The Graces of Mary and the Saints

We enjoy a morning in Barcelona to experience the cultural canvas that underpinned many of Picasso’s artworks and view the unique and colourful architecture of Antonio Gaudi dispersed throughout the city. We commence with a visit to Barcelona Cathedral (La Seu), a celebrated example of Catalan Gothic architecture dating from the 14^th century. The elevated site occupied by the cathedral has always been the spiritual centre of Barcelona.

We will be awe-struck visiting Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia Basilica, before a leisurely visit to Guell Park where we can enter Gaudi’s house (now a museum) as well as enjoying spectacular views over the city.

This afternoon we will arrive into stunning Montserrat. The renowned 11^th century sanctuary of Our Lady of Montserrat lies at the top of a 4,000 foot high mountain and is one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. The shrine is home to a 12^th century miraculous statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, lovingly known as the “Black Madonna”, discovered in the Santa Cova or Holy Cave. Here at Montserrat St Ignatius kept vigil with a coarse sackcloth and a pilgrim staff.

Montserrat overnight (BD)

The spirit of Montserrat is a unique blend of the mountain, the sanctuary, and the life of monasticism. Around the sanctuary you will find many different banners and emblems representing various religious, cultural, social, financial and even sporting organisations.

Our spectacular day of pilgrimage begins with a visit and Mass in the Basilica, the construction of which began in the 16^th century, and a viewing of the beautiful Holy Image of Our Lady of Montserrat, known affectionately as the “Black Madonna.” 

We will then board the Santa Cova funicular railway and after a short ride, enjoy a walk down the sacred path passing modernist sculptures of the Mysteries of the Rosary (all worked on by Llimona and Gaudi among others). Almost hanging from the rock’s edge at the end of the route is the Chapel where the image of Our Lady of Montserrat was found by young shepherds in the 13^th century after seeing a bright light which led them to the grotto. We take time here at the Holy Cave for prayer and reflection before taking the funicular railway back up to the Sanctuary.

Before lunch, we will take our place among the privileged to hear the heavenly sounds of the Montserrat Boys Choir (The Escolania), one of the oldest and most renowned in Europe.

After lunch we will have a private guided tour of the museums.

The remainder of the afternoon will provide the option of time for rest and prayerful reflection.

Before dinner, we may take the opportunity to join the Benedictine monks in the Basilica for the beautiful sounds of evening Vespers.

Montserrat overnight (BD)

After an early breakfast we farewell Montserrat and travel to the nearby town of Manresa where St Ignatius came on retreat for 11 months between 1522 and 1523. Each day he spent seven hours in prayer in a cave and then helped the sick in the village with the time he had left over. Here too Ignatius began to develop the method for seeking God’s will and where he wrote his renowned Spiritual Exercises. We come as pilgrims to this amazing place with St Ignatius and pray in the actual cave where his life and spirituality developed.

Later we travel through the scenic foothills of the Pyrenees, crossing into Southern France before continuing to Lourdes. It was in this small town that Our Lady first appeared to St Bernadette in 1858.

Lourdes overnight (BD)

This morning we will celebrate a group Mass at the Grotto, before meeting our guide for a walking tour of Lourdes including the Sanctuary area: Upper & Lower Basilicas, the Grotto, and the Baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. We continue our visit of the main sites associated with St Bernadette including the Boly Mill where she was born in 1844, the original parish church and the Cachot (prison) where the family was forced to live due to misfortune during the time of the apparitions.

We will return to Lourdes to enjoy a peaceful afternoon to rest or visit and pray for the sick at the miraculous Baths where the water has continued to flow since 1858. Pilgrims may choose to submerge themselves in the healing waters, or collect the Lourdes water at the taps. During her ninth apparition to Bernadette, Our Lady said “Go drink and wash yourself at the spring”. Optional afternoon Blessed Sacrament Procession and Blessing of the Sick before a final evening candlelight procession after dinner.

Note:  Washing at the baths is a personally rewarding experience and is carried out in a dignified manner and with sensitivity to the privacy of each pilgrim. 

Lourdes overnight (BD)

We set out for our travel day, passing through the foothills of the Pyrenees and crossing the border back into northern Spain. En route we visit Loyola where St Ignatius was born and where he later found his conversion. In Loyola pilgrims will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Sanctuary of St Ignatius, including the Casa Santa (Holy House) – 13th century tower house – where he was born and spent many of his early years. Visit also the ornate monastery complete with shrine and relics of the saint and a 65m dome, which can be seen from a great distance. See the sparse room where he lived and recovered from his injuries and developed his spiritual life.

