Pilgrimage Testimonials
Read what other pilgrims have shared about their experiences with Tekton Ministries. You can sort by location by clicking on the destination buttons in blue. If you would like to submit your own testimonial about your experiences with Tekton Ministries, please click here.
Holy Land
"The guide was very competent and helpful and respectful of our needs and desire to pray."
Fr. Pius N.Pilgrim from Tasmania, Australia
Holy Land
"My favorite moment from the pilgrimage was visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and, after venerating the birthplace, gathering as a group and reading the Gospel of the Nativity according to Luke. We then sang “O Holy Night”. Fantastic!"
Fr. Michael G.Pilgrim from Chesterfield, MO
Holy Land
"Tekton Ministries is obviously extremely well-connected with all associated personnel at the pilgrimage locations! I was completely pleased with any and every aspect of this trip. Tekton's planning and administration of our pilgrimage couldn't have been better!"
Fr. Joseph K.Pilgrim from Columbus, OH
Holy Land
"The unplanned moments were very memorable. Our group was in the Shepherd's Field church in Bethlehem. A second tour group entered the church. Our guide knew the other guide (I think they were cousins). Soon both groups were singing Christmas hymns together. It was spontaneous and very joyful."
Michael K.Pilgrim from Lincoln, NE
Holy Land
"Our guide was terrific: smart, knowledgeable, flexible, kind (especially to pilgrim who had difficulty walking), adaptable, spiritual, articulate, respectful of pilgrims and priest-spiritual-director, great with schedule and timetable."
Rev. Robert W.Pilgrim from Laurel Falls, OH
Holy Land
"My favorite time on the pilgrimage is celebrating Mass each day. Celebrating Mass in the Grotto of the Apostles was particularly blessed and unforeseen. The manifestation of the Spirit was apparent."
Fr. David W.Pilgrim from Havana, IL
Holy Land
"I am a middle school teacher who teachers Social Studies and Theology, the pilgrimage has given me renews passions and ideas for reaching teenage students."
Melissa Z.Pilgrim from Omaha, NE
Holy Land
"Especially, as we were in the Advent Season, the precious moments in the Church of the Nativity, venerating the site of Our Lord Jesus' entry into the world, was my favorite moment of the pilgrimage."
Fr. Joseph K.Pilgrim from Columbus, OH
Holy Land
"Our guide was phenomenal. He opened the door for a truly deeply spiritual pilgrimage -- and also was filled with the joy of the Lord!"
Very Rev. Timothy A.Pilgrim from Lafayette, IN
Holy Land
"My husband and I are reading our Bible every day! Having devotions for Lent that put us in mind of our Holy Land time!!! We feel very blessed to have gone on this pilgrimage and feel closer to our Lord because of it!"
Patricia T.Pilgrim from Alta, NE
Holy Land
"After experiencing the Holy Land where Jesus walked, whenever I hear the Gospels I will be able to picture exactly where He walked."
Mary L.Pilgrim from Lincoln, NE
France
"The pilgrimage was fantastic, there is no way to experience so much without taking the trip through a tour service. I was absolutely amazed at how much we were able to see and do. The day we arrived we were quickly on our way to all the scheduled stops for day 2. Very impressed from the very start."
Emma P.Pilgrim from Leeds, AL
France
"This was our second pilgrimage with Tekton and we have experienced so many beautiful sites! Our guides have gone above and beyond! We have been blessed with our prilgrimages!"
Michael W.Pilgrim from Morrisonville, NY
France
"The experience has changed me in a way that is difficult to explain. I have told my friends and family that taking a pilgrimage is something everyone should do if they want to experience an increase in faith and understanding of what God wants from us."
Emma P.Pilgrim from Leeds, AL
France
"The group that I was in got into my heart and I enjoyed every one of them. Thank you for a holy, beautiful pilgrimage. God bless your ministry!"
Suzan A.Pilgrim from Colville, WA
France
"Walking and visiting where the saints had been and being in places where The Blessed Virgin Mary had appeared. It was a very spiritual trip. I felt very well informed about all the places we visited. The local guides were wonderful and knowledgeable."
