The Pilgrim's Journey

2025 International Travel Requirements

Andrea JLast Updated: April 3rd, 2025Camino de Santiago, England, Featured Pilgrimages, France, Germany, Greece and Turkey, Holy Land, Italy, Marian Shrines of Europe, Medjugorje, Poland, Spain, Travel Alerts, Travel Tips, Upcoming Pilgrimages

Recently, several countries have changed their entry requirements for US citizens. Some have not yet taken effect but are in the works. What countries are affected and what do you need to do?  Read on to find out!Some basic information about all the new programs: These are officially not visas. They are travel authorizations. They … Read More

Healing Comes in Many Forms at Lourdes

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

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Tekton MinistriesLast Updated: June 22nd, 2023France, Spiritual Reflections

Sacred Scripture has a lot to say about love and the nature of God.  The first letter from John mentions love more than any other book of the Bible:Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not … Read More

Connecting History, Faith, and Culture in France

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

Holy Name Holy Places

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

The Lingering Spirit of St. Louis

Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 9th, 2021France, Saints

The name “St. Louis” is a midwestern staple. Known by most in the region as Missouri’s most popular city, it also lays claim to several other namesakes. Whether it’s the St. Louis Cardinals, the Spirit of St. Louis, or perhaps a rousing rendition of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” this name has a solid grasp … Read More

La Via Francigena

Andrea JLast Updated: February 3rd, 2021Camino de Santiago, France, Italy

Travel blogging has become quite popular in recent years. A quick internet search for any destination will result in numerous pages where people have recorded their activities, costs, insights, and recommendations. However, it isn’t a completely novel activity, but merely a modern adaptation of a centuries-old pastime. Travelers throughout the ages have preserved records of … Read More

His Writing was Bold, Just Like His Life

Andrea JLast Updated: January 21st, 2021France, Saints

To see the handwriting of saint you admire – the way he wrote his a’s, the slant he used, the handwriting stroke, firm, or light – is a window into their humanity. These little gems of handwritten notes – rare nowadays in our fast-paced culture of emails, texts, and online messaging – are treasured heirlooms … Read More

Home is Where the Heart is

Andrea JLast Updated: June 19th, 2020France, Spiritual Reflections

Did you know that the months of the year have different themes in the Catholic Church?  The traditional dedications for the months are:January – Holy Name of Jesus February – Holy Family March – St. Joseph April – Blessed Sacrament May – Blessed Mother June – Sacred HeartJuly – Precious Blood August – Immaculate Heart … Read More

No Special Reason

Andrea JLast Updated: February 21st, 2025France, Marian Shrines of Europe, Pilgrims' Stories, Spiritual Reflections

In 2013 I was blessed with the opportunity to join a local church group on pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal.  We began by walking the English Route of the Camino de Santiago into Santiago de Compostela, Spain, followed by a visit to the shrine at Fatima, Portugal. Though it was one pilgrimage, I had two … Read More

This couple coined the term “Vocation Awareness”

Bri CampbellLast Updated: February 16th, 2023France, Saints

It takes a family, and what a family this was! The marriage of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin led them to parent one saint, St. Therese of Lisieux; Leonie Martin, a Visitation nun on the path towards beatification; and three other daughters who became Carmelite nuns like St. Therese. “The holy spouses Louis Martin and … Read More

Incorrupt Saints – A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth – The Saints Who’ve Stood the Test of Time

Bri CampbellLast Updated: April 1st, 2022France, Italy, Marian Shrines of Europe, Medjugorje

What does “incorrupt” mean?The word “incorrupt” means “not having undergone decomposition, especially of a human body.”What is an incorrupt saint? In the realm of Catholicism, an incorrupt saint is one whose body experiences little, no, or delayed decomposition after death. It is believed that divine intervention has allowed a number of human bodies to forgo … Read More

5 Delicious (and Cheap!) Things to Eat in Paris

Stephanie EngelmanLast Updated: February 17th, 2023France

When traveling to France, whether on pilgrimage or personal travel, there is always an opportunity to explore French cuisine, which is one of the richest and most famous in the world. Michelin- rated and 5 star restaurants may not fit everyone’s budget, so here are a few of our favorite picks for enjoying great French … Read More