Past Pilgrimages
Pilgrimages By Corporate Travel Service invites you to browse a few of our past pilgrimages in order to better appreciate the experience of faith travel and to inspire ideas for creating your own group or individual pilgrimage:
Year of Mercy Pilgrimage with Archbishop Wenski
The Archdiocese of Miami and Archbishop Thomas Wenski traveled to Rome with 42 pilgrims to celebrate the Year of Mercy.
Feast of All Saints Pilgrimage to Washington D.C., November 2016
From our encounter with St. John Paul II at the Shrine to the vigil prayer for our nation before the Lincoln and Washington Monuments, our time together was abundantly blessed. This one day journey, though short, has afforded us the powerful reminder that God is constantly guiding us every step of the way, and that we are influential witnesses to each other and the world. As Bishop Mike Byrnes noted at the beginning of our trip, our whole life is that of a pilgrim. The beauty of uniting as pilgrims strengthens awareness that we are not alone, particularly on the Feast Day of All Saints!
St. Paul on the Lake Pilgrimage to Italy, October 2016
Msgr. Patrick Halfpenny leads St. Paul on the Lake Parish of Grosse Pointe through Assisi and Rome on pilgrimage during the Year of Mercy! This eager group of pilgrims joyfully flock to the Eternal City in support of their brother, Grayson Heenan, for his diaconate ordination at St. Peter’s Basilica. Through the experience of mercy at the Holy Doors in Rome, to participating in a sacred ordination celebration—these faithful pilgrims shared a unique walk through life’s journey together! Monsignor’s daily reminder to recall the gems of graces that God flows through your life each day still calls us to reflection and gratitude as we continue life’s pilgrimage at home.
Divine Child Parish Rhine River Cruise, October 2016
After a lovely cruise up the Rhine River—from Switzerland to the Netherlands—this well-seasoned group of travelers from Divine Child in Dearborn can appreciate a whole new experience of western Europe! They thoroughly enjoyed touring through such historic places as the Black Forrest in Germany, charming Strasbourg on the east border of France, Heidelberg Castle and the Dom in Cologne—all at the leisurely pace that river cruising affords. Take a week away with us and we will show you the world through a uniquely beautiful lens!
Fr. John Riccardo and Fr. Steve Mateja Year of Mercy Pilgrimage to Poland, October 2016
Poland is the Land of Mercy. Fr. John Riccardo and Fr. Steve Mateja lead over 100 pilgrims throughout Poland to experience the influence of the missionaries of mercy in St. John Paul II, St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Faustina, and many others who have stamped the history, beauty, and influence of this strong Catholic nation. From Warsaw, Our Lady’s Shrine at Czestochowa, and the Polish alps in Zakopane, to Krakow – the pilgrim’s heart can appreciate the strength of the faithful and staunch-hearted Polish people. Visiting the cell of St. Maximillian, enjoying lectures on mercy, and a private meeting with the secretary of St. John Paul II, Cardinal Dziwisz, are a few of the countless moments of grace they encountered on this journey!
California Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums Pilgrimage to Italy, March 2016
The California Chapter traveled with 43 members to Rome to celebrate the completion of the restoration of the Gallery of Maps – a CA funded restoration project. The highlight of the celebration was the Gala reception in the Gallery of Busts and Statues accompanied by the young map restorers, and Patrons staff.
The Vatican’s Gallery of Maps Comes Back to Life
An article from the Wall Street Journey by By Liam Moloney
Read more >>
Louisiana Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums Pilgrimage to Italy, November 2015
The Patrons were lead by Monsignor Christopher Nalte with special guide Dr. Elizabeth Lev. Highlights included the beautiful Papal Gardens of Castel Gandolfo, special tour of the Swiss Guard Barracks, Mass at the tomb of St. Peter, and reparto speciale tickets to the Papal Audience.
Legatus Generational Mission Pilgrimage to Mexico, November 2015
Group of Legatus members took a pilgrimage to Mexico visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Sisters of Mary Girlstown.
World Meeting of Families, September 2015
Pope Francis comes to Philadelphia! Families from around the USA flocked to Pennsylvania to see the Holy Father and attend the events of the World Meeting of Families.