Mary E.Pilgrim from Potsdam, NY
France
"Mt. Saint-Michel and Lourdes are the best locations. Seeing all the beautiful stained glass in the basilicas was most beautiful. One can see these on the internet and in books but being there in person was a spiritual moment that I will never forget."
Emma P.Pilgrim from Leeds, AL
France
"Sara, our tour guide, was phenomenal. She was a true pleasure. She was organized, knowledgeable, helpful and very friendly. She put our needs above her own. She was quick to find help for the disabled on our trip. She assisted us in all our needs, and what she wasn't sure of, she found answers about."
Mary E.Pilgrim from Potsdam, NY
Turkey and Greece
"My favorite moment was having mass at the river where Lydia, the first European convert, and her family were baptized. It was so peaceful there... and profound."
Rev. Matthew V.Pilgrim from Weston, NE
Turkey and Greece
"The tour guides did a super job, were very personable and patient, had a great education which they shared well and also had a sense of humor."
Matthew V.Pilgrim from Omaha
Turkey and Greece
"The depth of knowledge gained by witnessing the development of our Catholic Faith through actual contact with the Acts of the Apostles locations and the Saints quest to spread the word of God will allow me to live out my faith differently now."
Gerald T.Pilgrim from Memphis
Turkey and Greece
"I think that passages of Scripture will be much more meaningful to me, of course. Even this morning, going back to the Book of Revelation...I knew exactly what John was talking about."
John F.Pilgrim from Memphis
Poland/Central Europe
"The Pilgrimage was perfect. I was so impressed with how every detail was handled ahead of time, especially the local guides at the places we visited. I was very impressed with our tour guide; [Our tour guide] was very knowledgeable and personable. The accommodations were great, hotels, sites, bus trips."
Maureen C.Pilgrim from Lincoln, NE
Poland/Central Europe
"My favorite moment was seeing the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa for the first time! Hearing the trumpets “put her to bed” and “wake her up again” gave me goosebumps! My Mom is pure Polish, so I grew up hearing about The Black Madonna."
Maryann S.Pilgrim from Lincoln, NE
Poland/Central Europe
"Richard and staff are very helpful and they went out of their way in helping us plan the pilgrimage."
Fr. Christopher B.Pilgrim from Lincoln, NE
Poland/Central Europe
"I was amazed by the kindness and hospitality of the Polish people. They really made us feel at home. I also enjoyed the opportunities to venerate the relics of Saint Faustina and Saint John Paul II and to visit the places where these saints had been."
Brittany Q.Pilgrim from Rapid City, SD
Marian Shrines
"My favorite moment was seeing the wheelchairs and gurneys wheeled into the Lady of Lourdes sanctuary."
Deacon Tom H.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Marian Shrines
"Tekton took care of all details. They chose excellent hotels, well positioned to our interest points. They required very little from us once we gave them our personal information. I appreciated Richard being at the airport to help us get approved for take off. I think Tekton did a great job.
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Rev. James F.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Marian Shrines
"Knowing that Richard and the other staff were praying for us back here in the States gave me a sense of safety and comfort. Although I had not direct contact with the US staff after Richard saw us off at the airport, I still felt the care given."
Fr. John R.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Marian Shrines
"Presiding at the Eucharist in the Loyola house where Ignatius recuperated from his wounds and began his conversion and transformation. Each of the shrines we visited had something special for each of us - certainly true for myself."
Fr. John R.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Marian Shrines
"Director of the tour was excellent. [Our tour manager] was compassionate, understanding, knowledgeable. She knew how much to talk and how much silence we needed to process what she was saying to us. She was attentive to the individuals within the group. Her labor to make the pilgrimage as smooth as possible was evident at all times."
Rev. John R.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Marian Shrines
"The Marian focus structured our prayer, both personal and communal, and our reflection, giving room for Saint James and Saint Ignatius. The smaller group was ideal actually. By the second day we bonded and everyone knew everyone else's name. There was lots of personal sharing too over the course of the pilgrimage. Of the eight pilgrimages I have taken, this one was the most congenial and the most united and harmonious. Some of that reality was because of [our tour manager] as well."
