We are inviting all who are interested to a once in a lifetime pilgrimage experience!
Event Overview
September 2025 Marian Shrines 12 Days Pilgrimage
- Day 1: Arrival in Madrid
Arrival at the airport and baggage claim. Meeting with our guide and transfer to Madrid. On the first day of our pilgrimage, we will visit the center of the Spanish capital, including the Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. At the scheduled time, transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
- Day 2: Madrid – Ávila – Fátima
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we depart for Ávila, one of the capitals of Castilla y León. Ávila is a beautiful medieval city, renowned for its impressive and famous city walls that enclose a historic center with cobbled streets and charming squares, such as the Cathedral, Plaza del Mercado Chico, and various palaces. However, as pilgrims, what makes the city special is visiting the key places in the life of St. Teresa of Ávila. We will visit the Church of La Santa, where Teresa spent her childhood, and then proceed to the Monastery of the Incarnation, possibly the most significant place in St. Teresa’s life, where she spent much of her time. In the monastery’s museum, pilgrims will learn about St. Teresa’s life and the daily routine of the Carmelite nuns who still reside there today. There will be an opportunity for a moment of prayer and to participate in the Eucharist at one of the sites we visit.After the visits, we will travel in the afternoon to Fátima. Transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
- Day 3: Fátima – The City of Marian Apparitions
Breakfast at the hotel in Fátima. Today, we will dedicate the day to exploring and deepening our understanding of the Sanctuary and the spirituality of Fátima. In the morning, we will walk the Via Sacra and participate in the Way of the Cross along the path to Valinhos, where we will see the image of the Angel of Peace at Loca do Cabeço.
After the Way of the Cross, we will visit the homes of the little shepherds in the small village of Aljustrel: first, the house of Lucia and then the home of Francisco and Jacinta. In the afternoon, we will visit the vast Sanctuary of Fátima, including the Grand Basilica of the Rosary, where the three seers of Fátima are buried. We will conclude the visit at the heart of the Sanctuary, the Chapel of the Apparitions, known as “Capelinha.” Pilgrims will have the opportunity for Eucharistic adoration and confession in the chapels of the Sanctuary.At 7:15 PM, we will attend the Holy Mass in Spanish at the Chapel of the Apparitions.
After dinner, pilgrims can participate in the Holy Rosary and the Candlelight Procession.
- Day 4: Fátima – Porto – Santiago de Compostela
Last morning in Fátima, with the possibility of celebrating Holy Mass at the Sanctuary before departure for Porto.
We will then travel to the beautiful city of Porto, stopping for a brief visit. Highlights of Porto include landmarks such as the Clerigos Tower, the Cathedral, and the iconic historic bridges crossing the Douro River.After the city tour, we will continue our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Arrival and transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
- Day 5: Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will explore Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage destination for millions of faithful who, for centuries, have journeyed along the Camino from different parts of the world. As pilgrims, we will arrive at Obradoiro Square to admire the imposing Gothic façade of the Cathedral of Santiago. We will explore the medieval streets and squares of this historic city before entering the cathedral to venerate the tomb of one of Jesus’ apostles—St. James the Greater. According to Church tradition, his body and tomb rest in this place.We will participate in the Pilgrim’s Mass and have lunch at our own expense. The afternoon is free to enjoy the city or go shopping.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
- Day 6: Santiago – Covadonga – Santander
Breakfast at the hotel. Our pilgrimage continues to Covadonga, a Marian shrine in Asturias, where it is believed that Don Pelayo began the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Before arriving at the sanctuary, we will make a brief stop for lunch in Cangas de Onís. We will then ascend the mountain to visit the beautiful shrine, including the Basilica and the Holy Cave, which houses the revered image of “La Santina.”There will be an opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist in this historically significant sanctuary for both European and Latin American Christianity.
After Mass, we will continue to Santander. Arrival at the hotel, check-in, and overnight stay.
- Day 7: Santander – Santo Toribio – Garabandal – Santander
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Santo Toribio de Liébana, traveling through the impressive Picos de Europa mountain range. We will visit this ancient monastery, which holds one of the most important relics of Christianity: a large piece of the True Cross of Christ (Lignum Crucis). We will learn how this relic arrived at the monastery, spend time in prayer before the Cross, and have the opportunity to celebrate Mass.Afterward, we will travel to Potes, a picturesque village where we will have free time for lunch and visit its historic sites, such as the Old Town, San Cayetano Bridge, the Tower of Infantado, and the Church of San Vicente.In the afternoon, we will visit Garabandal, a site where, in the 1960s, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to four young girls, leaving numerous messages for humanity. The apparitions are documented but still under investigation by the Church. We will explore the spirituality of Garabandal, visit the parish church, the pilgrim center, and ascend to the pines where the apparitions reportedly occurred. There will be time for personal prayer.Return to Santander for overnight stay.
- Day 8: Santander – Loyola – Lourdes
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the Basque Country to visit Loyola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus. We will visit the impressive basilica, the Tower House (now a museum), and the Chapel of Conversion, where we can pray and celebrate the Eucharist.
We then continue to Lourdes, crossing the border into France. Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.
- Day 9: Lourdes
Breakfast at the hotel. We dedicate the day to Lourdes, a major Marian pilgrimage site. In the morning, we will participate in the Holy Mass at the Grotto and watch a video on the message of Lourdes to deepen our understanding of its significance. We will also visit key sites in the life of St. Bernadette Soubirous.
Throughout the day, pilgrims may engage in personal prayer, Eucharistic adoration, confession, and other sanctuary activities. There is also the opportunity to visit the healing baths.In the evening, we can join the torchlight procession and pray the Holy Rosary. Overnight stay at the hotel.
- Day 10: Lourdes – Torreciudad – Zaragoza
Breakfast at the hotel. We travel to the Sanctuary of Torreciudad, located in a stunning setting by the El Grado reservoir at the foot of the Pyrenees. A major Marian shrine, it was greatly promoted by St. Josemaría Escrivá. We will visit the sanctuary, admire the beautiful altarpiece, and explore its galleries dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There will be an opportunity to celebrate Mass.
At the scheduled time, we continue to Zaragoza. Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.
- Day 11: Zaragoza – Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, the first Marian shrine in Christianity, where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared in person to the Apostle James to encourage him in his mission of evangelization. We will venerate the pillar and attend Mass.
After free time in Zaragoza, we depart for Madrid. Arrival at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
- Day 12: Madrid – Return to Place of Origin
Breakfast at the hotel and farewell to the pilgrims.
Fr. Claude will celebrate the Holy Mass for us everyday and accompany our group.
Cost: The total cost will be approximately $1,970 plus airfare. The price will drop if we get a large group.
Registration
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When & Where
- Address: Spain | September 2025
- Email : infowest@mileschristi.org
- Phone : 858-768-0872