dos Santos and her two younger cousins, Francisco and Jacinta. Between May and October of 1917, the three children witnessed several apparitions. The last one, on October 13th, was confirmed by a miracle witnessed by 60,000 people known in the Catholic world as “the day the sun danced”.
Our Lady of Fatima is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary by those who believe that she appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal on the 13th day of six consecutive months in 1917, starting on 13 May, the Fatima holiday. The title of Our Lady of the Rosary is also used in reference to the same apparition; the children related that the apparition specifically identified herself as “the Lady of the Rosary.” It is also common to see a combination of these titles, i.e., Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima (Portuguese: ”Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima”).
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. It is a port city, an economic center, a cultural powerhouse and a thriving mix of Portugal’s rich history and vivid contemporary culture....
LisbonLisbon is the capital city of Portugal.
It is a port city, an economic center, a cultural powerhouse and a thriving mix of Portugal’s rich history and vivid contemporary culture.
Lisbon is the political center of the country, as seat of Government and residence of the Head of State.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest city in Western Europe, predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by hundreds of years. Lisbon has two sites listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site: Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery.
Find time to immerse yourself in the BATHS in Lourdes where water from a spring at the Grotto of Massabielle flows.
Be awed by the architectural works of world famous Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona such as the imposing Sagrada Familia, the colourful Parc Guell and deviant Casa Batllo.
In Burgos, Spain, you may opt to join the evening Semana Santa activities with the locals – via cross Penitential followed by the Procession of Our Lady of Beautiful Love and Mystery of the Crowning.
Ask your friends to write their prayer petitions on a piece of paper which you can drop in a box at the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France.
Shop for rosaries, medals and other religious souvenir items while on pilgrimage and let your pilgrimage chaplain bless them before heading home.
The whole pilgrimage is a new and fulfilling moment in my life. It’s a nice feeling being with the Lord in His important day. And also, gaining new friends and becoming my new extended family is something I will treasure. I hope that this is just the beginning and we’ll continue to get in touch with one another despite the distance.
Brenda
Hello Co-Pilgrims,
It was indeed a wonderful Pilgrimage: very rich in history, a thanksgiving of blessings, a spiritual renewal and nourishment, and finally ending in a test of Faith.
Thank you so much Pilgrim Leader, Ging Igual, for standing beside us up to the last stretch of our 13-day journey - more particularly in the handling of an unexpected situation (cancelled flight in Mexico and re-direction of flights to make sure the 38 Pilgrims reach LA for their respective flight bookings). Ging, you were an angel to us so blessed with energy, passion, love and Milagrosa. We really felt the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe fielding angels every step of the way.
The Pilgrimage to California Mission Churches and Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me personal inspiration for the work and activities of the next chapter of my lifetime: farming with promotion of agriculture for millennials (inspired by the scenic view of farms in California), tourism (which is a major industry in all places we visited), and support for a favourite major seminary in Tagaytay and a scholarship fund for deserving individuals (thru a non stock non profit institution).
Thank you to my Co-Pilgrims and prayer partners for the prayer support, sharing of life experiences and friendships; Fr. Tony, thank you for your spiritual reflections and service; Fr. Jerry Orbos for an overflowing spiritual reflections and enabling us to have the needed personal encounter with Jesus and Mama Mary (it was like a 12-day Holy Retreat); and the Executive Resources for making a very nice pilgrimage package a part of our lifetime.
Ms. Emma
Lord, we cannot find words enough to say how grateful we are to You. Our pilgrimage made us realize that Your love for us is more than what we deserve.
To all our co-pilgrims, thank you for making us feel we belong to this new family. To Fr. Dante, thanks for your prayers and pieces of advice for our spiritual nourishment. To Sis Lea, for taking care of each one of us. To Sis Joy, thanks for the contagious joys and laughters.
To our prayer partners, Sis Maribel, Melvy and Didick and Bro Mon and Sis Jot, thank you for your prayers. We will pray for you, too!
To The Pilgrim’s Center - Executive Resources, thank you for accommodating us in this Eastern Europe Pilgrimage.
God bless us all always!
Albert and Adee
Dear Pilgrims' Center:
My husband Aldo & I would like to praise & commend our Pilgrim Chaplain Fr. Dante Venus & our Tour Leader Bro. Monty for the very successful & memorable pilgrimage to Italy & the Holy Land we were very fortunate to join on March 26-April 8, 2018.
