Shrines of Europe 2020 Altoett ing, Einsiedeln and Mariazell ... the German-speaking „Shrines of Europe“ as well as Lourdes, 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 Austria. 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 Switzerland 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 ... Italy‘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 baroque 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 Sihl boat ride a total of more than 5000 figures and parts of buildings • Half day excursion to Zurich • 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.