Fr. John R.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Mexico/Guadalupe
"The tour guides did a super job, were very personable and patient, had a great education which they shared well and also had a sense of humor."
Fr. Matthew V.Pilgrim from Weston, NE
Mexico/Guadalupe
"Thanks for arranging a perfect vacation/pilgrimage to Mexico. All the details worked well, from airport pickup to meals. The guide was friendly and flexible - and having the driver was really convenient. It was great to understand the history of the country, which put the religious aspects in context. My family really enjoyed it."
John V. Pilgrim from Bellaire, TX
Mexico/Guadalupe
"My favorite moment was praying before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Also, communicating with people of Mexico through our Catholic faith."
Fr. John G.Pilgrim from Greensburg, IN
Italy
"The planned itinerary and the professionalism of the Tekton staff made it obvious that the company was highly experienced with great attention to detail."
Lou D. Pilgrim from Papillion, NE
Italy
"[Our tour manager] was just amazing! Our trip would not have been the same without her. Because we were a family group we would sometimes make last minute decisions to make changes to the itinerary and [our tour manager] always went above and beyond to meet our wishes."
Michelle P.Pilgrim from Omaha, NE
Italy
"The people I was with were so kind and devout, as were all of the people we saw praying, our guide, and our leader. The churches we saw and the countryside we drove through were an experience. If I had to choose one site that was special, I believe it would be the site of the First Eucharistic Miracle at Lanciano. We know that Christ is present in the Eucharist, but I cannot fathom what that means. However, seeing Christ's Body and Blood took my receiving the Sacrament to a new level. Our guide was amazing. Her knowledge of Italy, passion for Italy, and devout Faith was an inspiration.
I cannot fully relate this experience in words! Thank You."
I cannot fully relate this experience in words! Thank You."
Tom H.Pilgrim from Adams, NE
Italy
"My favorite moment was offering Mass on the altar of Pope St. Gregory the Great in St. Peter's."
Fr. Sean D.Pilgrim from Pawhuska, OK
Italy
"Celebrating Mass at the tomb of St. Francis, my confirmation saint, was an incredible gift. As our pilgrimage continued, I was drawn into each and every altar and chapel that Mass was celebrated, but the uniqueness of that place was memorable."
Fr. Steven M.Pilgrim from Lincoln, NE
Ireland
"I loved our guide and our bus driver. Their humor and welcoming nature helped with my anxiety about traveling in Ireland."
Jenina M.Pilgrim from Memphis, TN
Ireland
"We get caught up in the world's crazy deadlines, work, and family. This Pilgrimage gave me the opportunities and intentional time to reflect and pray and be thankful."
Christie F.Pilgrim from Gretna, NE
Ireland
"Visiting the Shrine of Knock- was a life-changing event for me. I could feel the presence of Mary all around me. This trip was so inspirational. So very glad that we went. We loved sharing this journey with 4 of our priests. That alone made this trip very special."
Christie F.Pilgrim from Gretna, NE
Ireland
"I am very thankful I went on this pilgrimage. It was a great opportunity to not only learn about Ireland and their conversion and how the Irish live their faith today but also to make new friends and enhance existing friendships."
Kathleen L.Pilgrim from Bloomington, IL
Ireland
"It was a wonderful trip and hard to pinpoint a favorite moment. However, I am very happy we got to travel to Northern Ireland. I found Belfast very intriguing. I learned a lot through the whole trip as we visited the beautiful Churches and shrines."
Kathleen L.Pilgrim from Bloomington, IL
Ireland
"I feel more comfortable about talking about the Irish saints and have a deeper understanding of the trials Catholics endure, which means I will sympathize with more countries who suffer persecution and are oppressed for their belief in God. Hopefully I will pray more for the oppressed!"
Karen C.Pilgrim from Troy, TN
Ireland
"It is very satisfying to see that the Catholic Church is truly catholic…universal."
