Pilgrimages
The Marian Pilgrimage to France
Join Father Dave Pivonka on a ten-day pilgrimage of faith to the holy sites of "the eldest daughter of the Church," France.
July 21-31, 2014
See the sights of Lyon, Ars, Paray-le-Monial, Paris, Chartres, Liseiux, Mont-St. Michel, and, of course, Lourdes. Pray at the places so familiar and dear to Sts. Irenaeus, John Mary Vianney, Thérèse, Bernadette, Vincent de Paul, Catherine Labouré, Margaret Mary Alacoque, and so many others.
Prices, Details, Registration
Estimated Package Price: $3,290.00 + $700.00* Departure Taxes and Fuel Surcharges
Inclusive per person, sharing a twin room
*Estimated Departure Taxes & Fuel Surcharges subject to increase 30 days prior to departure.
Registration & Full Details
Download the brochure for detailed itinerary, information, and registration form.
A letter from Father Dave Pivonka
Dear Friend,
Peace and Blessing.
From the world’s most famous healing shrine to the hidden home of the Little Flower to the birthplace of the Miraculous Medal devotion, the country of France holds many spiritual treasures for those who seek them. I invite you to discover them with me on a Franciscan University Marian Pilgrimage to France.
Open to all youth, young adults, and the young at heart, our pilgrimage will begin in Lourdes, the Pyrenees village that has become one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the entire world. There we will celebrate Mass at the Grotto where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette. We will also have the opportunity to bathe in the miraculous water of Lourdes, where countless cures of body, mind, and spirit have occurred.
Our pilgrimage will then take us to the Church of St. Gildard, the site of St. Bernadette’s chapel where her incorrupt body rests. What an opportunity to pray in that holy place!
We will then visit Lisieux, the little city in Normandy where St. Thérèse spent her years as a religious sister. There, we will have the blessing of celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Thérèse, the Little Flower. I can’t wait to introduce you to the simple yet profoundly moving story and message of this saint who has so much to teach young people—and all of us—about the love of God.
One scheduled stop along our journey may seem unusual for a Marian pilgrimage: Omaha Beach, a D-Day landing beach and now the site of the American Cemetery. I have been to the beaches of Normandy a number of times and find visiting them a truly powerful experience that can teach us so much about courage and hope in the face of unbelievable odds. It is so moving to walk among the white gravestones and pray for our country’s fallen patriots. It is a place you will not soon forget.
No pilgrimage to France would be complete without spending time in Paris. While there, we will visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal - the resting place of St. Catherine Labouré, and the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul. Of course no visit to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eifel Tower, Arc de Triumph as well as a many small pastry cafés.
Please prayerfully consider joining me July 21—31, 2014, for this pilgrimage of a lifetime! Unfortunately, space is limited so don’t wait long to make your reservation.
Again, I hope you, your youth group, young adult group, or family will among our Marian pilgrims. I expect this pilgrimage to be a blessing beyond measure!
Know of my thoughts and prayers. May you know and experience God’s richest blessing.
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR