“We are not orphans: we have a Mother in heaven, who is the Holy Mother of God.”
~ Pope Francis
Across Europe stand revered shrines where the Blessed Mother has touched hearts and strengthened faith. Embark on a journey of faith to the famous apparitions sites of Our Lady. Visit and pray at the magnificent churches built in her honor. Join a 16-day Pilgrimage to the Great Marian Shrines of Europe (Belgium, France, Spain, and Portugal) with Fr. Joey Faller from May 28 to June 12, 2026. This pilgrimage offers a meaningful opportunity to pray, reflect, and grow spiritually in these sacred places.
Begin your pilgrimage with Mass at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, Belgium. . Often called the Brussels Cathedral, this historic church is a magnificent example of Brabantine Gothic design and stands as one of the city’s most significant landmarks. The day continues with a guided tour of Brussels, featuring a visit to the Grand Place—the city’s main square and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
Travel to Banneux, Belgium, to visit the Shrine of the Virgin of the Poor, where the Blessed Mother appeared eight times to a young girl, Mariette Beco. A chapel now stands on this sacred site, beside a spring that has become a source of healing and hope for countless pilgrims. Continue on to Beauraing to celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Beauraing, also known as the Virgin with the Golden Heart. Here, Mary appeared 33 times to five children, offering a message of prayer and the promise of conversion for sinners.
Continue your pilgrimage to Paris, the City of Lights, where a guided tour introduces you to its most iconic sights, including a visit and Mass at the Church of the Miraculous Medal. From Paris, journey south to Nevers to visit the Convent of St. Gildard, home to the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette Soubirous. Travel onward to Paray-le-Monial, the birthplace of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Then continue to Ars to visit the Basilica of Ars, home to the reliquary of St. Jean Marie Vianney, patron saint of priests.
Make your way to La Salette for a two-night stay at the stunning Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de La Salette, one of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s revered apparition sites. Set amid breathtaking mountain scenery, this holy place carries a powerful message calling all people to turn back to Christ through daily prayer and the frequent reception of the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist.
As you travel toward Lourdes, make a meaningful stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of Laus, one of France’s officially recognized Marian apparition sites. It was here that the Blessed Mother appeared with a message of reconciliation, revealing herself as a compassionate refuge for sinners and a source of healing grace for pilgrims.
Arrive at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in time to join the evening Rosary and Candlelight procession. Spend moments of quiet reflection at the Grotto of Massabielle, the sacred site of the Blessed Virgin’s apparition. Be sure to experience the healing BATHS at Lourdes, where the Church has officially recognized more than 70 miraculous healings.
Depart France for Spain and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu, where St. Ignatius of Loyola once spent a night in vigil and made his vow of chastity—a moment of profound grace that strengthened his commitment to follow Christ. Continue your journey to Burgos to celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture.
Wind down your pilgrimage in Fatima, Portugal, with a two-night stay at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. Here, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children — Lucia and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta – between May and October 1917. Celebrate Mass at the Chapel of Apparitions, an open-air chapel built on the site of the appearances.
Follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who have sought Mary’s guidance and grace across Europe. Experience the sacred sites where she appeared, pray in her presence, and let your faith be renewed in these holy places. Join a 16-day Pilgrimage to the Great Marian Shrines of Europe—Belgium, France, Spain, and Portugal—with Fr. Joey Faller from May 28 to June 12, 2026. Encounter the Blessed Mother, and open your heart to God’s love and mercy.