Patricia B.Pilgrim from Trenton, NE
Ireland
"It was a wonderful pilgrimage to Ireland. All of the hotels were nice-especially The Lake Hotel was stunning! I have been on five pilgrimages and this was by far the best meals we have had in hotels. The people at the hotels were very welcoming and ready to help. The people of Ireland were the same."
Kimberly D.Pilgrim from Memphis, TN
Ireland
"Everyone was wonderful to work with and couldn't have asked for a more well-planned pilgrimage."
Steven F.Pilgrim from Gretna, NE
Ireland
"It was a wonderful trip. I was glad to see as much as we did and loved sitting in the bus hearing stories about Ireland's history. The people were warm and friendly…I always take these trips by myself so the faith-based groups are important to me. The bus driver and tour guide were PERFECT!!!"
Paula M.Pilgrim from Evanston IL
Santiago de Compostela
"There were so many favorite moments along the Camino. Our tour guide was incredible. She was very resourceful, full of interesting facts and insights about the Camino, and truly enjoyed her sense of humor. In retrospect, the layout of the tour was wonderful, as we eased into our 6-day walk with first visiting Avila. All of the hotels along the way were always clean, well-equipped with amenities (even hair dryers), and many of the dinners were excellent.
Our group of pilgrims was wonderful. I feel like I have 20 new friends, that I will certainly keep in touch with over the next years. Thank you for all that you did to make this such a memorable pilgrimage for us all."
Our group of pilgrims was wonderful. I feel like I have 20 new friends, that I will certainly keep in touch with over the next years. Thank you for all that you did to make this such a memorable pilgrimage for us all."
Donna S.Pilgrim from Charlotte, NC
Santiago de Compostela
"The moment you come through the tunnel into the plaza in front of the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, and the extraordinary and glorious Cathedral rises up to heaven right in front of you.
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You think of all the pilgrims who came before, who were uplifted by the same sight. You are struck be the enormity of the place and effort that went into it, and realize that you are not done, but only just begun. And if ever there was a time and place to be thankful, this is that place, and if you need to leave suffering or anger or resentment at the foot of the cross, today is the day you will do it.
I've traveled all over the world, million miler+ for business, pleasure, and courtesy of the Marines. My wife and I have been traveling together for almost 40 years. Thinking about this Camino on the flight home, I summed it up as a "top ten" experience. Then realized it was a top five, if not a top three; final realizing it was the best trip I had ever done. This was a vacation in the true sense of the word, as a spiritual and physical renewal. Perhaps we were blessed, but we had it all: a great staff, an extraordinary walk, no significant hiccups, and the calming daily masses and group prayers. There is also something like a "filter" with the Tekton Camino, that gave us an amazing group, most of whom had never before met. We were mostly Catholic, which helped, and if not Catholic, at least devout and spiritual. The time and planning and financial and physical preparation, (with some graces from God,) is something like a "screener," putting together people of like mind ready to stretch their legs and souls and avoid group drama. I would travel with our group anywhere! "
I've traveled all over the world, million miler+ for business, pleasure, and courtesy of the Marines. My wife and I have been traveling together for almost 40 years. Thinking about this Camino on the flight home, I summed it up as a "top ten" experience. Then realized it was a top five, if not a top three; final realizing it was the best trip I had ever done. This was a vacation in the true sense of the word, as a spiritual and physical renewal. Perhaps we were blessed, but we had it all: a great staff, an extraordinary walk, no significant hiccups, and the calming daily masses and group prayers. There is also something like a "filter" with the Tekton Camino, that gave us an amazing group, most of whom had never before met. We were mostly Catholic, which helped, and if not Catholic, at least devout and spiritual. The time and planning and financial and physical preparation, (with some graces from God,) is something like a "screener," putting together people of like mind ready to stretch their legs and souls and avoid group drama. I would travel with our group anywhere! "
Dan S.Pilgrim from Memphis, TN
Santiago de Compostela
"During the 6 days of walking, I spent a lot of quiet time for reflection & prayer which was something I truly desired and was able to do. I feel intimately connected with the Holy Spirit and will continue to go on long brisk walks while having conversations with our Heavenly Father."
