Natalie HoeferLast Updated: August 25th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, France, Spiritual Reflections
When I was young, the ligaments around my knees did not form properly. I struggled walking and bending my constantly aching knees—I actually walked sideways, and sometimes my parents even had to bend my legs for me. The specialist told my parents I would lead a life of little activity. I recall at age 6 … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: August 11th, 2023Camino de Santiago, Featured Pilgrimages
For pilgrims planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain, a “passport” has two different meanings. Firstly, is the official government passport that allows you to travel internationally and enter Spain. And secondly is the special pilgrim’s passport that is carried along the Camino and stamped at various locations. This latter is also known … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: August 3rd, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Travel Alerts, Upcoming Pilgrimages
You might have heard that there is a new requirement for US travelers to Europe scheduled to take effect in 2024. Originally planned to come into effect in 2021, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), has been postponed until next year. Once it does come into effect, everyone planning to travel to any … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: July 21st, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Italy, Pope Francis
In the Old Testament, the Jewish people were instructed to take a Sabbatical Year every seventh year. The Book of Leviticus, chapter 25, explains that no planting was to happen – no crops grown – to give the land a rest. Since the Lord rested on the seventh day, all of creation was also to … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: July 14th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Pilgrims' Stories, Travel Alerts
It’s time for a pop quiz! Which of the following has NOT happened to a Tekton pilgrim in the past couple years? While vacationing in another country six weeks before his pilgrimage, John* fell and broke his hip. He was unable to depart on his pilgrimage. On the second day of his Holy Land pilgrimage, … Read More
Natalie HoeferLast Updated: June 23rd, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections
When I made my first pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2015, I was dubious about the authenticity of some sites on the itinerary. Highest on the list was a visit to Banias Springs—formerly the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi—to see “the rock where Peter declared Jesus to be the Christ.” The site is associated … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: June 9th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, France
Earlier this week, many commemorated the anniversary of D-Day, considered to be a turning point of World War II. Centered on the coast of France, numerous historical sites are visited by thousands each year. A number of our pilgrimages to France have included visits to these same sites – to pay respect to our fallen … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: May 5th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land
In his Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini (The Word of the Lord), Pope Benedict XVI writes:The word of God and the Holy Land 89. As we call to mind the Word of God who became flesh in the womb of Mary of Nazareth, our heart now turns to the land where the mystery of our salvation … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: April 21st, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Guadalupe, Holy Land, Ireland, Italy, Marian Shrines of Europe, Upcoming Pilgrimages
This is a question we get a lot from pilgrims who call or email us. The answer can vary based upon priorities and circumstances, but the simplest answer is: anytime! As there are many pilgrimage locations throughout the world, there is always somewhere to go, no matter the season. Summer Summer provides more opportunities for … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: April 5th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land, Pilgrims' Stories, Spiritual Reflections
Natalie HoeferLast Updated: February 16th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Poland, Spiritual Reflections
Lent is fast approaching, beginning on Feb. 22. Before the fasting and abstinence of Ash Wednesday of course comes the feasting of Shrove or Fat Tuesday. Cakes and sweets and pastries, oh my! And don’t forget the popular Polish paczki—donuts filled with jelly or cream then deep fried and covered with powdered sugar, icing or … Read More
Natalie HoeferLast Updated: December 15th, 2022Featured Pilgrimages, Germany
Some Christmases stand out more than others for various reasons—a favorite gift, an idyllic snowfall, a Christmas where the whole family made it home. One Christmas stands out in my mind for family who wasn’t home. I have only one sibling, an older brother. We fought and squabbled like most siblings. But when he went … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: May 12th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Marian Shrines of Europe, Monthly Devotions, Spiritual Reflections
August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart. This may seem odd nowadays, considering the Feast of the Immaculate Heart is in late spring or early summer. However, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart was once celebrated on August 22nd – the Octave of the Assumption – for a period of about 25 years. Towards the … Read More
Natalie HoeferLast Updated: July 22nd, 2022Featured Pilgrimages, Spiritual Reflections
On July 4, we celebrated the 246th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Resounding through history from 1776 until now are the words the document rightly declares as truth: that each person is endowed by their Creator—God—the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Through the Holy Spirit-inspired words of … Read More
A little over a month ago, several seminarians, priests, and lay faithful had the pleasure and privilege of taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the trip was not like your standard trip (as if a trip to the king of the universe’s stomping grounds could ever be standard). Covid was still hanging in … Read More
