Great Pilgrimage Destinations:
Lourdes, Loyola and Santiago

A Spiritual Journey to France & Spain

For centuries, pilgrims have been tracing the pilgrimage route of Saint James to arrive at the tomb of the great apostle. Apart from Rome and Jerusalem, Santiago was the most important destination for Christians seeking to connect with their faith heritage. In modern times, Lourdes has rivaled Santiago as a place where pilgrims come to benefit from the healing waters and devotion to the apparition of Mary to St. Bernadette.

Illume has designed a program that enables you to visit Lourdes, Santiago, and the Sanctuary of Loyola, birthplace of St. Ignatius. The program includes guided visits to historical sites as well as opportunities for pilgrimage leaders to celebrate Mass with participants. Combine educational and spiritual activities that deepen knowledge, nurture the spirit, and broaden perspectives. Your group will enjoy unparalleled service and quality accommodations in a fully-escorted program.

Program Objectives

Deepen knowledge about historical pilgrimage sites

The program traces historical pilgrimage routes in southern France and northern Spain. Learn about the role of pilgrimage travel in medieval times and why it has enjoyed a rebirth in modern times. Explore the history of these sites and gain an appreciation for the faith heritage of the local people.

Nurture faith and spirituality

The program includes opportunities for participants to celebrate Eucharist with their group leaders and to perform other devotional activities customary for the local site. Many past participants relate that these opportunities for prayer with their group and leader are very powerful and life-transformative. Quiet and reflective time is provided at each site as well.

Broaden perspectives about other faith communities

Joining pilgrims from all over the world helps participants gain an appreciation for both the universality of the Church as well as the unique local expressions of faith that inevitably arise. Participants will return to their homes invigorated and enthusiastic about supporting the growth and richness of their own faith communities.

Suggested Venues

This program ideally begins in the cosmopolitan and vibrant city of Barcelona. Guided walking tour of the historic Gothic quarter and important Gaudi architectural works (including the Sagrada Familia). Visit the important nearby pilgrimage site and monastery of Montserrat, site of the Black Madonna. Continue through the Pyrenees mountains to the shrine at Lourdes where pilgrims gather for the healing power of the waters there. The program continues with a visit to the important Sanctuary of Loyola (birthplace and home of Ignatius) to explore the heritage of Ignatius and the Jesuits. The program then continues along sites associated with the historic Camino di Santiago (the pilgrimage path for pilgrims traveling from northern Europe to Santiago di Compostela). The program concludes with a visit to the massive Basilica in Santiago and other historic sites.

This program can be customized to include a return home via Avia, Segovia and Madrid, a return home via Fatima and sites in Portugal, a reversal of sequence for more time in Barcelona or nearby cities at the end of the program, or for an extended visit to sites associated with the early Dominicans in the south of France.