We then continue via majestic scenery to the small village of Garabandal, set high in the remote and breathtaking Cantabrian hills in northern Spain. This is the site of the widely reported apparitions of Our Lady of Mt Carmel between 1961–1965 to four young village girls.

During the time of the apparitions it is reported that Our Lady gave two messages to the world asking for conversion through penance, sacrifice and prayer.

Garabandal overnight (BD)

Following breakfast, we are guided on an orientation tour by a village local before our walk up to ‘the Pines’ where it is said Our Lady will leave a visible sign. The peace of this hamlet heightens the sound of daily life, while chapel bells and farm animals echo through the simple streets.

We then proceed to the city of Santiago de Compostela, where at 7pm at St. James Cathedral we attend the traditional Pilgrim’s Mass, ready to receive a deserved grace and special blessing.

Santiago de Compostela overnight (BD)

The city of the apostle is full of historical buildings and other attractions and is thus the ideal place for a quiet unhurried walk of discovery through streets, squares and nooks, to be taken as a reward for the effort of reaching this city of St James.

This morning we will visit the Cathedral of St James, one of the finest examples of architecture in all of Europe. As pilgrims we have the opportunity to climb the stairs behind the high altar to visit the crypt where the relics of St James are preserved, touch the central pillar (Portico de La Gloria), view the ‘botafumeiro’ and admire the wealth of medieval art inside the Cathedral, before visiting the cloister museum. See also the San Martin Pinario Monastery, a Benedictine Monastery founded in the 10th century, still used as a seminary, student residence and headquarters of the University School of Social work, as well as the headquarters of the theological Institute of Compostela. It was here that Dom Rosendo Salvao Rotea, at the age of 15, entered the Abbey. He would go on to be the founder and first Abbot of the Territorial Abbey of New Norcia in Western Australia. (external view only)

Remainder of the day at leisure.

Santiago de Compostela overnight (BD)

Departing Santiago de Compostela this morning we arrive at Tui, located on the left bank of the Mino River, the opposite side of the river is the Portuguese town of Valenca.

Here we will visit the town where Dom Rosendo Salvao Rotea was born, see the historic quarter including the Castle Cathedral and the main square.

We then cross the Tui International Bridge officially crossing into Portugal, where we proceed to Fatima where in 1917 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three children as ‘a lady in white’.

Before arriving at our hotel, we visit Valinhos, the site of Our Lady’s appearance after the children’s return from prison before we proceed onto the little village of Aljustrel to visit the homes where the children lived. Enter the original Parish church and see the Baptismal font where the children were baptised.

We then continue to our hotel for check-in.

This evening you may choose to take part in the International Rosary followed by a candlelight procession.

Fatima overnight (BD)

This morning we will walk and pray the Stations along the beautiful Way of the Cross (the Sacred Way) culminating in the Chapel of Calvary which overlooks all of Fatima.

We then enjoy a tour of the Square this afternoon (the largest square in Christendom) including the site of the Apparitions, Rosary Basilica with the Tombs of the visionaries, the Museum, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and other main sites.

Following Mass, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Fatima overnight (BD)

Departing Fatima early this morning we travel to Serra da Estrela, where at 1993m it is the highest point in mainland Portugal. Here at the Torre, meaning Tower, we stand at that exact point and admire the beautiful scenery.

We then continue to Alba de Tormes, the little village where St Teresa died. Her incorrupt heart and arm are enshrined and displayed here at the Carmelite convent. Here too we enter the convent for Mass, where St John of the Cross lived and who companioned St Teresa in her spiritual walk.

We then proceed to the nearby historic walled town of Avila. The atmosphere has changed little since the days of St Teresa to whom the city is dedicated. It was here that she entered the Carmelite convent and encountered many mystical experiences during her time.

Avila overnight (BD)

We begin our day with a visit to the Convent of Saint Teresa built over the saint’s birthplace and located just inside the South Gate of the old town. Most of the convent remains in cloister but you can see the very spot where she was born, now a chapel in the Baroque church. We then visit Avila’s Cathedral which was started in the 12^th century before entering the Monastery of the Incarnation for Mass where St Teresa’s cell can be seen as well as other relics of her life.

Afternoon at leisure.

Avila overnight (BD)

This morning we travel by coach to Madrid Airport where we will depart on our homebound flight connections. (B)