Rev. Jean Oscar Nlandu — Marian Pilgrimage

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart from your local airport for your overnight flight to Portugal. Meet your fellow pilgrims and spiritual director before check-in and spend time preparing spiritually for the sacred journey ahead.

During the flight, enjoy the airline's meal service and reflect on the many holy places you will visit throughout Portugal, Spain, and France. Pray the Rosary, read Scripture, or simply rest as you travel across the Atlantic.

Overnight aboard your flight.

Upon arrival at Lisbon International Airport, meet your local guide and driver.

Depending on your arrival time, travel north to the beautiful medieval town of Óbidos. Surrounded by ancient walls, Óbidos is one of Portugal's most charming historic villages. Walk through its cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses decorated with flowers and discover its rich Christian heritage.

Continue to Fátima, one of the world's most important Marian pilgrimage sites.

After checking into your hotel, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. Walk through the vast prayer plaza and visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, built at the site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.

Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and pray at the tombs of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto and Sister Lucia.

Following dinner, join pilgrims from around the world in the Rosary and Candlelight Procession.

Dinner and overnight in Fátima.

After breakfast, return to the Sanctuary for Holy Mass.

Spend the morning exploring the sacred sites associated with the apparitions. Visit Aljustrel, the village where the shepherd children lived, and see their family homes preserved much as they were during the apparitions.

Continue to Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared during August 1917, and pray the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra.

Following lunch, travel to Nazaré, one of Portugal's most picturesque coastal towns.

Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré and learn about the centuries-old devotion associated with this Marian shrine.

Enjoy free time overlooking the Atlantic Ocean before returning to Fátima.

Dinner and overnight in Fátima.

After breakfast depart for Porto.

Celebrate Holy Mass at the Church of St. Francis and enjoy a walking tour through Porto's historic center.

Continue north to Braga, known as Portugal's religious capital.

Visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Take time to walk the famous staircase representing the Christian journey toward salvation and enjoy time for prayer within the sanctuary.

Following lunch continue across the Spanish border into Galicia.

Arrive in O Grove, a charming coastal town in northwestern Spain.

Dinner and overnight in O Grove.

Following breakfast travel to Santiago de Compostela.

Upon arrival at Obradoiro Square, gather for prayer before entering the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago.

Visit the tomb of St. James the Apostle and learn about the history of the Camino de Santiago, one of Christianity's most famous pilgrimages.

Celebrate Pilgrim Mass within the Cathedral and spend time in personal prayer.

Enjoy free time exploring the old city, its churches, squares, and religious shops.

Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast depart for Lugo.

Visit Lugo Cathedral, one of the few churches in the world where perpetual exposition of the Blessed Sacrament has been maintained for centuries.

Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration and celebrate Holy Mass.

Continue to Oviedo and visit the Cathedral of San Salvador.

Learn about the cathedral's sacred relics, including treasures preserved since the earliest centuries of Christianity in Spain.

Pray before the Holy Ark and enjoy time for reflection.

Later continue through the beautiful mountains of Asturias to Covadonga.

Dinner and overnight in Covadonga.

Begin the day with Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Covadonga.

Visit the Holy Cave where a statue of the Blessed Virgin is venerated and learn about the important role Covadonga played in Spain's Christian history.

Continue to the small mountain village of Garabandal.

Spend time walking through the village where reports of Marian apparitions occurred during the 1960s. Reflect on the themes of prayer, penance, conversion, and devotion to the Eucharist.

After lunch begin the scenic journey across the Pyrenees Mountains into France.

Arrive in Lourdes during the evening.

Following dinner, participate in the famous Candlelight Procession at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Overnight in Lourdes.

Today is dedicated entirely to Lourdes.

Celebrate Holy Mass at the Sanctuary before visiting the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

Spend time praying at the Grotto and drinking water from the miraculous spring discovered by St. Bernadette.

Visit the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Basilica of St. Pius X.

Walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette by visiting her family home and other significant sites associated with her life.

Pilgrims may participate in the healing baths or water gesture experience as available.

Following dinner, join the evening Rosary and Candlelight Procession.

Overnight in Lourdes.

After breakfast depart Lourdes and travel into Spain.

Stop in the medieval town of Aínsa, beautifully situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains.

Visit its historic church and enjoy time for prayer and reflection.

Continue through the countryside of Aragón and Catalonia before arriving at Montserrat.

Visit the famous Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat and venerate the revered statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, affectionately known as "La Moreneta."

Spend time exploring the sanctuary and enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Join the monks for evening prayers.

Dinner and overnight in Montserrat.

After breakfast celebrate Holy Mass at Montserrat before departing for Barcelona.

Upon arrival visit Barcelona Cathedral, dedicated to St. Eulalia.

Explore the Gothic Quarter, one of the oldest sections of the city, where narrow streets and ancient churches reflect centuries of Christian history.

Visit historic squares, chapels, and monuments while learning about Barcelona's Catholic heritage.

The afternoon offers free time for personal prayer, shopping, or independent exploration.

Dinner and overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí and one of the most extraordinary churches in the world.

During your guided tour, discover how every aspect of the basilica reflects the life of Christ, Sacred Scripture, and the beauty of God's creation.

Celebrate Holy Mass and spend time in silent prayer within the basilica.

Continue with a panoramic tour of Barcelona including views of the Mediterranean coastline, Passeig de Gràcia, and other important landmarks.

The afternoon is free for relaxation, shopping, or personal exploration.

Gather this evening for a farewell dinner as you reflect on the many blessings received throughout your pilgrimage.

Overnight in Barcelona.

Following breakfast, transfer to Barcelona International Airport.

Before departure, gather as a pilgrimage family for a final prayer of thanksgiving for the graces received during your journey through Portugal, Spain, and France.

As you return home, carry with you the spiritual blessings of Fátima, Santiago de Compostela, Covadonga, Garabandal, Lourdes, Montserrat, and Barcelona.

Depart for your return flight to the United States with hearts renewed in faith and devotion to Our Blessed Mother.