Catholic Pilgrimage to Portugal & France

Fátima & Lourdes

DAY 1: Thursday, October 8 | Washington Dulles → Lisbon
The pilgrimage begins with departure from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) on a transatlantic flight to Lisbon, Portugal. As the group boards the aircraft, this marks the beginning of a sacred journey to some of the most important Marian shrines in Europe. During the flight, pilgrims will have time to rest, reflect, and prepare spiritually for the days ahead. Meals will be served on board, providing time for relaxation as the group travels across the Atlantic Ocean toward Portugal. Overnight on the aircraft.

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DAY 2: Friday, October 9 | Arrival & The Footsteps of St. Jacinta

Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport (LIS), the group will be met by a private motorcoach and professional guide. To begin the pilgrimage, we head into the heart of Lisbon to the Estrela district. Visit the site of the Orphanage of Our Lady of Miracles (Orfanato de Nossa Senhora dos Milagres) on Rua da Estrela.

Historical Significance: This is where St. Jacinta Marto stayed in early 1920 under the care of Mother Maria Godinho. It was here, in a small room overlooking the tabernacle of the nearby church, that she spent her final weeks of prayer before her hospitalization.

Refinement: Now associated with the Poor Clare nuns, the site offers a profound look at Jacinta’s terminal patience and her devotion to "the Hidden Jesus."

The journey continues to Santarém (approx. 45 miles / 72 km).

Church of St. Stephen: Visit the site of the 13th-century Eucharistic Miracle. Pilgrims will have time for prayer and reflection before the Miraculous Host.

Holy Mass: Celebrate Mass at the sanctuary, gathering in worship at one of Portugal's most sacred sites.

Continue by motorcoach to Fátima (approx. 36 miles / 60 km). After checking into the hotel near the sanctuary, the group will have dinner and overnight.

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Day 3: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 | Fátima

Today is dedicated to a full day in Fátima, one of the most important Marian shrines in the world. The day begins with visits to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the tombs of Saint Francisco Marto and Saint Jacinta Marto are located, and the Chapel of the Apparitions, built on the very spot where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the shepherd children. The pilgrimage continues with a visit to Aljustrel, the small village where the shepherd children Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta were born and lived. This visit offers a deeper insight into their simple lives and profound faith. The afternoon provides time for personal prayer, reflection and quiet moments within the sanctuary grounds. In the evening, pilgrims are invited to participate in the Candlelight Procession, a deeply moving experience of prayer and devotion at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. Overnight in Fátima.

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DAY 4: Sunday, October 11 | Fátima

The day begins with Holy Mass, allowing pilgrims to gather in prayer and reflection at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. Following Mass, the pilgrimage continues with the Via Sacra, a prayerful walk recalling the Way of the Cross. This meaningful experience offers time for meditation on Christ’s Passion and deeper spiritual reflection. In the afternoon we will visit Sister Angela and museum. In the evening, pilgrims are invited once again to participate in the Candlelight Procession, a powerful expression of faith and devotion at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. Overnight in Fátima.

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DAY 5: Monday, October 12 | Fátima

This day is reserved as a free day in Fátima, offering pilgrims the opportunity for continued devotion at the sanctuary. Pilgrims may choose to spend the day in personal prayer, quiet reflection or attending additional liturgical services. Optional short excursions in and around Fátima may be available, allowing time to further explore the area and deepen the pilgrimage experience. Overnight in Fátima.

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DAY 6: TIESDAY, OCTOBER 13 | Fátima

Today is a very special and significant day in Fátima, marking the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun. Pilgrims will spend the full day at the sanctuary, participating in the principal celebrations and devotions connected with this important feast. The program includes participation in Holy Mass, as well as various processions and special devotional services, allowing pilgrims to experience the profound spiritual atmosphere of this historic day. Overnight in Fátima.​

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DAY 7: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 | Fátima → BALSAR → PORTO

The day begins with an early departure from Fátima, approximately 7:00–8:00 AM, as the group travels by motorcoach to Balasar, a journey of about 2½–3 hours each way. Upon arrival, pilgrims will visit the Sanctuary of Blessed Alexandrina of Balasar. Time will be dedicated to learning about her remarkable life of faith, prayer, and self-offering. Blessed Alexandrina is known for her deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist, her acceptance of suffering, and her offering of her life for the salvation of souls. Pilgrims will have the opportunity for prayer, veneration of her tomb and relics, and optional Holy Mass at the sanctuary. Following the visit, the group will continue by motorcoach toward the Porto area, a short drive of approximately 30–40 minutes from Balasar. Overnight in a Porto area hotel.

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DAY 8: Thursday, October 15 | Porto → Toulouse → Lourdes

The day begins with a morning direct flight from Porto to Toulouse, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Upon arrival at Toulouse Airport, the group will continue by private motorcoach toward Lourdes, a journey of approximately 2 hours (about 112 miles / 180 km). Upon arrival in Lourdes, pilgrims will check in at the hotel located near the sanctuary. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for rest after travel or independent time at the sanctuary. In the evening, pilgrims may choose to participate in optional prayer or the Rosary at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Overnight in Lourdes.​

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DAY 9–11 — Friday–sunday, October 16–18 | Lourdes

These days are dedicated to time in Lourdes, one of the most well-known Marian shrines in the world. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to focus on prayer, reflection, and the spiritual life of the sanctuary, with time for both communal and personal devotion. The program includes Holy Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, the sacred site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette. Time is also provided for a visit to the Lourdes Baths (subject to availability), a powerful sign of faith and hope for healing. Pilgrims may also visit the Cachot, the humble place where Saint Bernadette lived. Each evening, pilgrims are invited to participate in the Rosary and Candlelight Procession, a moving expression of devotion shared with pilgrims from around the world. Additional time is available for personal prayer, reflection, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as time to explore the sanctuary grounds and for personal prayer and reflection. Overnight in Lourdes throughout the stay.​​

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DAY 12: MONDAY, October 19 | Lourdes → Toulouse → United States

The pilgrimage concludes with a morning motorcoach transfer from Lourdes to Toulouse–Blagnac Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, pilgrims will begin their return journey to the United States. This pilgrimage has been a time of prayer, grace, and fellowship, a journey through sacred places where faith and quiet reflection were deeply experienced. Encounters in Fátima and Lourdes leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of pilgrims, strengthening trust in God and enriching spiritual life. May the experiences of this pilgrimage continue to be a source of peace, hope, and strength in daily life, inspiring pilgrims to carry the message of these holy places with them long after returning home.​​​