Catholic Pilgrimages to Deepen Your Catholic Faith

Pilgrimage is an essential part of the life of many Christians. It is a spiritual journey that puts a desire in you to return to God. Getting detached from the everyday concerns of the world and to spend a peaceful time in the presence of God is the central aim of the Catholic pilgrimages. By visiting holy places and shrines around the world, you can deepen your Catholic faith and explore the local culture and history.

Pilgrimages have their own spiritual significance. Most Christians choose to visit the places where Jesus lived, especially during the Christian festivals (Bethlehem at Christmas, Jerusalem at Easter), ascend the Mount of Olives to be in awe at the amazing view of the Holy City of Jerusalem. When you visit the holy places, your pilgrimages become your cultural heritage tours because holy sites and shrines are the part of cultural tradition and heritage.

Walsingham, Iona, Canterbury, and other essential medieval pilgrimage sites during the first half of the 20th century started to fascinate large numbers of pilgrims. Some English cathedrals revived the medieval custom of issuing pilgrim badges in the 1920s. Catholic pilgrimage sustained - to Rome, Fatima, Lourdes, and other Marian shrines - and in the decades just after the Second World War, the strict divisions between Catholic and Protestant spirituality began to vanish. Christians of all denominations started visiting the Holy Land and other major pilgrimage sites.

The great continent of North America has several shrines and devotional sites which have played a significant role in fostering the Catholic Faith in the New World. You can typically think of making pilgrimages to Rome, Jerusalem and the several shrines as well as holy sites throughout Europe. You can plan your pilgrimage to the Shrines of North America and get the opportunity to discover the history and miraculous interactions between God and humanity on a local level.

With Unitours, the most prestigious name for over 45 years in Protestant Christian pilgrimages worldwide, you can plan your Catholic pilgrimages tour to all of Europe, the Middle East the Holy Land, Turkey, Mexico, Croatia. You can experience bliss and deepen your relationships with God by visiting the holy sites!

The First Crusaders and Jerusalem the Holy Land

After a long, dangerous and hard journey, the First Crusaders finally reached Jerusalem in the summer of 1099 and took it. The final result of the First Crusade was the establishment of four Latin "states" or "kingdoms" in the Middle East: the County of Edessa, the Principality of Antioch, the County of Tripoli and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. These first crusaders took on the symbol of the cross Oberammergau Passion Play 2010.

"The Art of the Crusaders in the Holy Land, 1098-1187" examines the art and architecture produced for the Crusaders in Syria-Palestine during the first century of their quest to recapture Jerusalem. It was the innovation of Pope Urban 11 to provide penitential warfare with the charismatic penance of the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. According to Fulcher of Chartres, Pope Urban promised the first crusaders that 'all who die by the way, whether by land or by sea, or in battle against the pagans, shall have immediate remission of sins. The canons of the council summarized the offer made by Urban II as he launched the First Crusade. Whoever, for devotion alone, not to gain honor or money, goes to Jerusalem to liberate the Church of God can substitute this journey for all penance. Thus, apparently they were making an expedition to Jerusalem; in reality, however, they wanted to divest the Emperor of his kingdom and take Constantinople.

Serious problems faced the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem catholic pilgrimages after the First Crusade and before Saladin's victory at Hattin. A good concise account of the First Crusade from Pope Urban II's call at the "Council of Clermont" in 1095 to the Crusaders' capture of Jerusalem in 1099. But the Crusaders cause, to capture and hold Jerusalem for Christendom, was always a dubious one, and the century (almost) of Frankish rule in that city was initiated by a massacre and punctuated by various acts of perfidy, war crimes, and wanton aggression. What distinguishes the Crusades is that they were not fighting for the particular interests of their fatherland or their family, but for a cause, Jerusalem, the True Cross, salvation, with universal significance. The same year, the second crusaders started off and captured Antioch in 1098 and Jerusalem in 1099.

Christianity & Pilgrimage

Pilgrimages were first made to sites connected with the life, birth and crucifixion of Jesus. Surviving descriptions of Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land date from the 4th century, when pilgrimage was encouraged by church fathers like Saint Jerome. Pilgrimages also began to be made to Rome and other sites associated with the Apostles, Saints and Christian martyrs, as well as to places where there have been alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

The second largest single pilgrimage in the history of Christendom was to the Funeral of Pope John Paul II after his death on April 2, 2005. An estimated four million people travelled to Vatican City, in addition to the almost three million people already living in Rome, to see the body of Pope John Paul II lie in state.

