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

Upon arrival at the airport in Paris, we will be met by our local pilgrimage manager. Due to our morning arrival time, we will proceed to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal at Rue de Bac where Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830. Visit the Catacombs of Paris (pending confirmation) before transferring to our hotel for check-in and dinner. (D)

Today we begin at Notre Dame Cathedral, still recovering from a massive fire that toppled the iconic wooden spire. It is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2024, so pending completion of the repairs, we may be able to tour the inside of this beautiful cathedral. Just a few blocks away on the same little island in the Seine we will visit Sainte-Chapelle, built in 1248 to house the Crown of Thorns and now showcasing one of the world’s most captivating arrays of stained-glass windows. This afternoon, visit the Eiffel Tower and the basilica of Sacre Coeur atop the hill of Montmartre. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Following breakfast, drive through the Normandy countryside to Rouen, where our walking tour will explore its magnificent Gothic cathedral and the Church of St. Joan of Arc. We will then proceed to Lisieux, home of St. Therese the “Little Flower of Jesus”. Visit the home where she lived as a child and the Carmel Convent where she was a nun, the Basilica of St. Therese, its Crypt, and the 13th Century Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter. Venerate her saintly parents while praying at their burial site. Overnight in Lisieux. (B, D)

After Mass depart Lisieux and drive along the Normandy coast drive to Bayeux, the first town to be liberated by the Allies in 1944. Continue to St. Laurent to visit the National Cemetery and Omaha Beach, one of the sites where the Allies came ashore on D-Day. Drive on to Mont-St.-Michel, the principal shrine of the Archangel Michael and one of the medieval wonders of Europe. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Our full day visit of Mont-St.-Michel will include the Grande Rue, St. Aubert’s Chapel, and the Benedictine Abbey which is perched atop the rock island. Celebrate Mass in the Romanesque Church of St. Michael. The balance of the day is free to explore on your own. (B, D)

Following breakfast drive through the scenic Loire Valley 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 Mass in Chartres, we will proceed to Orleans where Joan of Arc led French troops to victory over the English. Visit the old Cathedral of St. Croix and check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Drive from Orleans to Nevers where we will visit the Convent of St. Guillard to view the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette. Here the Saint spent her life in prayer and solitude following the apparitions of the Blessed Mother to her in Lourdes. Proceed to Paray-le-Monial where Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary to promote devotions through His Most Sacred Heart. Following Mass at the Visitation Chapel and a visit to the Basilica to see the tomb of Blessed Claude de la Colombiere, continue to nearby Lyon for overnight. (B, D)

After breakfast drive to Ars for Mass at the Altar of St. John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests. After a time for prayer, return to Lyon and board our train to Toulouse. Upon arrival in Toulouse, journey to the peaceful mountain village of Lourdes, known for its healing waters after the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. It is also where the Blessed Mother announced she was the Immaculate Conception. Join hundreds of other pilgrims in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and Candlelight Procession that has endured since 1863. Lourdes will be our home for the next three nights. (B, D)

Bask in the grace of Lourdes all day as we have Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady first appeared to St. Bernadette and had her dig for the spring that is now known across the world for its many miracles of healing. We also visit the humble home where St. Bernadette lived during the apparitions. Tonight, we join again the candlelight procession with thousands of other pilgrims in prayer and song. (B, D)

Today will be a free day in Lourdes – pray the Stations of the Cross, spend time in the Adoration Chapel – have your own retreat day. There are also several activities in the town that may interest you. Tonight, we join again the candlelight procession with thousands of other pilgrims in prayer and song. (B, D)

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport in Pau for our return flight home, bringing with us all the graces and blessings of this pilgrimage.