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
Andrea JLast Updated: June 23rd, 2022Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections
One of the highlights for our pilgrims to the Holy Land is often when they renew their baptismal vows. This occurs in the Jordan River where Christ himself was baptized by his cousin John, whose feast day we celebrate on June 24th. The Catholic Church as a whole also recognizes the value of this renewal … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: March 30th, 2022Featured Pilgrimages
Q. What do hot sauce, caskets, beer, and fudge have in common? A. Monks Monks? Yes. All of these products, and many more, are produced by monks (and nuns) at monasteries throughout the world and can often be purchased for personal use. Perhaps the most famous of these are the Trappist beers, produced at monasteries … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land, Pilgrims' Stories
Well, it finally happened. After almost exactly 2 years, which really felt like much longer, we had a pilgrimage group depart for the Holy Land. Though those of us here in the office would have preferred to have gone with them, we have been delighting in their pictures and stories they have shared with us … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Featured Pilgrimages
In the first two days of November, the Church celebrates the faithful that have gone before us with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. On the latter, we join together to pray for the souls in purgatory, that they may be fully purified and welcomed into their heavenly home by our Lord and His … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 23rd, 2021Featured Pilgrimages, France, Holy Land, Ireland, Italy, Marian Shrines of Europe
This week, we celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and this Sunday, we look forward to commemorating the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. With only four days separating these two feasts, Our Lady is brought to the forefront of our days during this time. During pilgrimage, our hearts are also drawn … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: August 13th, 2020Canada, Featured Pilgrimages, Saints
The Gulf of St. Lawrence was named after the saint we celebrated earlier this week by the French explorer Jacques Cartier as he first sailed into the gulf on August 10, 1535, the feast of the martyr St. Lawrence of Rome. It is fitting then, to explore today some of the other saints now connected … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 15th, 2020Featured Pilgrimages, Italy, Spiritual Reflections
This year, I’ve been particularly noticing the great amount of celebrations within the Church calendar, especially those since Holy Week. I don’t know if it’s just a special quirk of extra attentiveness, or if the tumultuous events that have filled 2020 so far have kept me looking out for the hidden brightness in our world … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Camino de Santiago, Featured Pilgrimages, Saints
This saint is a true pilgrimage friend. While St. Bona of Pisa might not be as well known for walking the El Camino trail in Spain like St. Francis of Assisi or the Spanish war-hero El Cid, she is one powerful saint to ask for intercessions on your journey. St. Bona of Pisa’s feast day … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: January 25th, 2018Featured Pilgrimages, Pilgrims' Stories, Spiritual Reflections, Travel Alerts
Are you embarking on a pilgrimage soon? Don’t let yourself treat this spiritual journey like a vacation; having the right mindset while traveling is key to getting the most out of your journey! Help yourself prepare by taking into account these 10 Life Hacks from a former pilgrim:Take a prayer list.When on pilgrimage you are … Read More