More coverage on Pilgrimages by Corporate Travel to see the Pope
Mercy High School Trip to Ireland, July 2015
Mercy students led by Pastoral Minister Mrs. Judi Griggs-Dennis traveled to Ireland for the Youth Mercy Leaders Conference. Before attending the conference in Dublin addressing current global issues and how to better implement Mercy in their communities, the girls spent some days in surrounding towns of Knock, Galway, Limerick, and Sneem. Tour guide and seanachaí (Irish storyteller) Batt Burns introduced the group to the beautiful country of Ireland. As pictured below, they truly enjoyed his storytelling so much, the girls would beg Batt for a bedtime story and he always acquiesced.
Pilgrimage to EWTN and Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, May 2015
A group of pilgrims travel to Birmingham AL to the studios of ETWN and had the opportunity to join Fr. Frank Pavone, Teresa Tomeo, Janet Morana, and Astrid Bennett during the taping of the Catholic View for Women. The pilgrims comprised the show’s first ever live audience. Following the airing Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life privately addressed the group and welcomed them.
Steve Ray Holy Land Pilgrimage, May 2015
Pilgrims traveled with Steve Ray to the Holy Land. The pilgrimage had such an impact on them that they were overflowing with gratitude. Steve received this photo enclosed with the many “thank you”s written by each pilgrim as a small return for what was gained in the experience; deepened faith and a new outlook on the life of Christ and His Church.
Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums Mediterranean Cruise with Fr. Mark Haydu, May 2015
Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums traveled with Fr. Mark Haydu to the Mediterranean. Afterwards the group extended their trip to visit Rome.
500th Anniversary of the Birth of St. Teresa of Avila, April 2015
Pilgrims traveled with Steve Ray of Footprints of God Pilgrimages and Teresa Tomeo of Ave Maria Radio to Portugal, Spain and France. The group visited the city of Avila and the sites significant in the life of St. Teresa of Avila in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Saint’s birth. Below is pictured the group outside of the Rosary Basilica in Lourdes, France.
St. Paul on the Lake Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, February 2015
Parishioners of St. Paul on the Lake traveled with Msgr. Halfpenny on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Visiting many places of the life of Christ the pilgrims experienced a life-changing journey.
Footsteps of St. John Paul II with Fr. Rutherford, September 2014
Pilgrims traveled to Poland, homeland of the beloved St. John Paul II, St. Maximillion Kolbe, and St. Faustina. Guided by John and Marjorie Jeter they followed the footsteps of these saints to Warsaw, Czeztochowa, Zakopane, Wadowice, Auschwitz, Krakow and more. The group was able to meet with the Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, longtime assistant and friend of John Paul II of over 40 years.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Footprints of God, August 2014
A group of pilgrims traveled to the Holy Land with full trust in God and the care of Corporate Travel and Footprints of God. They traveled eager to walk in the footprints of our Lord and our Lady – and all the patriarchs, kings, prophets, apostles and followers of Jesus.
Archdiocese of Detroit Marian Pilgrimage to Montreal & Quebec, August 2014
Archbishop Allen Vigneron lead a pilgrimage to Montreal and Quebec in honor of the 350th anniversary jubilee of Notre-Dame of Quebec. As part of the celebrations, a Holy Door was constructed—the first outside Europe, and only the seventh in the world, which was opened for a this jubilee year. Our pilgrims were able to walk through this Holy Door which signifies a passage of purification, plenary indulgence, and humility as part of their spiritual pilgrimage. Also, they visited the Shrine of St. Anne, patroness of the Archdiocese.
View more photos on the AOD Facebook Marian pilgrimage album
Patrons of the Arts Trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Toronto, August 2014
Commandante Daniel Anrig, Commander of the Swiss Guard, and Sculptor Timothy Schmalz joined the Patrons on a beautiful trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Toronto. Timothy presented to the group explaining the theology behind his work. The group enjoyed the view of the breathtaking Falls. During the reception at the Toronto Hunt Club Commandante Daniel Anrig, Commander of the Swiss Guard shared the history of the Swiss Guard and the duty to the Pope.
Camino de Santiago, July 2014
Youth group completed the challenging Camino walk of faith. Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, Spain after days of travel.