World Youth Day is a major Catholic Pilgrimage, specifically for people aged 16-35. It is held internationally every 2-3 years. In 2005, young Roman Catholics visited Cologne, Germany. In 1995, the largest gathering of all time was to World Youth Day in Manila, The Philippines, where four million people from all over the world attended.

The major Christian pilgrimages are to:

• Jerusalem. Site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
• On roads such as the Via Francine. Site of the deaths of Saint Peter, Saint Paul and other early martyrs. Headquarters of the Catholic Church.
• Santiago de Compostela in Spain on the Way of St James (Spanish: the Camino de Santiago). This famous medieval pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint James is still popular today.

Group Pilgrimage Travel By Unitours

Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many Christians. Christians see life itself as a journey, coming from God and returning to God. The pilgrim seeks to separate himself from the everyday concerns of the world, and to spend time in the presence of God as he travels to a place of special meaning. A Pilgrimage is a symbol that is acted out.

1. A journey to sacred place or shrine.
2. A long journey or search, especially one of exalted purpose or moral significance.
Here are some of the best-known places visit on pilgrimage: Holy Lands (Israel / Palestine) Many visit the places where Jesus lived, especially during the Christian festivals (Bethlehem at Christmas, Jerusalem at Easter) Jerusalem: Ascend the Mount of Olives to marvel at the spectacular view of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Walk down the hill the Church of Peter Noster and the Chapel of Ascension.

Olive Wood Crosses of Jerusalem:
Olive Wood Crosses of Jerusalem The olive tree is traditionally a symbol of health and peace. The Olive Wood of Jerusalem is the symbol of Eternal Life and it is well known since ancient time. According to Christian religion believe Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, near Jerusalem near an olive tree, some says that this tree still exists today. The Olive Tree grows in the Holy Land and can survive for up to 2000 years. In the Bible, Noah sent out a dove from the ark to find dry land and the dove returned with an Olive branch. It is said that the Dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Olive tree has been highly admired since old times and it is considered as a blessed tree. The people planted olive trees in various parts of the Holy Land to spread its cultivation. The oil from the olives was used to anoint priests, prophets and kings to empower them as well as to pray for their healing.

Passion Play 2010 in Oberammergau : Germany

Part-I:

The passion play is a Biblical performance performed every ten years in Oberammergau, a city in Germany. The play tells the story of the Life and Death of Jesus and is performed outdoors where the sky and the mountains act as a natural backdrop. This pageantry is an amazing demonstration of splendid costumes and enchanting music. Over two thousand citizens of Germany participate in this exciting drama as actors, singers, instrumentalists and stage technicians, with a common objective of breathing life into the celebrated story through a six hour performance. This play is enacted in German and the performance begins in the afternoon at 2:30 PM, and the first half lasts till 5:00 PM. It continues from 8:00PM to 10:30 PM after a break for refreshment.
The passion play came into existence during the famous Thirty Years War. In the year 1633, the entire population of Oberammergau vowed to perform a “Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ”. They pledged to carry out the performance every ten years, if the Lord saved them from Bubonic Plague. All the inhabitants of the city survived this menace due to the grace of the Lord.
Wilcox Travel has been organizing tours to the Passion Play in Oberammergau since 1960. For the 2010 performance, we have several escorted tour packages which will take you through historic parts of Europe on the way to Oberammergau for a performance of the Play. For those who prefer to make their own travel plans or don’t wish to join a tour, we also have ticket-only packages that include hotel accommodations within walking distance to theater.

Part-II:
An important aspect related to the Passion Play is the cast of the play, who should be villagers that have resided in Oberammergau for at least twenty years. They need to be amateurs possessing superior ethical and moral principles. Great care is taken while selecting the costumes of the play. Since there is no custom of using wigs; the participants are required to grow their hair and beards several months ahead of the play. This is followed in accordance with the ‘Hair Decree’, counted from Ash Wednesday.
If you want to have a real feel of the life of Jesus from the four Gospels, you simply must attend this spectacular drama. Usually a once in a lifetime opportunity, visitors travel from all over the world to watch this age old tradition that has continued since the Middle Ages , and which is an indelible part of the Christian faith.
A visit to the city of Oberammergau, an interaction with the Passion Play performers, hearing their account on how it feels to be a part of this spiritual extravaganza is really a unique experience. You can also enjoy the Bavarian hospitality, their music, folk dancing along with their classical local cuisine. The city is also considered to be an ideal location if you want to tour Europe. You can plan out a schedule involving other parts

