When I was young, the ligaments around my knees did not form properly. I struggled walking and bending my constantly aching knees—I actually walked sideways, and sometimes my parents even had to bend my legs for me. The specialist told my parents I would lead a life of little activity. I recall at age 6 … Read More
A Different Kind of Passport
For pilgrims planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain, a “passport” has two different meanings. Firstly, is the official government passport that allows you to travel internationally and enter Spain. And secondly is the special pilgrim’s passport that is carried along the Camino and stamped at various locations. This latter is also known … Read More
New Visa for Europe?
You might have heard that there is a new requirement for US travelers to Europe scheduled to take effect in 2024. Originally planned to come into effect in 2021, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), has been postponed until next year. Once it does come into effect, everyone planning to travel to any … Read More
Jubilee Year 2025
In the Old Testament, the Jewish people were instructed to take a Sabbatical Year every seventh year. The Book of Leviticus, chapter 25, explains that no planting was to happen – no crops grown – to give the land a rest. Since the Lord rested on the seventh day, all of creation was also to … Read More
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
It’s time for a pop quiz! Which of the following has NOT happened to a Tekton pilgrim in the past couple years? While vacationing in another country six weeks before his pilgrimage, John* fell and broke his hip. He was unable to depart on his pilgrimage. On the second day of his Holy Land pilgrimage, … Read More
Upon this Rock
When I made my first pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2015, I was dubious about the authenticity of some sites on the itinerary. Highest on the list was a visit to Banias Springs—formerly the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi—to see “the rock where Peter declared Jesus to be the Christ.” The site is associated … Read More
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sacred Scripture has a lot to say about love and the nature of God. The first letter from John mentions love more than any other book of the Bible:Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not … Read More
Connecting History, Faith, and Culture in France
Earlier this week, many commemorated the anniversary of D-Day, considered to be a turning point of World War II. Centered on the coast of France, numerous historical sites are visited by thousands each year. A number of our pilgrimages to France have included visits to these same sites – to pay respect to our fallen … Read More
Making third class relics in the Holy Land (and beyond)
In 2015, I was blessed to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Everything I saw was new to me and filled my soul with awe—except one thing. One thing I’d never seen left me curious and confused. At different holy sites, there would be a star on the ground with a hole in … Read More
May is for Mary
May is the month traditionally devoted to the Blessed Mother. It is also the last in our series exploring the monthly devotions in the Catholic church. Devotion to the Blessed Mother dates back to the early Church, with Church Fathers such as St. Ignatius, St. Justin, and St. Irenaeus extolling her virtues in their writing. … Read More
The Fifth Gospel
In his Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini (The Word of the Lord), Pope Benedict XVI writes:The word of God and the Holy Land 89. As we call to mind the Word of God who became flesh in the womb of Mary of Nazareth, our heart now turns to the land where the mystery of our salvation … Read More
The Best Time for a Pilgrimage
This is a question we get a lot from pilgrims who call or email us. The answer can vary based upon priorities and circumstances, but the simplest answer is: anytime! As there are many pilgrimage locations throughout the world, there is always somewhere to go, no matter the season. Summer Summer provides more opportunities for … Read More
Honoring the Blessed Sacrament in April
In April, the Church encourages a new or renewed devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. As the Eucharist is truly Jesus present here on earth, praying in front of or near the Blessed Sacrament is an effective way to be literally close to God. In the early Church, consecrated bread was brought to the sick and … Read More
Where Holy Week (Semana Santa) is a tradition of its own
Catholics around the globe share similar traditions during Holy Week—Stations of the Cross, Passion plays, and, of course, Holy Thursday and Good Friday services. But in Spain, the words for Holy Week—Semana Santa—represent an entire tradition of its own. It began as an effort by the Marqués de Tarifa to bring the tradition of the … Read More