Archbishop Roger Schwietz, OMI Spiritual Director

September 29 - October 9, 2009 PACKAGE INCLUDES: Round-trip airfare from the United States, first-class hotels, daily Mass, private motor coach and tour guide the entire time, sightseeing as listed in the day to day itinerary, Catholic Trip luggage tag & lanyard and Catholic Book of Prayers. This pilgrimage is under the spiritual direction of Archbishop Roger Schwietz, OMI and is personally escorted by Catholic Trips founder, Jim West.

Jim West Catholic Trips Founder

TRIP ITINERARY

Tuesday, September 29th
We begin our pilgrimage with an overnight flight to France. Depending on the flight schedule and the departure city, there may be a stop Germany to change planes. During the flight, dinner will be served onboard the airplane. D

Wednesday, September 30th
Before our arrival into France, a breakfast snack will be served onboard the plane. Upon arrival to the Toulouse Airport, we will collect our luggage, meet our motorcoach driver and proceed to the town of LOURDES. We will check into our hotel where we will stay for the next four nights. A special “welcome dinner” will be served at our hotel, followed by a brief orientation and prayers. B, D DURING OUR TIME IN LOURDES, THERE WILL BE MANY OPPORUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP AND PRAYER AND TIME TO REFLECT ON YOUR OWN. EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED, PLEASE DO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED TO HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THEM IF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GUIDING YOU IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION. LET OUR TIME IN LOURDES NOURISH YOU IN WAYS THAT YOU PERSONALLY NEED TO BE NOURISHED.

Thursday, October 1st
This morning, following breakfast, a local expert tour guide will meet us at our hotel and we will enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the Holy grounds of Lourdes. Our tour will include visiting the Immaculate Conception Basilica, the Rosary Basilica, the Holy Grotto and other important sights. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Before dinner tonight, our spiritual director will celebrate Holy Mass in one of the Basilica’s. Following dinner, a very special candlelight procession will take place, and we are all invited to participate. B, D

Friday, October 2nd
Today is an opportunity for us to enjoy all the holy sights here in Lourdes. There will be an opportunity to participate in a special Stations of the Cross, enjoy Holy mass in the Grotto together, spend some time in the Adoration Chapel and cleanse ourselves in the Holy Bath waters from the Grotto.

In the afternoon, we will meet our guide once again, who will take us on a tour to important places relating to the life of St. Bernadette. Tonight before dinner, we will participate in Holy Mass, celebrated by our spiritual director. Dinner will be served at our hotel and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B, D

Saturday, October 3rd
Today is an opportunity to enjoy our final day in Lourdes at your leisure. There are plenty of religious shops in town to purchase souvenirs, as well as time for you to collect Holy water from the spring at the Grotto to bring back to loved ones. Tonight our spiritual director will celebrate Holy Mass before we all enjoy dinner at our hotel. There will be time following dinner for a rosary and fellowship. B, D

Sunday, October 4th
We will check out of our hotel very early this morning and enjoy a box breakfast as we drive through the countryside towns of France, on our journey to the town of NEVERS. This is an 8-9 hour drive, and there will be frequent stops for restroom breaks and lunch along the way. Upon our arrival into Nevers, we will check into our hotel and relax. Our spiritual director will celebrate Holy Mass here in the Sanctuary, located near our hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel. B, D.

Monday, October 5th
This morning, following breakfast, we will meet a local guide who will give us a tour of the town. This tour will include a visit to the church that houses the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette. Our tour will end around noon, at which time, we will board our motorcoach and drive to PARIS. We will stop for lunch along the way.

Upon arrival into Paris, we will meet our local guide who will board our motorcoach and provide a Panoramic tour of Paris. This tour will include a drive past the Louvre Museum, the Arch de Triumph, the Eiffel Tower and many other recognizable sights. We will arrive at the Church of the Miraculous Medal later in the afternoon, where we worship together in the Pilgrims Chapel. From there we will walk across the street to the St. Vincent De Paul Church for a quick visit.

Following this, our driver will take us to our hotel where we will check in and get settled. Dinner is included this evening and the remainder of the night is at your leisure. B. D

Tuesday, October 6th
Today we will meet our guide once again, who will provide a tour of Notre Dame and the Sacre Coeur. Upon the completion of our tour, we will have the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. From sightseeing and shopping to visiting major attractions and museums, this dynamic city offers a variety of exciting things to do. So enjoy the rest of your day. An optional tour to see Monet’s home and gardens is available for those who might be interested. Tonight, we will all enjoy a boat ride on the River Seine and see Paris “lit up” at night. Don’t forget your cameras! B

Wednesday, October 7th
This morning we will have a very early breakfast and drive to the town of LISIEUX. The drive will take us approximately 2-3 hours as we drive through the French countryside. Upon our arrival, we will meet a local guide who will take us on an informative tour, describing the life of St. Therese. This will be one of the most memorable days of our pilgrimage. We’ll return back to Paris later in the evening. B

Thursday, October 8th
Today is a complete day of leisure for relaxing and doing what you’d like to do in Paris. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city on your own. An optional tour to the Palace of Versailles is available for those who would like to participate. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special “farewell dinner” which will be followed by prayer and fellowship as we bring our pilgrimage to a close. B, D

Friday, October 9th
This morning, following an early breakfast, we will pack our luggage and drive to the airport where we will check-in for our flight back to the United States. Lunch will be served on the plane. B, L

Without doubt, this pilgrimage will provide an incredible opportunity to go deeper in our Catholic faith, recharge our spiritual batteries, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with a greater sense of Jesus, so we can continue to pour forth our love and support the many people we serve.

Call Catholic Trips today and place your deposit.
(877) GOD-TRIP
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This itinerary is subject to change. Price is subject to change based on airlines fuel surcharges. Masses are confirmed only on the actual day and may change without notice. All Terms and Conditions apply once deposit is made. All prices are based on double occupancy, single rates are available.