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Blessed Journeys, Inc. Presents:  A Pilgrimage to the Shrines of France

October 3-14, 2011

12 days – 11 nights

Including:

Oct. 03            Day 1:              Depart U.S.A.

You will leave on an overnight flight to Paris from Buffalo

Oct. 04            Day 2:             Paris --Miraculous Medal-

Welcome to France. You are greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel. En route, we stop at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal for Mass. Here lies the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. We will spend the remainder of the day at leisure to become acclimated to a new time zone. Overnight:  In the hotel. (D)

Oct. 05            Day 3:              Paris-

This morning we visit Sacre Coeur Basilica and Montmartre section of the city for Mass and some free time to walk around the artist section, browse the shops and enjoy the panoramic view of Paris before we are transferred to the train station for the TGV train to Lourdes. Arrival in Lourdes where we settle into our hotel. (B.D.)

Oct. 06            Day 4:              Lourdes

Start the day with Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, followed by a walking tour of Lourdes. Here the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette in 1858. Time is scheduled to visit the Healing Baths, and take a bath in the miraculous waters. In the evening participate in the spectacular Candlelight Procession joining thousands of pilgrims in praying the Rosary and singing hymns in honor of the Mother of God. Overnight in Lourdes. (B.D.)

Oct. 07            Day 5 :             Lourdes

Today is reserved for prayer, devotion, and healing, pray the Stations of the Cross, attend the Blessing of the Sick, the Blessed Sacrament Procession and Eucharistic Adoration. Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica. Overnight in Lourdes. (B.D.)

Oct. 08            Day 6:             Lourdes and Le Puy

We have morning Mass in Lourdes followed by some personal time around mid day we depart for northeastern France through the countryside of Provence, dotted with vineyards, villages and fields of sunflower and lavender to Le Puy. Then we are at Le Puy. You are greeted by huge statue Our Lady of France towering over the city, on one hill and on the other the sanctuary of St. Michel. We visit the Cathedral for a look at statue of the Black Madonna. Overnight Le Puy area. (B.D.)

Oct. 09            Day 7:             La Salette

Today we drive high up into the mountains to see the great pilgrimage center of La Salette. Mass will be celebrated. Overnight. (B.D.)

Oct. 10            Day 8:             Ars, Paray Le Monial and Nevers

Continue today to Ars, for Holy Mass at the Altar of St. John Vianney, Patron Saint of the Parish Priests. Then depart for Paray Le Monial, the Cradle of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, since Our Blessed Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque at the Visitation Convent. Overnight Nevers. (B.D.)

Oct. 11            Day 9:              Nevers, Chartres and Lisieux

We visit St. Gildard’s Convent to view the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette, and have Mass at the Chapel. Then we depart for Chartres to see the famous Cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture and art in the world. Late in the afternoon we arrive Lisieux. (B.D.)

Oct. 12            Day 10 :          Lisieux

After breakfast we experience Lisieux, the home of St Therese whom Pope Pius X called "the greatest saint of modern times." Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity come alive as you visit the Basilica Cathedral of St Peter, and Les Buissonets, her family home. On display are relics, clothing, and personal objects belonging to the "little flower." View the statue depicting the Virgin Mary who smiled at St. Therese during an ecstasy before curing her illness. Combine your prayers in the Carmel Chapel with those of the Carmelite sisters, just as St. Therese did before her death in 1897. We visit Lisieux, home of St. Therese, the Little Flower. We see all the places associated with the life of this beloved Saint including the Carmelite Convent where we celebrate Mass. Overnight Lisieux. (B.D.)

Oct. 13            Day 11             Paris

Early this morning (8:00 AM) We depart for Paris early this morning and then have a city tour including a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul for Mass, then panoramic tour to see the highlights of Paris including the Champs Elysee, the Concorde Place and other highlights, of “the City of Lights.” We have a private tour of the Louvre museum with headsets before our farewell dinner in a local bistro. Overnight in Paris. (B.D)

Oct. 14            Day 12:            Return To U.S.A.

Our wonderful journey ends today as we prepare to leave France. Passengers will be transferred to the airport after morning Mass.