Zoe Z.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Santiago de Compostela
"I do not have a favorite moment, the overall experience was very memorable and emotional. I enjoyed meeting the other pilgrims we got to know in our group, and loved that we visited Ávila, Santiago and Fatima, very meaningful and felt we actually had 3 pilgrimages in one!"
Julie D.Pilgrim from Carmel, IN
Santiago de Compostela
"[Our tour guide] was absolutely amazingly!!! She was very knowledgeable, personable, helpful, easy to understand, communicated perfectly to keep us all organized and informed! David our driver was also very nice, helpful and a lot of fun!"
Julie D.Pilgrim from Carmel, IN
Santiago de Compostela
"I have a new appreciation for the daily rosary. I feel more centered and grounded. More prepared and confident to share the faith."
Dan S.Pilgrim from Memphis, TN
Santiago de Compostela
"Our tour guide for most of the trip in Spain was Amazing! She did an excellent job prepping us for each day of the trail. Always supported and encouraging! Loved her style of guiding and was very knowledgeable!"
Elizabeth O.Pilgrim from Cordova, TN
Santiago de Compostela
"This is my first pilgrimage, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loved how well information was communicated. The entire pilgrimage was very well organized. Our guide for the Camino, [Our tour manager] was wonderful! She is very knowledgeable and made sure we all had the Camino experience that we needed. Our driver David was great as well."
Tara B.Pilgrim from Charlotte, NC
Santiago de Compostela
"Certainly this experience changes one, and I am still processing much of my time along the Camino. The time alone walking through the hamlets, towns, and paths allowed me time to pray and converse with our Lord. I believe several of the struggles I was having, I was able to pray through, and have left on the Camino."
Donna S.Pilgrim from Charlotte, NC
Poland/Central Europe
"My favorite moment was seeing the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa for the first time! Hearing the trumpets “put her to bed” and “wake her up again” gave me goosebumps! My Mom is pure Polish, so I grew up hearing about The Black Madonna."
Maryann S.Pilgrim from Lincoln, NE
Santiago de Compostela
"During the 6 days of walking, I spent a lot of quiet time for reflection & prayer which was something I truly desired and was able to do. I feel intimately connected with the Holy Spirit and will continue to go on long brisk walks while having conversations with our Heavenly Father."
Zoe Z.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Holy Land
"Our guide was terrific: smart, knowledgeable, flexible, kind (especially to pilgrim who had difficulty walking), adaptable, spiritual, articulate, respectful of pilgrims and priest-spiritual-director, great with schedule and timetable."
Rev. Robert W.Pilgrim from Laurel Falls, OH
Marian Shrines
"Knowing that Richard and the other staff were praying for us back here in the States gave me a sense of safety and comfort. Although I had not direct contact with the US staff after Richard saw us off at the airport, I still felt the care given."
Fr. John R.Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN
Holy Land
"After experiencing the Holy Land where Jesus walked, whenever I hear the Gospels I will be able to picture exactly where He walked."
Mary L.Pilgrim from Lincoln, NE
Santiago de Compostela
"[Our tour guide] was absolutely amazingly!!! She was very knowledgeable, personable, helpful, easy to understand, communicated perfectly to keep us all organized and informed! David our driver was also very nice, helpful and a lot of fun!"
Julie D.Pilgrim from Carmel, IN
Holy Land
"Especially, as we were in the Advent Season, the precious moments in the Church of the Nativity, venerating the site of Our Lord Jesus' entry into the world, was my favorite moment of the pilgrimage."
Fr. Joseph K.Pilgrim from Columbus, OH
Ireland
"It is very satisfying to see that the Catholic Church is truly catholic…universal."
Patricia B.Pilgrim from Trenton, NE
Santiago de Compostela
"This is my first pilgrimage, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loved how well information was communicated. The entire pilgrimage was very well organized. Our guide for the Camino, [Our tour manager] was wonderful! She is very knowledgeable and made sure we all had the Camino experience that we needed. Our driver David was great as well."
Tara B.Pilgrim from Charlotte, NC
