Healing & The Little Way A Pilgrimage to the Shrines of France

San Francisco ·  April 2027

Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on our overnight flight to Paris. Meals and refreshments will be served aloft.

Upon arrival in Paris this morning we will be met at the airport by our pilgrimage manager who will be with us throughout our journey. We then drive through the Normandy countryside to Rouen, where our walking tour will explore its magnificent Gothic cathedral depicting scenes from the life of St. Joan of Arc and the Church of St. Joan of Arc, built near where she was burned to death. Proceed to Lisieux, the home of St. Therese the “Little Flower of Jesus,” where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D) Overnight Lisieux

Today we spend time at the home of St. Thérèse the “Little Flower of Jesus”. Visit Les Buissonnets, the home where she lived as a child, followed by the Carmel Convent where she was a nun. Visit the Basilica of St. Thérèse, its Crypt, and the 13th century Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter. Venerate Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, the Little Flower’s parents, while praying at their burial site. The balance of the afternoon will be spent in a retreat like atmosphere. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Lisieux

After breakfast depart Lisieux and journey to Mont-St.-Michel, the principal shrine of the Archangel Michael and one of the medieval wonders of Europe. Our visit here will include the Grande Rue, St. Aubert’s Chapel, and the Benedictine Abbey which is perched atop the rock island. Afterwards, we proceed to Saint Malo and check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Saint Malo

This morning, we begin at the walled city of St. Malo. Famous for its role in Atlantic piracy, it is now the most visited city in the region. Marvel at the reconstruction of the cathedral of St. Vincent – destroyed during WWII but rebuilt according to its original design. Afterwards, journey to Le Mans, home of Holy Cross congregation and the Sisters of Providence, as well as the home for St. Theodore Guerin before being sent to Indiana. We will pray at the Cathedral of St. Julien and at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence beneath a beautiful stained-glass window display. Proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Le Mans

After breakfast we proceed to Chartres, home to what most believe to be the greatest Gothic cathedral in Europe. The stained-glass windows of this Cathedral are world-renowned. Over 150 windows illustrate biblical stories and daily life in the 13th century. After plenty of prayerful time exploring the cathedral, we continue to Paris, our home for the next three nights. Enjoy a brief overview of the city before checking into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) – Overnight Paris

We begin our morning by at the Shrine of Saint Vincent de Paul where the saint’s body is on display in a reliquary. From there we go to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal at Rue de Bac where Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830 and where she is buried, the imposing Saint-Sulpice, and Montmartre with its magnificent Basilica of Sacre Coeur where we will attend a Holy Hour. The remainder of the day is free for exploration and dinner will be on your own this evening. (B) Overnight Paris

Today we begin at Notre Dame Cathedral, reopened in 2024 after extensive restoration, in the spiritual heart of Paris. Just a few blocks away on the same little island in the Seine is Sainte-Chapelle, built in 1248 to house the Crown of Thorns, and one of the world’s most captivating arrays of stained-glass windows. We then journey across the river to La Madeleine; a neo-classical church built in honor of Mary Magdalene. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Paris

After breakfast, we will board the high-speed train to Lourdes, one of the great pilgrimage shrines in the world. On the train, we will have some time for some group discussion and processing, enjoying the passing countryside, and catching up on sleep. In Lourdes, Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858 proclaiming herself the “Immaculate Conception”. Upon arrival we will get settled in our hotel before dinner. In the evening, we will participate in the Eucharistic Procession by candlelight. (B, D) Overnight Lourdes

Today we will have all day to experience Lourdes, exploring the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Church of St. Bernadette, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the healing waters of the spring. We will celebrate Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, the site where the Virgin appeared. We will also visit the Basilica of Pius X (the world’s largest underground church). A dinner on your own this evening precedes the candlelight procession. (B) Overnight Lourdes

Enjoy a full day on your own in the peaceful setting of Lourdes. Visit a place we saw yesterday, explore somewhere new, or just sit in awe and wonder and contemplate the events that happened here and the miracles that still occur. Enjoy a farewell dinner together before we participate one last time in the evening pilgrim activities. (B, D) Overnight Lourdes

Today marks the end of a marvelous experience as we transfer to the airport for the return trip home, filled with memories and graces of this pilgrimage that will last a lifetime. (B)