Catholic Mass - A True Sacrifice

A Catholic Mass, which is a liturgical function, can only be held in a church or an oratory which had been consecrated or at least blessed. An oratory is a structure other than a church, set aside by ecclesiastical authority for prayer and the celebration of Catholic Mass.
Catholic Mass: Rituals and Traditions
The Catholic Mass is a religious service of the Roman Catholic Church in a consecrated place by an authorized minister.Its central act is the performance of the sacrament of the Eucharist. It is based on the ancient Latin liturgy of the city of Rome, now used in most but not all, Roman Catholic churches.
The Mass is the complex of prayers and ceremonies that make up the service of the Eucharist in the Latin rites. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated as Christ hadinstituted it at the Last Supper, according to His command, in memory of Him.
Normally, Mass must be celebrated in a consecrated or blessed Church (private oratories or even rooms are allowed for special reasons at a consecrated altar (or at least on a consecrated altar-stone).Mass may be celebrated on any day in the year except Good Friday at any time between dawn and midday. There are restrictions against private celebrations on Holy Saturday and in the case of private oratories for certain great feasts.
A Catholic pilgrimage priest may say only one Mass each day, except that on Christmas Day when he may say three, and the first said immediately after midnight.In some countries (Spain and Portugal) a priest may also celebrate three times on All Souls' Day (2 November). Bishops may give leave to a priest to celebrate twice on Sundays and feasts of obligation. In cathedral and collegiate churches, as well as in those of religious orders who are bound to say the Canonical Hours every day publicly, there is a daily Mass corresponding to the Office and forming with it the complete cycle of the public worship of God.Two Main Types
A High (or sung) Mass requires a priest, deacon and choir. Low Mass, much more common, is the same service said by one priest.

Normally at Low Mass a server or acolyte helps the celebrant. Most of the text is invariable or ordinary,but certain parts, called proper, change with the catholic pilgrimages's occasion or day.

Understanding the Importance of Catholic Pilgrimage

Since 1979 Catholic Pilgrimages have formed a major portion of the Church group travel services offered by Casterbridge Church Tours. We have 30 years of experience in custom-designing Catholic Tours to shrines and places of retreat and devotion around the world. These pilgrimage tours can include Catholic Shrines or places of Marian apparition, such as Lourdes, Fatima, Knock, Santiago de Compostela, Medjugorje, or Zaragoza. Many of our pilgrimage tours are also combined with days of retreat and reflection.

Pilgrimage Tours provide a special opportunity for people to grow in their faith and deepen their knowledge of key places of devotion. True Catholic Pilgrimages journey with the giants of faith and our Catholic Tours bring groups to places once traveled by important Bible personalities. These spiritual pilgrimages allow you to walk with Christ on the road to Calvary, to stand in some of the very places where Peter and Paul proclaimed the truth of the resurrection. You are able to relive the Pentecost experience in the Upper Room or join with John the Baptist as he baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. Paul on your custom-designed Catholic Tour. Experience the unique benefits and fellowship of church group travel and design your spiritual pilgrimage today.

Catholic Pilgrimages are a golden opportunity to appreciate the traditions of the past, as well as the work of the Holy Spirit active in the Church of today. Catholic tours allow participants to feel the presence of St. Francis as you walk the hills of Assisi, experience the life and sacrifice of St. Catherine in Siena, or honor the legacy of St. Peter, which is alive in the person of the Pope in the Vatican. Make your Catholic Pilgrimage a true spiritual pilgrimage by participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome or in one of the other major basilicas or churches found in Italy and throughout the world. Our Catholic tours and itineraries can ignite your heart with the same missionary zeal that moved saints like Ignatius of Loyola, Vincent de Paul, Francis de Sales, Francis Xavier, Joan of Arc, Bridget, Faustina, and St. Therese of Lisieux.

Few experiences provide you with such life-changing opportunities as a Catholic Pilgrimage. These are a feast for the eyes, a challenge for the heart, and a means of true spiritual nourishment for your soul. With Casterbridge, every Catholic Pilgrimage is specifically designed to cater to the needs and spiritual objectives of your group. For over 30 years, Casterbridge Church Tours has been helping groups create truly spiritual Catholic pilgrimages that are suited to the unique needs of their particular parish. Maybe you would like to take a spiritual pilgrimage to learn more about a religious community that services your church. Catholic tours can celebrate milestone anniversaries or allow your church members to participate in a worldwide event that will enable you to meet with Catholics from across the globe. Whatever the event, your Catholic pilgrimage will include all the elements necessary for an incredible spiritual journey.