Roman Holiday Retreat for Couples, May 2014
Teresa Tomeo along with her husband Deacon Dominick Pastore and Fr. Leo Patalinghug hosted a retreat for couples to Italy. Traveling to Italy, they toured the beautiful Rome, the Amalfi Coast as well as Pompeii. The couples enjoyed daily Mass, reflections and time at leisure to retreat. Fr. Leo even gave a cooking course for the group!
American Association of the Order of Malta Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, May 2014
The American Association of the Order of Malta once again led a pilgrimage to the Marian Apparition site of Lourdes, France. The 350-person group, including 56 malades, flew by charter plane to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. The pilgrims participated in many events during the week including leading the evening candlelight procession, Anointing of the Sick, bathing in the Baths, Stations of the Cross, and daily Mass at the Grotto, the Upper Basilica, Underground Basilica, and the Rosary Basilica. The group also had the great privilege of attending the International Mass in the Pius X Basilica, where approximately 20,000 pilgrims from Order of Malta associations all around the world gathered to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. More Photos
Pilgrimage to Rome for Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums 30th Anniversary, October 2013
The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums gathered in Rome this month to celebrate their 30th Anniversary at the Vatican. The Holy Father, Pope Francis himself, welcomed them back to the Eternal City with open arms, graciously lauding their generous support and contribution to the Church’s evangelization through beauty and the arts. Pope Francis recalled, “In every age the Church has called upon the arts to give expression to the beauty of her faith and to proclaim the Gospel message of the grandeur of God’s creation.”
Each of the Patrons had the opportunity to greet the Holy Father individually during a private papal audience. They also enjoyed observing the fruits of their contributions with private tours of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and restoration labs where the arts are restored. We are reminded of the call to evangelize, first and foremost by the example of reflecting God’s truth, goodness, and beauty in our lives, and then to be channels through which this message can shine out to the rest of creation.
Articles by EWTN News:
Beauty, art have crucial role in evangelization
Pope: Art expresses the beauty of faith
Order of Malta Tour of Malta for 900th Anniversary of Papal Bull Pie Postulatio Voluntatis, October, 2013
In celebration of the 900th anniversary of the Papal Bull Pie Postulatio Voluntatisrecognizing the founding of the Hospitallers as a lay religious order, the American Association, Order of Malta took a privileged tour of Malta hosted by President Jack Pohrer. The pilgrim members of the order also had the opportunity to visit the historical sites associated with the Order of Malta in addition to a courtesy visit for high tea with his Excellency President of Malta George Abela.
Wine & Missions Pilgrimage with Ave Maria Trips to California October 2013
AVE MARIA TRIPS pilgrims strolled back in time to savor the rich heritage of Father Junipero Serra’s California Missions (Oct 1-6, 2013) as they toured the lush wine country of Sonoma, California, the happiest place in California and the #1 Wine Destination in the USA. Pilgrims journeyed to Monterey, San Francisco, and toured five beautiful California wineries: Chateau Julien Wine Estate, Cline Cellars & Missions Museum, Sebastiani Winery & Vineyards , St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, & Ravenswood Winery, where they turned vintner and blended their own small bottle of wine to take home with them. New friends were made and former friendships were renewed as pilgrims savored the beauty of prayer, vine, fine food, and fellowship in California.
Below are some photos taken by one of our pilrigms, Patty Ledezma.
St. Paul Pilgrimage Cruise with Steve Ray & Ignatius Press October 2013
Starting with an optional tour of Rome, Steve Ray joined by president of Ignatius Press, Mark Brumley, and Fr. Mark Mary of EWTN hosted a cruise of the Mediterranean. Sites included those of the life of St. Paul: Thessaloniki seeing the House of Jason where Paul stayed and the Agora where he preached, Kavala (biblical Neapolis) where Paul, Timothy and Silas first landed on European soil, Ephesus, and Mars Hill in Athens where Paul spoke to the Athenians.
Fatima and Lourdes Pilgrimage with Steve Ray, September 2013
Steve Ray led a group of pilgrims through two beloved Marian pilgrimage sites. The pilgrims first had the opportunity to visit Fatima where Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children. After Fatima, they experienced many Santiago de Compostela (The Way of St. James) and the beautiful city of Burgos, before continuing on to Lourdes. They finished their pilgrimage in the peaceful Marian sites of the holy Grotto and miraculous spring.
