Marian Shrines Pilgrimage Lincoln, NE ·  February 2028

Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our overnight flight to Lisbon. Meals and drinks served aloft.

Upon arrival in Lisbon, we will be met by our tour manager who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Journey north to the Church of the Holy Miracle in Santarem to see one of the greatest Eucharistic Miracles, “The Bleeding Host.” In the 13th century, a woman stole the Host to take to a fortune-teller, but as she was taking it out of church the Host began to bleed profusely. Afraid, she put it in a trunk at her home only to be awakened in the middle of the night to a bright light coming from the trunk. She took the Host back to the priest, who put it in a wax pyx. Another miracle happened the next morning when they found that the wax had turned into its own crystal pyx, where it can be venerated to this day. After time for prayer here, continue to Fatima, our home for the next three nights. (D) Overnight Fatima

A full day is ours in Fatima, where in 1917 three young shepherd children were graced with apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The message of Fatima has inspired generations of Catholics to pray the rosary daily for peace and reparation. Visit the Chapel of Apparitions before praying at the graves of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta, and Venerable Lucia. Explore the tiny village where the three children lived and continue to Valinhos where Our Lady appeared to the children after they were unjustly imprisoned. It is here that she encouraged them and told them they must still come every 13th of the month to see her. This evening, we participate in a beautiful Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Fatima

Today we will take an excursion outside of Fatima. We travel to the town of Alcobaca to visit the 12th century Monastery of Alcobaca, the largest church in Portugal and one of the most prestigious monasteries in medieval Europe. After time for prayer, return to Fatima where we will have the balance of the afternoon free. This evening we will again participate in a beautiful Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Fatima

Depart Fatima this morning and drive north to Porto where we will visit the soaring Cathedral and admire the richly decorated Church of Sao Francisco. Then proceed to Braga which contains over 300 churches and is the religious center of Portugal. Our sightseeing here will include visits to Braga’s Sé Cathedral which is the oldest in Portugal and the Bom Jesus do Monte which is an important pilgrimage shrine. Then continue to Santiago de Compostela where we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Santiago

This morning we will enjoy a complete tour of Santiago de Compostela. Visit the impressive Cathedral which is considered to be one of the finest pieces of architecture in Europe. After Mass, climb up the stairs behind the altar to visit the crypt, where a silver urn contains the relics of St. James. See the Portico de la Gloria (Gateway to Heaven), an unparalleled masterpiece. Walk to the top of the Cathedral for a panoramic view of this glorious city. We will also visit the museum in the cloister adjoining the Cathedral. Enjoy another evening in this charming city. (B, D, Mass)
Overnight Santiago

This morning we depart for Oviedo where we will stop for lunch and visit the Cathedral of San Salvador. This is a stunning Gothic church famous for its single tower, the 9th-century Holy Chamber (Cámara Santa), and sacred Christian relics. Then on to Garabandal, the location of alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel that occurred in the 1960s and our home for the next two nights. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Garabandal

After breakfast, visit “The Pines,” where many of the apparitions are said to have taken place. Walk the village and spend time reflecting on the messages of conversion, penance, and the importance of the Eucharist in our lives. After some free time, head back to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Garabandal

Depart Garabandal for San Sebastian. After lunch in this charming oceanside city, cross the border into France on our way to Lourdes. Upon arrival, celebrate Mass. Visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady first appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858 and had her dig for the spring that is now known the world over for its healing waters. It is also where the Blessed Mother announced she was the Immaculate Conception. This evening, 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 two nights. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Lourdes

Enjoy a full day on your own in the peaceful setting of Lourdes. Visit the humble home where St. Bernadette lived during the apparitions or revisit a favorite site from yesterday, explore somewhere new, or just sit in awe and wonder and contemplate the events that happened here and the miracles that still occur. We will participate in the Stations of the Cross then spend some time at the spring. We will have to opportunity to drink at the springs and wash ourselves there. Participate one last time in the evening pilgrim activities. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Lourdes

This morning we depart Lourdes and cross the border back into Spain on our way to Zaragoza. Upon arrival we will break for lunch before we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. It was here the Blessed Mother appeared to St. James the Greater in 40 A.D. This is the only known instance of the Virgin Mary appearing to someone while she was still alive—bilocating from Jerusalem—to encourage St. James in his preaching of the Gospel in Spain. We then check into our hotel before we enjoy a dinner out together. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Zaragoza

This morning we will visit the Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza and the Basilica of Santa Engracia. Time permitting we will take a walk through the historic center of Zaragoza, known as the Casco Antiguo; a compact and highly walkable district where 2,000 years of history are layered together. This afternoon we make our way to Madrid where we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Madrid

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.