Pilgrimage Testimonials

What our pilgrims carry home is not found in a suitcase.

For 30 years, Tekton Ministries has guided Catholic pilgrims to the sacred places where Christ revealed Himself, where saints walked, and where Our Lady appeared. What happened next is best told in their own words.

The stories below are not reviews of hotels and itineraries. They are accounts of encounter — pilgrims who left home seeking something, met the living God in the sacred places, and found themselves unable to go back to life as usual. Read their words and ask yourself the only question that matters: Am I ready?

They Came Home Changed

Among hundreds of pilgrim voices, these stories capture what it means to encounter Christ in the sacred places — and to carry that encounter home.

Italy " It was when I realized, by looking at epitaphs on the walls, that 400 years ago pilgrims were doing the same thing I was doing. They didn't have A/C busses, beds that were made when they got back to the hotel room, fresh towels, bathrooms, running water. It actually brought me to tears talking about it.

The pilgrims that went before me really had to sacrifice to make sure they could walk through a Holy Door. We did all 4 doors in two days. It probably took them a week or more to walk to each door.

Phil K.

Pilgrim from Temple, TX

Italy " 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.

Tom H.

Pilgrim from Adams, 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

Your Story Begins Here

Every pilgrim who came home changed once stood exactly where you are — wondering if this was the right time.

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Clergy & Group Leaders

Priests Who Lead, Pilgrims Who Follow

Parish priests and group leaders trust Tekton to handle every detail — so they can focus on the spiritual journey that matters most.

"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

"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

"The Marian focus structured our prayer, both personal and communal. Of the eight pilgrimages I have taken, this one was the most congenial and the most united and harmonious."

Fr. John R.

Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN · Marian Shrines

Tekton handles the logistics so you can shepherd your flock.
We've partnered with priests and parish leaders for 30 years to create pilgrimages that bear lasting spiritual fruit.

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HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES

Explore Holy Land Pilgrimages

"We went to so many beautiful Holy sites. Never worried about our safety. Local people were happy to see us. Reflecting on the stories of Scripture at the places they happened."

Diane O.

Pilgrim from Holdrege, NE

"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

Fr. Joseph K.

Pilgrim from Columbus, OH

"The guide was very competent and helpful and respectful of our needs and desire to pray."

Fr. Pius N.

Pilgrim from Tasmania, Australia

Walk where Christ walked. Holy Land pilgrimages include daily Mass at sacred sites, Catholic guides, and spiritual preparation to help you encounter Scripture in a way that transforms your prayer life at home.

See Holy Land Pilgrimages

MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGES

Explore Medjugorje Pilgrimages

"I have been challenged to live out the Messages of Medjugorje by living them in my own life and sharing them with others."

Jennie G.

Pilgrim from Brentwood, TN

"I was SO influenced by sharing the time with the Universal Church. In Our Lady's message she called us to be carriers of Peace and Joy. So, for me I will try to Evangelize at every opportunity. I truly know that Our Lady loves me as does her Son. My heart is full and overflowing."

Pam F.

Pilgrim from Nashville, TN

"All were very knowledgeable, pleasant, and seemed to have the interest of the pilgrims clearly in focus. I also appreciated their faith and commitment to making this a spiritual experience for us. Loved the way meals were prepared and served; promoting a 'family' atmosphere."

Barbara B.

Pilgrim from Florence, AL

"This was my second year to go to Medjugorje with them and I can't imagine going with anyone else. Ann and Ivan are like family to me now!"

Janet C.

Pilgrim from Nashville, TN

Answer Our Lady's call. Experience Medjugorje with guides who know this sacred place as home — and who understand that you're not visiting a destination, but responding to an invitation.

See Medjugorje Pilgrimages

ITALY PILGRIMAGES

Explore Italy Pilgrimages

"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."

Tom H.

Pilgrim from Adams, NE

"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

"It was when I realized, by looking at epitaphs on the walls, that 400 years ago pilgrims were doing the same thing I was doing. They didn't have A/C busses, beds that were made when they got back to the hotel room, fresh towels, bathrooms, running water. It actually brought me to tears talking about it."

Phil K.

Pilgrim from Temple, TX

"I have traveled to Italy more than a dozen times, and I've been to more than 20 countries on various pilgrimages or other trips. This pilgrimage that you organized for us was — hands down — the best trip I have ever taken, anywhere and for any reason."

Fr. Tyler T.

Pilgrim from Evansville, IN

From Rome to Assisi. Walk in the footsteps of saints, celebrate Mass at apostolic tombs, and let Italy's living Catholic heritage deepen your faith in ways a guidebook never could.