Archdiocese of Detroit Year of Faith Detroit Pilgrimage, September 2013
Changing Lives Together, an outreach of the Archdiocese of Detroit, sponsored a Year of Faith Pilgrimage to visit some of the beautiful Churches in the Archdiocese. Pilgrims visited Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, Shrine Chapel on the campus of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary, St. Florian Church in Hamtramck, and St. Joseph in Detroit. They were given a tour & blessing by Fr. John Riccardo, venerated relics of St. Anne and Bl. John Paul II, enjoyed a Polish luncheon and celebrated Mass with Archbishop Vigneron.
Click here to view an article on Michigan Catholic about this pilgrimage.
Catholic Digest – Holy Land Pilgrimage with Steve & Janet Ray, May 2013
Catholic Digest and many members of their readership traveled together with Steve and Janet Ray to the Holy Land for a unique experience of the many sacred & biblical sites there. Here are links to their experience in their own words, including a video thank you to Steve and Janet from the pilgrims.
Diocese of Saginaw – Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bishop Cistone, February 2013
Members of the Diocese of Saginaw participated in a Holy Land pilgrimage with their Bishop, Bishop Cistone. Led by Catholic speaker and Holy Land expert Steve Ray, the pilgrims were able to experience and enliven their faith by encountering the many biblical sites in Israel. Bishop Cistone gave a video reflection of his time on this pilgrimage:
Priestly Ordination Pilgrimage for Fr. Mark Thelen, LC December 2012
Fr. Mark Thelen was joined by his family and friends in Rome for his Priestly Ordination with the Legionaries of Christ in Rome. The wonderful opportunity to join Fr. Thelen for the most important day of his life, was also enhanced by the opportunity to experience the deep roots of the faith in Rome and Assisi on pilgrimage. The video below was created during the ordination.
Archdiocese of Seattle Canonization Pilgrimage, October 2012
The Archdiocese of Seattle with Archbishop Sartain took a pilgrimage to Italy led by Archbishop Alex J. Brunett for the Canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Special guests, including the family who experienced the miracle which led to Saint Kateri’s canonization, also traveled with the pilgrims. With tours of holy sites in Rome and Assisi, culminating with the canonization ceremony in St. Peter’s square, pilgrims experienced the weight and joy of this special event.
Pallium Pilgrimages, June 2012
Archbishops from three different archdioceses (Baltimore, Philadelphia & Denver) traveled to Rome for the conferral of their Pallium from Pope Benedict XVI. Family, friends, and members of their archdioceses were able to tour Rome, surrounding areas of Italy, and the Vatican, as well as attend the conferral ceremony and following receptions.
Archbishop Sartain Pallium Pilgrimage, Rome, June 2011
One hundred thirty family members, friends, and supporters of Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle journeyed to Rome to witness and celebrate the conferral of the Pallium on him by the Pope Benedict XVI. In addition to a day excursion to Assisi, these pilgrims enjoyed many privileged opportunities, including the Scavi tour in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica; a private Mass at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s; and a private Sistine Chapel tour with an acclaimed, faith-filled art historian.
Beatification of Pope John Paul II, Rome, Spring 2011
Guided by Steve and Janet Ray, this pilgrimage offered privileged opportunities to learn about the life and holiness of Pope John Paul II, including a visit to the Belgian College where the late Pope lived as a seminarian. The group also enjoyed a tour of the Angelicum where Blessed John Paul II studied, and presentations by his classmate Cardinal Mejia and biographer George Weigel, author of Witness to Hope. The highlight of the tour, of course, was the beatification ceremony in St. Peter’s Square.
Fr. John Riccardo Pilgrimage, Poland, October 2010
Under Fr. Riccardo’s inspirational guidance, this pilgrimage began in Warsaw with a visit to St. Stanislaw Kostka Church with the tomb of Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, chaplain and martyr of the Solidarity Movement. Next the group toured Niepokolanow, the Immaculata city built by Fr. Maximilian Kolbe, and Czestochowa, the center of Poland’s religious life and home of the famous icon of the Black Madonna. The pilgrimage also included Mass at Wawel Cathedral where Pope John Paul II was ordained a priest, a visit to the tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska, and Mass at Maximilian Kolbe Shrine at Harmeze – Auschwitz.