Oberammergau Passion Play 2010

History of the Oberammergau Passion Play

The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play dates back to the middle of the Thirty Years War. In 1633, after months of suffering from the Bubonic Plague, the people of Oberammergau took a vow to perform the "Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years if they were spared. Miraculously from that point on they all survived and true to their promise, the first performance was in 1634. This simple performance was held in a meadow and acted by the villagers. After 1674 they decided to change the date, so as to fall every ten years beginning in 1680. The only time it was not performed, was during World War II. This time the play will open on May 15, 2010 and ends on October 3, 2010.
Who takes part?

The entire cast consists of villagers who have lived in Oberammergau for at least 20 years. They must also be amateurs and people of high moral and ethical principles. Villagers also make the outstanding costumes. As no wigs are used, participants must grow their hair and beards for several months prior to the performances, beginning on Ash Wednesday 2009 according to the "Hair Decree."

By glorifying the Lord for saving their village during the plague, they are fulfilling Psalm 145:4-6 "One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds."

The producer of the 2010 play is Christian Stuckl. The conductors are Markus Zwink and Michael Bocklet. The designer is Stefan Hageneier.

Why see a Passion Play?
Passion Plays recount the life and ministry of Jesus Christ from the four gospels in a dramatic form. This tradition began in the Middle Ages and are often performed in churches during Easter week. By watching a Passion Play we have a chance to reflect on the events most central to our faith, that Jesus died, was buried and rose again from the dead.

World Youth Day 2011 Madrid

World Youth Day 2011 is a Catholic youth festival expected to be held over seven days from August 15 – 21, 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

More than 125,000 visitors — more than the number of those who came to Sydney for the Olympic Games in 2000 — were estimated to have arrived in Sydney for World Youth Day 2008. The six-day celebrations began on July 15, local time, and came to a close on the actual World Youth Day itself on July 20.

Organised by the Catholic Church, World Youth Day brought together young people from around the world to celebrate their faith. World Youth Day 2008 culminated in a final Mass celebrated by the Pope on July 20 at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse. The Mass is typically the largest event of World Youth Day celebrations and, overseas, had drawn millions of people.

The most recent World Youth Days on the international level, prior to the Sydney event, were held in Cologne, Germany, in 2005 and in Toronto, Canada, in 2002. Madrid, Spain, and Rio de Janeiro or Belo Horizante, Brazil, were among the cities vying to hold the next international World Youth Day, possibly in 2011.

World Youth Day was begun by Pope John Paul II in 1986 and has already been held in Rome, Argentina, Spain, Poland, the United States, the Philippines, France and, more recently, Canada and Germany.

The influx of large numbers of visitors to Sydney, and the need for security measures, caused congestion in various Sydney areas and affected traffic movements.

Greece Pilgrimage

A pilgrim is one who undertakes a pilgrimage, literally 'far afield'. This is traditionally a visit to a place of some religious or historic significance; often a considerable distance is traveled. Examples include a Christian or Jew visiting Jerusalem or a Muslim visiting Mecca. No religion has laid greater stress on the duty of a pilgrim than Islam in the Hajj. In the United States the word "Pilgrims" usually refers to the European settlers of New England, who celebrated the "First Thanksgiving" with the Native Americans in 1621

Greece is the true amalgamation of cultures, colors and civilizations that are not only diverse in nature but rich in history and heritage. Much before most of the world was still trying to break out of its cocoon Greece was known to have already developed its birthright through the elements of chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy. Combined with its deep respect for its ancient traditions, it still believes in the proclivity to partying, an inheritance that has been brought down from the Dionysos.

This pilgrimage, just like previous ones, will be a wonderful and spiritual experience of the roots of Christianity as we stand and pray at the Biblical sites. Inspired by the True Life in God Messages, we welcome the opportunity to live and worship in unity with all Christians, as well as other faiths, irrespective of denominations, nationalities or "man-made" dividers.

Tinos, part of the Cycladic archipelago some 120 km (75 miles) from Athens, attracts around 1 million visitors a year to its church of the Virgin Mary, whose icon is revered in Greece's Orthodox Church for its reputed healing powers. Many pilgrims, especially at the August 15 height of the pilgrimage, crawl nearly a kilometer from the ferry wharf to the church on their hands and knees as a sign of devotion. Many fulfill a pledge to light a candle as tall as themselves.