See Italy Pilgrimages

MARIAN SHRINES PILGRIMAGES

Explore Marian Shrines Pilgrimages

"Director of the tour was excellent. She 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

"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

"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."

Rev. James F.

Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN

Follow Our Lady's footsteps. From Lourdes to Fatima to Loyola, Marian shrine pilgrimages immerse you in centuries of devotion and the living witness of the saints.

See Marian Shrine Pilgrimages

FRANCE PILGRIMAGES

Explore France Pilgrimages

"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

"Each step of the process was meticulous. I felt valued and cared for. Specifically Krista in the Tekton office who promptly replied to questions and our tour guide who cared for each one of the pilgrims like family."

Theresa B.

Pilgrim from Newburgh, ME

"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 pilgrimages!"

Michael W.

Pilgrim from Morrisonville, NY

"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

From Lourdes to Lisieux. France's sacred sites have drawn pilgrims for centuries. Let Tekton guide you beyond the postcard views to the spiritual encounters that await.

See France Pilgrimages

IRELAND PILGRIMAGES

Explore Ireland Pilgrimages

"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

"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

"Visiting Our Lady of Knock and Trinity College Newman Center where we celebrated Mass in the Church established by John Henry Newman, our most recently acknowledged Doctor of the Church. Since our parish is a Newman Center, this was most meaningful to me."

Joan C.

Pilgrim from Lafayette, IN

"It was a wonderful trip and hard to pinpoint a favorite moment. I learned a lot through the whole trip as we visited the beautiful Churches and shrines."

Kathleen L.

Pilgrim from Bloomington, IL

An island forged in faith. From the Shrine of Knock to the ancient monasteries that kept Christianity alive through the Dark Ages, Ireland's story is one of endurance, devotion, and saints who changed the world.

See Ireland Pilgrimages

POLAND PILGRIMAGES

Explore Poland Pilgrimages

"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

"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

From Czestochowa to Kraków. Venerate the Black Madonna, walk where St. John Paul II and St. Faustina lived, and discover a country where the Catholic faith endured centuries of persecution and emerged unshaken.

See Poland Pilgrimages

Camino Pilgrimages

Explore Camino de Santiago Pilgrimages

"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. In retrospect, the layout of the tour was wonderful, as we eased into our 6-day walk with first visiting Avila. 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."

Donna S.

Pilgrim from Charlotte, NC

"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

"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

"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. It felt we actually had 3 pilgrimages in one!"

Julie D.

Pilgrim from Carmel, IN

The road is the prayer. Walk the ancient Camino with daily Mass, Catholic guides, and a community of fellow pilgrims — arriving in Santiago not as tourists, but as pilgrims who earned every step.

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Turkey & Greece Pilgrimages

Explore Turkey & Greece Pilgrimages

"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, TN

"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, TN

"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

Walk in the footsteps of the Apostles. From Ephesus to Patmos, trace the earliest days of Christianity through the lands where Paul preached, John wrote, and the faith first took root beyond Jerusalem.

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Mexico Pilgrimages

Explore Mexico/Guadalupe Pilgrimages

"I highly recommend this pilgrimage. Americans would be well served to take more interest in Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego. The whole story and the various miracles involved are really awesome and will boost one's faith."

Judith J.

Pilgrim from Indianapolis, IN

"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

"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

Encounter the Patroness of the Americas. Stand where Juan Diego stood and venerate the miraculous tilma that changed a continent's faith.

See Mexico/Guadalupe Pilgrimages

Back Home, Still Changed

The Journey Continues at Home

The real measure of a pilgrimage is not the sites you visited, but how you live when you return. These pilgrims brought something lasting back with them.

Karen C.

Ireland Pilgrim · Troy, TN

"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.

Camino Pilgrim · Indianapolis, IN

"I have been challenged to live out the Messages of Medjugorje by living them in my own life and sharing them with others."

Jennie G.

Medjugorje Pilgrim · Brentwood, TN

Ready to Write Your Own Story?

Every voice on this page once stood exactly where you are now. The only difference between reading these stories and living one is a single step.

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Pilgrimage Testimonials

They Came Home Changed

Priests Who Lead, Pilgrims Who Follow

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES

MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGES

ITALY PILGRIMAGES

MARIAN SHRINES PILGRIMAGES

FRANCE PILGRIMAGES

IRELAND PILGRIMAGES

POLAND PILGRIMAGES

Camino Pilgrimages

Turkey & Greece Pilgrimages

Mexico Pilgrimages

The Journey Continues at Home

Ready to Write Your Own Story?

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