Marian Shrines Pilgrimage Boston ·  April 2027

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 pilgrimage guide, who will be with us throughout our stay. After boarding our motorcoach we will drive to the Church of St. Stephen 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; he put it in a wax pyx. Another miracle happened the next morning when the priest found that the wax had turned into its own crystal pyx where it can be venerated to this day. Then on to Fatima, where our Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children. It is where, in 1917, thousands witnessed what became known as the “Miracle of the Sun.” 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. This evening, we participate in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (D) Overnight Fatima

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of the Museum of the Shrine of Fatima, full of history and relics of the apparitions and pilgrims who have visited throughout the past century. View the crown of Our Lady of Fatima, with the bullet used in the assassination attempt on St. Pope John Paul II as part of its unique design. Afterwards, explore the tiny village of Aljustrel, where the three children lived. Continue to Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared to the children after they were unjustly imprisoned. It is here she encouraged them and told them they must still come every 13th of the month to see her. This evening offers another opportunity to participate in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (B, D) Overnight Fatima

This morning we will depart Fatima and drive to Lisbon. Upon arrival we will  visit the Monastery of Jeronimos, a UNESCO World Heritage Siter. Also known as the Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Belem, the 16th-century church was built in the Manueline style (named for King Manuel I – ruler during the initial development of the monastery). We will also view the Belem Tower and the Monument to Discoveries before proceeding to the airport to catch our late afternoon flight to Bilbao. Upon arrival in Bilbao we will proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Bilbao

Today we depart Bilbao and drive to visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio which was dated to the 6th century. According to tradition, the monastery holds the largest piece of the True Cross discovered in Jerusalem by Saint Helena of Constantinople. Brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Saint Turibius of Astorga, the left arm of the True Cross is kept in a gilded silver reliquary. Afterwards we make our way to Garabandal, Spain. Garabandal is the location of alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel that occurred in the 1960s. Upon arrival, check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) 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. The balance of the day is free.  ​Later, head back to our hotel for dinner and overnight.  (B, D) Overnight Garabandal 

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