Shrines of Europe 2020

Altoett ing, and Mariazell ... the German-speaking „Shrines of Europe“ as well as , Fátima, Czestochowa and Loreto 2 INTRODUCTION Shrines of Europe

About Shrines of Europe

The „Shrines of Europe“ working group was founded in 1996 to ­connect ­Europe‘s most important Marian places of pilgrimage: Altoetting, ­Czestochowa, Lourdes, Loreto, Fátima, Mariazell and Einsiedeln. The working group is ­funded by the respective city administrations, which maintain an intensive cooperation (www.shrines-of-europe.com).

The latest European Popes, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, were very devoted to the Virgin Mary. By visiting all Shrines of Europe they emphasised their great importance.

As a key partner of „Shrines of Europe“, the German group tour operator ­Bayerisches Pilgerbuero will take you to these places of grace. Therefore, we composed several itineraries for you which will allow a relaxed visit to the Marian shrines. Whether the German-speaking Marian pilgrimage places ­Altoetting, Einsiedeln or Mariazell or the foreign-language pilgrimage places: We offer you a completely organized trip from beginning to end. With us you have the unique opportunity to reach Lourdes directly and without changing flights with charter flights from Germany and . We are pleased to bring these Marian shrines closer to you.

Your Bayerisches Pilgerbuero INTRODUCTION 3

Altoetting Einsiedeln

... probably Bavarian‘s most important Marian ... in the heart of is home to the famous pilgrimage site „Black Madonna“

Mariazell Czestochowa

... the pilgrimage and its magnificent basilica are the heart ... the spiritual capital of Poland of Mariazell

Loreto Fátima

... ‘s greatest Marian shrine ... is the most important Marian shrine in Portugal and one of the most important in the world

Lourdes

... the world-famous Marian pilgrimage site in France, situated at the foot of the Pyrenees 4 PILGRIMAGES

Our proposed programme for Einsiedeln, Altoetting and Mariazell

Switzerland, Germany, Austria / proposed programme, 6 days This itinerary connects Einsiedeln in the heart of Switzerland with the heart of Bavaria – the important Marian pilgrimage site of Altoetting – as well as Maria- zell in Austria with its magnificent basilica. What these places all have in com- mon is that they have been giving comfort and strength to people for centuries.

Day 1: Arrival. Arrival in Einsiedeln. mass in the Chapel of Grace at 8.00 am (Sundays) Welcome by the Rector of Pilgrimage, Father or 9.30 am (weekdays). Private Holy Mass is also ­Philipp (on request). Check-in at the hotel. Over- possible on request. Afterwards you will discover night stay in Einsiedeln (2 nights). the monastery church and the monaste- ry library on a guided tour. You will conclude this Day 2: Pilgrimage day in Einsiedeln. Disco- pilgrimage day by watching a film that gives an ver the most important Marian pilgrimage site insight into history, life and spirituality of the Ein- in Switzerland. There is a possibility of attending siedeln monastic community. PILGRIMAGES 5

Picture on the left: Einsiedeln

Pictures on the right: Altoetting (left) Mariazell (right)

Day 3: Drive to Altoetting. After breakfast you Day 5: Pilgrimage day in Mariazell. The day will will drive past Lake Constance, through the All- start by attending Holy Mass in the Basilica. Private gaeu and past Munich to Altoetting, the most Holy Mass is also possible on request. Afterwards, important Marian pilgrimage site in Germany. you will explore the place of pilgrimage in the Welcome by the Rector of the Pilgrimage, Prelate course of a guided tour of the city and finally see Günther Mandl or a Capuchin Father (on request). the impressive treasure chambers of the basilica After check-in, a guide will pick you up from the with the votive collection. hotel and take you on a tour of the shrine. You will learn more about the 500 year old tradition of Day 6: Departure. After breakfast you will have pilgrimage to Altoetting (1 night). to say goodbye to eventful pilgrimage days in three countries and start your return journey. Day 4: Pilgrimage day in Altoetting. The day will start by attending Holy Mass in the Chapel of Grace (every day on the hour from 6.00 am to 11.00 am). Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. After Mass you have the possibility to visit one of the Altoetting museums. After lunch break you will continue on to Mariazell, the most important Marian pilgrimage site in Austria. Wel- Please take a note of our ideas for further come by the Superior of the shrine Michael Staberl ­excursion possibilities on page 9. (on request). Overnight stay in Mariazell (2 nights). 6 PILGRIMAGES

Our proposed programme for Altoetting and Mariazell

Germany, Austria / proposed programme, 4 days Although not too far apart from each other, both places have their own ­ character: Altoetting and Mariazell. Get to know these important Marian shrines in Germany­ and Austria!