It was very hectic to be sure, but still they managed our time very well that we were able to visit more places than was promised in the itinerary, and we are very appreciative of that. Likewise, the solemnity of the whole pilgrimage experience was still observed despite many of us in the group, myself included, often forgetting that we were pilgrims & not tourists 😉😉, taking photos, selfies, etc. instead of, or before focusing on what the local guide was explaining or on the scripture readings. I cannot fault us pilgrims on this because for many of us seniors, and I speak for my husband & I, that trip might be our first & last time to visit those places, so we made sure they were properly documented. Nonetheless, it was a truly spiritually uplifting & life-changing experience for us. We continue to thank our Lord for making that experience of a lifetime possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible for God! Thank you very much to Fr. Dante, Bro. Monty & to each of us pilgrims in the group for the prayers, love, care & concern shown to each other. Let us continue to pray for and with each other. It is my hope that we meet each other again soon, to strengthen our bonds of friendships.
Most sincerely, Leclec Cabusora
Leclec Cabusora
My husband and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Israel - with Franciscan Fr Reu Galoy. Thank you Pilgrim Center for the arrangements. We are so happy and satisfied with all that you have done for us. Kudos to Yanyan and Monty from Pilgrim Center, and Fr Reu and Ronin for your caring services. It was a spiritual journey and we felt the abiding presence of the Lord all throughout.
Ann Arguelles Cortes
Our pilgrimage was worth all the hardships (I was having leg pains). We had an excellent leader in the person of Adrian, two priests Fathers Val and Ron, who gave us very nice pieces of advice and homilies, and of course the members of the group who were all very nice. Looking forward to join another pilgrimage.
Emily Bautista
It was the most profound experience I had in my whole life....Walking with the Footsteps where Jesus walked made my life more grateful and humble....My faith become stronger as I express it...A growing faith is a sharing faith....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SHALOM!
Carmen Nierra
Vir & I would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful pilgrimage we had from Sept 5-18. From checking-in last Sept 5 & all during the tour, we felt the care from a family. No words can ever describe how thankful we are.
I almost cried last Sept 8, (my birthday) when we (2 of us have the same birthday) were given a surprise mini celebration when after our dinner, we were given a cake. I really felt the love of a family then.
All these things made possible because of your capable coordinator Ms. Ging Igual. She's such a wonderful leader. Kudos to her.
Rest assured that i will refer your company to all my friends who are planning to go on pilgrimage .
Good day & may God always guide & protect all of you in the Pilgrims' Center/ Executive Resources, Inc.
Cora and Vir Franca
I am honored to be included in this pilgrimage. The Pilgrims' Center has very good itineraries worth remembering. No hours wasted. They took very good care of us in spite of our big number of 47 people. The daily mass and homilies of Fr. Manny Cruz held in different shrines and churches were very inspirational and transforming. Accommodations were nice most especially the one on top of the Mountain with an awesome view built in 1909. It's like travelling back in time. I definitely would want to do it again with Pilgrim Center.
Peter Joseph Mapua
The Pilgrims' Center always gives you the best. They let you feel like an Executive in terms of personal service & attention especially during pilgrimage. Their choices of pilgrimages and pilgrim chaplains are outstanding. You go back home very fulfilled and immersed...
Marlene Silvestre
(applicable only to Philippine passport holders)
1)A US$ 500.00 deposit is required upon reservation together with a photocopy of a passport (valid for 6 months from date of departure), Pilgrim’s Profile with a passport-size photo, visa, and travel insurance payment.
2)Full payment in U.S. dollars is required before ticketing but in no case shall it be later than 30 days before departure date.
3)The following cancellation charges will apply:
> 45 days before departure date – US$ 500.00
> 30 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 20 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited.
> US$ 300.00 Admin Fee for any visa denial.
BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Philippine Travel Tax PHP1,620.00, airport taxes, visa fees and documentation expenses, insurance, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of maximum allocation, drinks and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, tips for drivers, guides, tour escorts, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions.
EXECUTIVE RESOURCES, INC. has arranged for the various tour services to be performed under the responsibility of various contractors. Executive Resources, Inc., its employees or its subagents therefore only act as agents for the contractors providing the various services described in the tour and accept no responsibility or liability in connection with losses or accidental expenses due to delays of schedule, overbooking, defaults or “force majeure”. All tours and arrangements are subject to the general conditions specified by each contractor. Tour itineraries and prices are subject to change without prior notice. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions.
*** RATES AND ITINERARY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! ***
