Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *



Day 1 - Monday 28th April 2025: Arrive

Early morning flight to Paris. Our panoramic sightseeing tour of the highlights of Paris include the Trocadero for photo of the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, before continuing to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Rue du Bac to celebrate evening Mass and nearby visit the shrine of St Vincent de Paul. Check into the hotel for 2 nights, dinner, bed & breakfast.

Day 2 - Tuesday, 29th April 2025: Exploring Paris

Today, our panoramic tour of Paris continues, showcasing some of the city's most iconic landmarks. We'll pass by the Arc de Triomphe and stroll along the grand Champs-Elysees before taking in the exterior of the world-renowned Louvre Museum. In central Paris, we'll stop at the magnificent Opera Garnier, a stunning example of architectural grandeur commissioned by Napoleon III. After lunch, we head to the historic Montmartre district, where we will visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica, perched atop Montmartre Hill. This basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was completed in 1914 as an act of penance for France's trials during that era. You'll marvel at the extraordinary mosaics, including the famed Risen Christ, and hear the powerful tones of the remarkable Grand Organ during our Mass, celebrated in the crypt where many notable cardinals are laid to rest. If time allows, you may wish to ascend to the dome of the basilica, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris. After dinner, there is an optional Seine River cruise available (€20) to end the day with a serene evening on the water.

Day 3 - Wednesday, 30th April 2025: Journey to Lisieux, the Home of St. Therese

This morning, after breakfast, you will embark on a peaceful drive through the beautiful Normandy countryside to Lisieux, a town renowned for its deep spiritual heritage and its connection to one of the most beloved saints of modern times, St. Therese of Lisieux, affectionately known as "The Little Flower." Your first stop in Lisieux will be at Les Buissonnettes, the childhood home of St. Therese. It is here that she spent much of her early life, and as you walk through the rooms where she lived, you'll get a glimpse into the simplicity and faith that shaped her path toward sainthood. This modest house holds memories of a young Th�r�se filled with dreams of dedicating her life to God, and you'll have time for reflection in this intimate setting. Next, you will visit the Basilica of St. Therese, one of the largest and most magnificent basilicas in France, built in her honor after her canonization. The grand basilica stands as a testament to the profound influence St. Therese has had on Catholics worldwide. As you explore its stunning interiors, you'll be struck by the beauty of its mosaics, which tell the story of St. Therese's life and her message of simple, humble love for God. You may also wish to spend a quiet moment in prayer at her tomb, located within the basilica. From the basilica, you'll continue to the Carmel Chapel, the final resting place of St. Therese, where she spent the final years of her life as a Carmelite nun. The attached museum houses personal items belonging to the saint, including her habit and other relics that provide a deeper understanding of her devout life and spiritual journey. In the late afternoon, check into your hotel, where you will stay for the next two nights. After settling in, you'll have time to relax and reflect on the profound experiences of the day before enjoying a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by a restful evening.

Day 4 - Thursday, 1st May 2025: A Day of Remembrance in Normandy

Today, you will journey to the historic Normandy coastline, the site of the momentous D-Day landings that occurred on June 6th, 1944. These beaches witnessed one of the most pivotal battles of World War II, where Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history, a critical operation that led to the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe. Your first stop will be at Omaha Beach, one of the five designated landing areas where American troops faced fierce resistance as they stormed the heavily fortified shoreline. As you stand on these now peaceful sands, it is difficult to imagine the intensity of the battle that took place here, thousands of lives were lost in the fight for freedom. Walking along the beach, you'll be able to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought here. Next, you will visit the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, a moving tribute to the nearly 10,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during the Normandy Campaign. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach, allowing you to reflect on the scale of the human cost of war, while the Memorial Chapel and Garden of the Missing provide space for solemn reflection and prayer. We will also visit the British Cemetery at Bayeux, which honours the British & Irish soldiers who gave their lives during the D-Day invasion. Like its American counterpart, this cemetery is a place of great reverence, where the peaceful surroundings contrast with the violence of war that once raged across these fields. After a day of honouring the memory of those who fought and fell for freedom, you will return to Lisieux for dinner.

Day 5 - Friday, 2nd May 2025: Honfleur & Departure

Begin the day with a final Mass in Lisieux before continuing to Honfleur, a picturesque town in Normandy where the Seine River meets the English Channel. Known for its charming old harbour, Vieux-Bassin, Honfleur is lined with 16th- to 18th-century townhouses that have inspired artists like Claude Monet and local painter Eugene Boudin. You'll also have the opportunity to visit St. Catherine's Church, a unique 15th-century timber structure built by shipbuilders, showcasing the town's maritime heritage. Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful fishing town, take a peaceful walk along the harbor, or simply soak in the quaint atmosphere. In the mid-afternoon, we will depart for Charles de Gaulle Airport to catch our Aer Lingus flight EI529, departing at 21:45 and arriving in Dublin at 22:25.
Deposit €300pp to secure place