Day 1: Arrival. Arrival in Altoetting. Day 2: Pilgrimage day in Altoetting. The day Welcome by the Rector of the Pilgrimage, Prelate will start by attending Holy Mass in the Chapel Günther Mandl or a Capuchin Father (on request). of Grace (every day on the hour from 6.00 am to After check-in, a guide will pick you up from the 11.00 am). Private Holy Mass is also possible on hotel and take you on a tour of the shrine. You request. After Mass you have the possibility to vi- will learn more about the 500 year old tradition of sit one of the Altoetting museums. After lunch pilgrimage to Altoetting (1 night). break you will continue on to Mariazell, the most PILGRIMAGES 7

Picture on the left: view of Mariazell

Picture on the right: atmospheric candlelight procession in Altoetting

important ­Marian pilgrimage site in Austria. Wel- Day 4: Departure. After breakfast you will have come by the Superior of the shrine Michael Staberl to say goodbye to eventful pilgrimage days in two (on request). Overnight stay in Mariazell (2 nights). countries and start your return journey.

Day 3: Pilgrimage day in Mariazell. The day will start by attending Holy Mass in the Basilica. Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. Afterwards, you will explore the place of pilgrimage in the course of a guided tour of the city and finally see Please take a note of our ideas for further the impressive treasure chambers of the basilica excursion possibilities on page 9. with the votive collection. 8 PILGRIMAGES

Our proposed programme for Einsiedeln and Altoetting

Switzerland, Germany / proposed programme, 4 days The „Black Madonna“ characterizes both the pilgrimage site of Altoetting, located in the heart of Bavaria, and Einsiedeln, located in the heart of Switzerland. Make a pilgrimage with your matters near to the heart to these meaningful places.

Einsiedeln

Day 1: Arrival. Arrival in Einsiedeln. mass in the Chapel of Grace at 8.00 am (Sundays) Welcome by the Rector of Pilgrimage, Father or 9.30 am (weekdays). Private Holy Mass is also Philipp (on request). Check-in at the hotel. Over- possible on request. Afterwards you will discover night stay in Einsiedeln (2 nights). the baroque monastery church and the monaste- ry library on a guided tour. You will conclude this Day 2: Pilgrimage day in Einsiedeln. Dis cover pilgrimage day by watching a fi lm that gives an the most important Marian pilgrimage site in insight into history, life and spirituality of the Ein- Switzer land. There is a possibility of attending siedeln monastic community. PILGRIMAGES 9

Day 3: Drive to Altoetting. After breakfast you Grace (every day on the hour from 6.00 to 11.00). will drive past Lake Constance, through the All- Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. After gaeu and past Munich to Altoetting, the most Mass you have the possibility to visit one of the important Marian pilgrimage site in Germany. Altoetting museums. Welcome by the Rector of the Pilgrimage, Prelate Günther Mandl or a Capuchin Father (on request). After lunch break you will start your return After check-in, a guide will pick you up from the ­journey. hotel and take you on a tour of the shrine. You will learn more about the 500 year old tradition of pilgrimage to Altoetting (1 night). Please take a note of our ideas for further Day 4: Pilgrimage day in Altoetting. The day ­excursion possibilities on this page. will start by attending Holy Mass in the Chapel of

Further offers and excursion possibilities:

In Einsiedeln: In Altoetting: • Way of the Cross on the Meinradsberg (approx. 1.5 km / • Participation in the interreligious prayer for peace approx. 76 m altitude difference) (first Saturday of each month at 5.00 pm) • Participation in the Salve Regina chant and vespers in • Participation in the candlelight procession (on Saturdays) the basilica • Jerusalem Panorama: giant circular painting from 1903, • Participation in the recitation of the Rosary showing the ancient Jerusalem and the crucifixion of • Diorama Bethlehem: Christmas crib with 450 figures and Christ Mineral Museum • Treasury and pilgrimage museum, where you can find • Panorama: giant circular painting showing the crucifixion precious treasures such as the world-famous „Goldenes of Christ Roessl“ or the bridal wreath of the Austrian Empress • Gingerbread Museum „Goldapfel“ Sissi • A look behind the scenes in the „Milchmanufaktur“ • Diorama show: historical events from the history of cheese dairy pilgrimage to Altoetting are depicted by 22 scenes with • Lake boat ride a total of more than 5000 figures and parts of buildings • Half day excursion to • Brother Konrad Museum: gives an insight into the • Full day excursion to Flueeli, home of Saint Niklaus von everyday life of Brother Konrad and reminds us of the life Fluee (also known as Brother Klaus) and work of the saint • Incense museum In Mariazell: • Half day excursion to Marktl, birthplace of Pope em. • Rosary path: idyllic path between St. Sebastian and Benedict XVI Mariazell with 15 rosary stations • Half day excursion to Burghausen and visit of Burg­ • Way of the Cross on the Calvary hausen Castle, which is one of the longest castle • Candlelight procession (on Saturdays) complexes in the world • Great candlelight procession through the village on the eve of Assumption Day (14.08.) • Visit of the „Pirker“ gingerbread manufactory • Ride on the Mariazell „Museum Tramway“ to Erlaufsee • Half day excursion to the Cistercian monastery of Lilienfeld • Full day excursion to the Goettweig Abbey All data on availability and opening hours are subject to • Full day excursion to Vienna change. 10 PILGRIMAGES

Please ask us for programme proposals regarding trips to other Marian shrines in ­Europe. We will be pleased to organize your individual group tour!

Your requests: Our offer: • Destination, travel date • Individual and personal advice • Group size • Group travel experience since 1925 • Individual itinerary • Optimum price-performance ratio • Transportation • Trusting cooperation with our partners • Accommodation category (hotel, religious • Worldwide ecclesiastic connections guesthouse)

Experience with us and with pilgrims from all over the world the world-famous French Lourdes pilgrimage site Lourdes, situated at the foot of the Pyrenees. Enjoy the highlights of the shrine such as the procession of lights and sacraments, the Holy Mass at the grotto of Massabielle, the Inter- national Mass or doing the Stations of the Cross.

Features – Lourdes: • Direct flights with chartered planes to Lourdes/ Tarbes from Germany and Austria or scheduled flights to Toulouse or by coach or train • Excursion possibilities in the great surroundings of Lourdes

Millions of pilgrims visit the Portuguese city every year, which has become one of the most Fátima important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary from 13 May until 13 October 1917, when Our Lady showed herself to the three little shepherds Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco.

Features – Fátima: • Excursion possibilities to Coimbra, to the mo­ nas­tery of Batalha, to the monastery of Alcoba- ça, to the pilgrimage site of Sítio as well as to Nazaré on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean • Possibility to combine Fátima with Lissabon and Santiago de Compostela PILGRIMAGES 11

The Marches Region houses a precious treasure of faith: the imposing Basilica of Loreto – Loreto defined by Pope John Paul II as “the true Marian heart of Christianity” – with the Santa Casa dedi- cated to the Virgin Mary.

Features – Loreto: • Walk along the Basilica‘s trenches • City of Ancona • Short hike in the Regional National Park of the Conero • Excursion to Manoppello • Meditation along the Marian Way in Manoppello • Excursion to Lanciano

The greatest and most important pil­ grimage shrine in Poland is located on Jasna Czestochowa Góra („Bright Mountain“). An image of the Black ­Madonna is kept behind the walls of the heavily fortified Pauline monastery. It is an impressive pil- grimage site of lived spirituality.

Features – Czestochowa: • Excursion possibility to Wadowice, birthplace of Pope John Paul II • Visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ­Kalwaria Zebrzydowska • Visit of Krakow or Wroclaw

Inform yourself now!

We will be most happy creating a tailor-made offer for your group tour to make your group trip an unique and unforgettable experience.

Bayerisches Pilgerbüro | phone: +49 / 89 / 54 58 11 - 0 | mailto: [email protected] www.pilgerreisen.de „We are – all of us – pilgrims who struggle along different paths toward the same destination.“

(Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)

Information, advice and booking:

Bayerisches Pilgerbüro Dachauer Straße 9 80335 Munich phone: +49 / 89 / 54 58 11- 33 fax: +49 / 89 / 54 58 11- 69 mailto: [email protected]

www.pilgerreisen.de © Heiner Heine; © Bayerisches Pilgerbüro; Einsiedeln-Ybrig-Zuerichsee-AG; © saiko3p; © Renáta_Sedmáková, © Marco Fardin, © HappyAlex, A_Lein, © AdobeStock/Fotolia: Photo credits: Altoetting DIRSCHL Tourismusbuero © DE LOURDES; © Santuário de Fátima; TOURISME © Nikada; mariazellerland-blog; OFFICE DE © DieterMeyrl, Studio, Avalon © iStockphoto.com: