One of our very talented Spiritual Directors, Father Peter
Dugandzic, recently led a 206 Tours Pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain, Lourdes &
Paris. He has been extremely gracious in taking the time to document his
journey in a Video Diary – which we are happy to share with you! Click to
watch the videos below, get a glimpse into what a 206 Tours Marian
Pilgrimage is about, and to feel as though you are right alongside Fr. Peter in
Portugal, Spain, and France!
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon
The group
begins their Marian Pilgrimage in Lisbon, Portugal. Of all the things to see in
Lisbon, the birthplace of St. Anthony of Padua is the most important. The group
celebrated daily Mass at the Church that was built on the place where St.
Anthony was born.
Day 2: Santarem & Fatima
The group
celebrated Holy Mass in Santarem, at the Church of St. Stephen where a 13th
century Eucharistic miracle occurred - before heading to the Shrine in Fatima.
In Fatima, they visited the Hamlet of Aljustrel, the home of the three (3)
shepherd children who witnessed Our Blessed Mother’s apparitions. After
dinner, they joined the Rosary and Procession at the Shrine.
Day 3: Fatima
In the morning,
the group celebrated Holy Mass at the Chapel of the Angel of Peace (Little
Chapel of Apparitions) in Fatima before touring the Shrine, and learning
about the miracle that happened more than 100 years ago. After lunch, the group
did the Stations of the Cross. The path for the Stations is the same route the
children took from their homes to where they tended their flock, and where they
saw the Blessed Mother.
Day 4: Salamanca – Alba de Tormes – Avila - Burgos
On this day,
the group journeyed to Salamanca - a beautiful University city with an old and
new Cathedral. They embarked on a walking tour which concluded with Holy Mass
in St. Martin's Church. As part of our celebration, Fr. Peter blessed Pilgrims
- George and Sandra - on their 32nd Wedding Anniversary!
Day 5: Avila
After departing
from Salamanca, the group made their way to the village of Alba de Tormes, the
place where Saint Teresa of Avila founded the Carmelite Monastery in 1571.
While there, they celebrated Holy Mass, and had an opportunity to venerate St.
Teresa’s remains. They continued to Avila to pray in the chapel where St.
Teresa was born, and enjoyed the well preserved - and beautiful - 11th century architecture of the city.
Day 6: Loyola and Lourdes
On this day,
the group traveled to Loyola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius - and had the
opportunity to visit his home, as well as celebrate Holy Mass in the room
where he underwent his conversion. They proceeded to Lourdes, with a remarkable
view of the Pyrenees Mountains. After dinner, they walked to the Shrine for the
spectacular Rosary Procession.
Day 7 & 8: Lourdes
After Holy Mass
at the Chapel of St. Gabriel, the group toured the city of Lourdes and the holy
places from the life of St. Bernadette. Some of those sites include Boly Mill
where she was born, the Grotto of Massbielle where Our Lady first appeared to
her in 1858, the miraculous spring that has cured many, and the healing baths.
The group then joined the Eucharistic procession where there is a special
blessing for all the sick and infirm - here Fr. Peter said a special prayer for
all of us!
On this day Father Peter was asked to be the main celebrant
for Mass in the Grotto, and a few of our 206 Tours Pilgrims served as Lectors.
After Mass, the group walked the Stations of the Cross - which are uniquely
carved into a mountain with life-sized figures featured in the Stations. The
group offered a special prayer at the 12th Station.
Day 9: Paris & Lisieux
The group left Lourdes to fly to Paris where the celebrated
Mass at the famous Basilica, Sacre Coeur, which translated means, “Sacred
Heart”. The Basilica sits atop Montmartre Hill with a stunning panoramic view
overlooking Paris.
Day 10: Lisieux
In Lisieux, the group visited the Basilica of St. Therese,
and admired the magnificent mosaics and stained glass within. St. Therese was
also known as “The Little Flower” and called, “the greatest Saint of modern
times” by Pope Pius X. The group had the opportunity to view relics of her
family, tour the Carmelite Convent she attended, and see her childhood home,
Les Buissonets.
Normandy - Landing Beaches – American Cemetery
The group then made their way to Normandy, the site of
D-Day. Together they visited the Normandy American Cemetery, and Memorial to
honor and pray for the many brave American soldiers who died on D-Day and in
Europe during World War II. Watch Fr. Peter’s moving video from this
experience.
Day 11: Chartres
In Chartres, the group celebrated Holy Mass at the massive
Cathedral Notre Dame. Here they observed the incredible stained-glass windows
from the 12th and 13th century which is widely revered as
one of the highest points of French Gothic Art.
Day 12: Paris
On the group’s
final day of their Pilgrimage, they went to Rue de Bac and celebrated Mass at
the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - which holds the remains of St.
Catherine Laboure. Then they toured the city of Paris, visiting the church of
St. Vincent de Paul, returned to Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.
For fourteen (14) days, Father Peter and his fellow Pilgrims
visited many holy sites, Shrines, and Churches in the experience of a lifetime.
We thank Father Peter and his group of Pilgrims for giving us the opportunity
to share in their experience through this wonderful video diary.
To learn more about taking part in your own Marian Pilgrimage, view the full itinerary here:
