pilgrimages2020 / 2021

WITH OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY Why Pilgrimage? 4 Why Harvest? 6 Our Promise 8 Pilgrim Saver Options 9 Parish Pilgrimages 10

PILGRIMAGES

Footsteps of Jesus — The with Jordan Extension 14

Cradle of — Holy Land, Greece & 19

Treasures of Italy — Rome to Venice 24

Visitations & Saints — Fatima & Lourdes to Barcelona 28 Graces of France — Barcelona to Paris 32 Journey of St Paul — Greece & Turkey with Malta Extension 36 Pilgrimage of Mercy — Hungary, Poland & Czech Republic 39 Oberammergau 2020 — Passion Play Planner 40 European Passion Play Pilgrimage — with Oberammergau 42 Queen of Peace — Medjugorje & Dubrovnik 44 Other Pilgrimages 45

EDITORIALS

Interview with Harvest’s founder: Back where it all began 12 The Holy Land: Jesus in His Homeland 20 Italy: When History meets the Holy 22 Marian Shrines: Full of Grace 26 France: Sojourn for the Soul 31 Greece: Finding Renewal in the Ruins 34

MORE INFORMATION

FAQs 46 Simple Booking Procedures 46 General Price Inclusions 46

Pilgrimage is one of the great traditions of our faith. It implores us to leave the familiar behind for a short time as we push the refresh button and become vulnerable to God’s voice in a new way. Somewhere on one of those sacred roads, Our Lord seems to be waiting to offer His graces to each of us in the most surprising places. The Harvest team have been dedicated for more than three decades doing nothing else but recreating these powerful opportunities of faith renewal. I commend their genuine motivation for facilitating such an important ministry to the at this time.

— Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, Archbishop of “When he was at table with them, he took the why pilgrimage? bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to Travel provides the opportunity to disconnect from the everyday. It gives us time away, them. And their eyes time to pause, time with ourselves and others, and time to explore and experience life in a new place, at a different pace. were opened and they With every new destination comes new possibilities, new encounters, new friends, new recognised him … memories. What is amazing is that everything already exciting and extraordinary about They said to each other, travel is enriched when on pilgrimage. ‘Did not our hearts A journey that resets the soul burn within us as he There is something that stirs in the heart of each pilgrim; a quiet voice that tells us there is talked to us on the road something more to this life and this world than what we experience through our senses. while he opened up For centuries, have gone on pilgrimage, not just to visit a place and admire its the Scriptures?’ “ nature, art or history, but to seek and immerse themselves in the presence of God. Lk 24:30-32 Pilgrimage gives us an opportunity to seek what our spirit longs for. It’s not just travel; it’s travel with purpose and faith that bears lasting fruit.

4 harvestjourneys.com Bringing faith to life

Immerse yourself Pilgrimage allows us to learn and absorb the extraordinary history of Christianity through “A trip I will never direct experience. Feel the sensation of treading holy ground; walking where the first forget, it has touched Christians walked; visiting the birthplace and chapels of the saints; exploring the remains of me spiritually, Biblical villages; and being united in prayer with millions of pilgrims gone before who have offered prayers and petitions at the relics, tombs, basilicas and holy sites that have withstood emotionally and the test of time. allowed me to grow Nourish both your mind and soul with new knowledge of each destination, learning from guides as a person. committed to facilitating your faith journey, and share your experience with fellow pilgrims who As I reflect back on help to connect what is happening around you to the change happening inside you. the most memorable Prayer and reflection two weeks of my life Pilgrimage offers you a unique chance to spend dedicated time with God and deepen your so far, I just smile relationship with Him in a very personal way. This may be a gentle tug on the heart that calls and feel like it was a you a little deeper each day. As you visit different sites, your itinerary also includes time for dream.” private reflection and prayer, allowing you to rediscover your own faith journey afresh.

Travelling with a Catholic chaplain provides you with a daily opportunity to seek inspiration, — Catherine Kilzi answers, and direction for life beyond your pilgrimage, and to receive grace through the Sacraments in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places.

Fellowship and friendship Every pilgrim is seeking something. We might not know what it is or how to articulate it, but the desire to find it is universal. St Augustine puts it so well when he says, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” While each journey is personal, the beauty of travelling on pilgrimage with a group is being able to search and discover together. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends or family, pilgrimage offers you the chance to share the experience with like-minded companions.

The connections you form while on a spiritual journey are like no other — often your trip is just the beginning of lifelong friendships with pilgrims from all over the world.

the genuine pilgrim experience 5 why harvest?

harvest journeys Travel with a team you can trust Be reassured with the peace of mind that no other team has the experience and expertise has taken over that Harvest Journeys has when it comes to pilgrimage. We’re not just tour operators or guides, we are your companions throughout your pilgrimage. We provide the highest level 77,000 pilgrims on of service and support to assist you through planning and booking your trip, accompanying and guiding you during your travels, and sustaining your connections long after you’ve 3,830 pilgrimages returned home. to over Harvest Journeys partners with the world’s best pilgrim ground operators and guides who share a passion for the sacred and impart knowledge about holy and historical sites, expertise about local cuisine and customs, and provide a welcoming experience and unique 118 holy sites care and insight at each stage of the journey. around the world Harvest takes each pilgrim on a journey to in 33 years sites where the physical meets the spiritual and the extraordinary enters the ordinary.

For over 30 years, Harvest Journeys has been singularly devoted to faith-based travel. We are 100% dedicated to Catholic pilgrimage and providing every traveller with the greatest opportunities to reap the abundant fruit that pilgrimage provides. Every pilgrim group is accompanied by a Catholic priest as chaplain who helps to connect the external physical journey with the interior faith journey by providing opportunities for spiritual guidance, scripture, prayer and reflection at holy sites, and ready access to the Sacraments. Celebrate Mass daily in extraordinary, intimate settings that provide a unique experience of the Scriptures and the Eucharist. Take time out for personal reflection and prayer and invoke inspiration and peace through the life of Jesus, Mary and the Saints. Break bread and share stories with your pilgrim group leaders and fellow travellers. The bonds you make over a simple spiritual encounter has the power to transcend time and distance long after your pilgrimage ends.

Chris - Pilgrimage Director Colleen - Pilgrimage Director Experience: 11 years | Pilgrimages Led: 80 Experience: 26 years | Pilgrimages Led: 36 I enjoy working with people, identifying their needs, and I work closely with Parishes, Schools and Special groups supporting the pilgrims and chaplains as we travel. Our role and often give talks about my first-hand experience of at Harvest is twofold: the first is to ensure pilgrims get value going on pilgrimage. This helps to instill a confidence for money and that their trip runs as smoothly as it possibly and to keep one step ahead of any concerns. Some can, and the second is to ensure pilgrims get the spiritual people save a lifetime for these pilgrimages so it is benefits that pilgrimage offers. That’s where Harvest is really, really important to me that we don’t disappoint. unique: we focus on both. Monica Operations Manager Working in travel runs in my family, so being able to combine that with my faith meant that I had found my calling. I have also been privileged enough on multiple occasions, to see how these journeys change the lives of pilgrims, it truly is remarkable.

Anastasia Pilgrimage Manager I love travelling and I love helping people. For so many, pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it’s such a privilege to assist our pilgrims achieve their dream. Each person has a unique reason for travelling. It’s really beautiful to hear their stories upon their return as they each express a powerful and life-changing experience that they will never forget.

Rami - Pilgrimage Escort - Holy Land Javier - Pilgrimage Escort - Portugal & Spain I do my best to ensure that each journey is a memorable In my experience, I have found that people go on pilgrimage one for every pilgrim by sharing my love and passion for this because they have a dream to visit these special places. land with special emphasis on Christianity. Through Harvest There is a holiness and devotion that draws them. Journeys, dreams of pilgrims following in the footsteps of Harvest makes it all happen for them and I feel blessed to be Jesus come true in ways they can’t imagine, and I am so able to guide them. proud to be a part of that!

the genuine pilgrim experience 7 “Harvest are quite simply the real deal in authentic Catholic pilgrimage encounters. You get the distinct feeling from start to finish that they truly put the pilgrims first so that we can relax and focus on all that God has in store.” — Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green our promise

Genuine Pilgrimages Stress-Free Travel Powerful Insider Encounters not Faith Tours You can relax and put all your travel We certainly do our research to provide There are many well-meaning secular arrangements in our hands as we aim our pilgrims with impacting moments tour companies who promote Religious to make the whole process streamlined throughout the days of their journey. Tourism and Faith-Based Travel but from start to finish. Our heart is for you to have the very best experience possible. lack an in-depth understanding of the “With Harvest you will have a stress-free true pilgrim needs. You can trust that pilgrimage with everything taken care of “One of the great benefits of going with Harvest is the genuine article having from the moment you arrive.” - Patrick Harvest was our incredible access to places listened and responded to thousands of that you normally wouldn’t be able to our past pilgrims. Private Daily Mass access.” – Marie & Geoff Nilon “The pilgrimage fed us in spirit and in life. Guarantee It was beyond comparison.” Unrivalled Leadership – Eleanor & Bay Manuel All pilgrimages with Harvest recognise the priority of offering daily Eucharistic On-Tour encounters at the most stunning altars of Harvest prides itself as the benchmark Authentically Catholic the sacred world. It is in the Mass where for all three-levels of Pilgrimage We have been serving the Church now we cease being tourists and embrace the Leadership. From our specially chosen for over three decades in our ministry of true pilgrim spirit. Priest Chaplains through to our pilgrimage. Our Catholic roots become celebrated Harvest Tour Directors or “Our daily Mass in wonderful locations an evident blessing in a spiritual and faith-filled local guides, you can expect straight out of the will be sacramental way on each day of your the highest quality of care at every step treasured for the rest of my life.” journey. of the way. – June Bourke “As a committed Catholic this pilgrimage “I appreciate that nothing goes this well was for me the epitome of all travel.” – Trish Best Honest Value without excellent planning, knowledge and experience of the manager and his team.” Pilgrims can depend on Harvest to – Emmanuel & Lourdes Scicluna Itinerary Design deliver on exceptional value for money Excellence without compromising on our renowned Pilgrims-first Mandate Getting the balance right between the quality control standards. Our returning Spiritual, the Cultural and the Scenic pilgrims regularly share their amazement At the core of everything we do, Harvest is an important priority that we take of how Harvest can include so much for aims to serve our fellow Catholics as great pride in accomplishing. On the price! our first priority before all else. We are confident that we can deliver and back Harvest pilgrimages you might notice “Harvest did an excellent job. They under up what we ultimately promise – the clever themes or enjoy longer stays in promised and over delivered! Real value for genuine pilgrim experience! prime locations or observe Time-Out money.” – Emily Latif opportunities for quiet reflection. “I did not imagine that the spirituality (as a pilgrim) and enjoyment (as a tourist) could “I felt at all times, as did everybody on our trip, that we were in the hands of mix so well.” – Corazon Rohero professionals who knew what they were doing”. — Catherine Comerford

8 harvestjourneys.com pilgrim saver options

OPTION 1 OPTION 2 Past Pilgrim Saver Early Bird Saver

SAVE $100 SAVE $100 per person* per person*

We value your loyalty and offer this Saver Book and deposit an Air & Tour Package 8 months or more if you have previously travelled with Harvest on pilgrimage. prior to your pilgrimage departure date and save.

OPTION 3 OPTION 4 Past & Early Saver Upgrade to Premium or Business Class* SAVE $200 per person* SAVE $$$

When you combine the Past Pilgrim Saver and the Ask Harvest about our special upgrades to Early Bird Saver on any Air & Tour Package. Premium Economy, Business or First Class Airfares. *Airline and Seat Availability dependent

HARVEST TRAVEL PACK Included with every Harvest pilgrimage, you will receive a quality travel pack, pilgrim’s journal and more. TRAVEL INSURANCE Be equipped with these SAVE 20%* handy tools for easy and organised travel. *Harvest and its insurance partner World Assist Travel Insurance offer pilgrims a 20% discount for travel insurance purchased in conjunction with your pilgrimage booking. Ask Harvest for more details.

the genuine pilgrim experience 9 parish pilgrimages made easy Over many years Harvest has been responsible for designing and operating thousands of successful Parish Pilgrimages on behalf of Catholic organisations and parishes from across the globe. Each of our team members has their story to tell as to why they remain so passionate in serving the pilgrim Church through this powerful means.

We invite Parish Priests, Parish Secretaries or Parish Councils to consider the benefits of motivating and accompanying a Parish Pilgrimage as a powerful means of Community and Spiritual renewal. The choice of destinations, duration, hotel standard, departure date and preferred group size is yours to decide. We will even create a personalised brochure for you to promote at your local level and travel to your parish to co-host a Pilgrimage Information Night to get the ball rolling. PARISH PLAN

With more than 30 years in the trade, our Custom Groups Team looks forward to the opportunity to talk further about designing, costing and launching a most successful pilgrimage departure on behalf of your parish or community group. We promise to make this process quick, easy, cost-effective and without any obligation on your part.

Call us today on 1800 819 156 or email [email protected]

Parish Renewal Benefits ++Foster life-long bonds of genuine friendship and ongoing support networks. ++Share amazing memories together that cultivate stronger future connections. ++Private daily Masses in stunning settings will inspire greater unity and solidarity within the group. Fr Richard Thompson St Mary’s Parish, Young ++Celebrate milestone parish anniversary occasions. ++Fellowship and sharing during meals has a healing effect that enhances the “The power of the pilgrimage was felt opportunity of true encounter on pilgrimage. by everyone as we walked on holy and ++Deeper Reconciliation and prayer opportunities have a ripple effect amongst the historical grounds. Many of the pilgrims group members. had not travelled before and the exchange in cultures and the breadth of learning was Pilgrims regularly return home transformed with a stronger conviction to ++ palatable. Not one pilgrim was unmoved contribute to the faith life and mission of their Parish community. as we were led in trust and not as tourists.

Harvest’s local guides were of the highest quality, well versed in English and in the pilgrim spirit. Their on the ground team members manage local and distant issues that sometimes arise with sensitivity and speed, while not detracting from the overall movement and experience of the whole group. I have been involved with Harvest for several years now and I would not look at travelling with another pilgrimage company.

Our parish family has been renewed by Bishop Patrick Dunn Fr Charles Becker this pilgrimage in words that cannot be easily explained. We are wiser and more Bishop of Auckland Archdiocese of Chicago enriched with the knowledge of these “Our private group was an outstanding “Throughout my association with Harvest sacred lands now deeply embedded in our success and I cannot praise Harvest Journeys they have demonstrated a very personal faith lives. We all had a story to sufficiently. I shall have no hesitation high standard of professionalism and tell but we now share them together with in recommending them to all I meet!” service. Highly Recommended!” greater ease and enthusiasm!”

10 harvestjourneys.com 5 EASY STEPS

1 PLAN ++Simply choose from one of the standard programmes and departure dates from this catalogue OR plan your own custom- designed itinerary. ++Call Harvest on 1800 819 156 to discuss your plans with one of our Group Managers OR complete the Group Enquiry Form at www.harvestjourneys.com/groups ++An appointed Harvest Group Manager will contact you to fine tune your request.

2 PROPOSAL ++Your Harvest Group Manager will forward to you a personalised Quotation and detailed Itinerary Proposal. This will provide you with PARISH PLAN a planned detailed itinerary, tour pricing options and all the pilgrimage inclusions. Design your own Itinerary A Call or email us today and let our Custom Groups Team work with you to design and quote your preferred pilgrimage itinerary, departure date and special requirements. Call: 1800 819 156 Email: [email protected] 3 PROCEED OR ++Should you decide to proceed, a Harvest Consultant will be assigned to your group to Choose a Catalogue Itinerary care for each pilgrim’s travel bookings and Simply choose your preferred Tour & Departure Date listed in this 2020/2021 any additional assistance. B Catalogue to travel independently as a parish community.

Priest Chaplain 4 PROMOTE ++Harvest will create a colour promotional flyer TRAVELS FREE (and poster) specifically for your promotion with 15 or more pilgrims and distribution across the Parish (and Deanery if required). Motivate your Parish on pilgrimage ++A social media campaign can be developed and your Priest travels Free by our Marketing Team to support the Parish (Air & Land Packages). promotion (and wider afield as required). *Early Bird & Past Pilgrim Savers ++An optional local Parish information apply to all Catalogue itineraries. session can be arranged where a Harvest representative will be available to present to the group at no additional cost. ++Your Group Manager will keep you updated on the progress of enquiries and bookings. FREE PROMOTIONAL They will also be available for any support BROCHURE needed at every step of the way. Allow Harvest to design and produce a personalised colour Parish Brochure to promote your pilgrimage in the foyer of your Church and neighbouring parish communities. We are pleased to create and print these at no cost. Priest photo to be supplied. 5 PREPARE ++Travel documents will be sent to each pilgrim group at least 2 weeks prior to departure. This will include a Pilgrim Backpack, Journal and Travel Wallet PARISH ++Helpful guidelines to support Priest Chaplains INFORMATION NIGHT in their specific role will be provided. One of our expert Pilgrimage Directors is ready to schedule a visit to your parish to help facilitate an informative session to promote the features of your pilgrimage and answer any questions from parishioners. This can be done as an Expression of Interest exercise or as a Promotional evening after the pilgrimage has been launched. the genuine pilgrim experience 11 INTERVIEW Philip on the Jesus Trail ( 2018) Back where it all began

A heartfelt conversation with Harvest’s founder Philip Ryall Interviewed by Joy Adan

Tell us how your passion for faith And how did your pilgrimage What special insights have you began? business get going? discovered about pilgrimage in Quite simply, I had a powerful encounter After leaving school my heart for mission the Holy Land? of God as a young teenager where the grew strong but rather than sensing a calling Firstly, it has always made perfect sense to scriptures were opened up to me in a fresh to the priesthood, I found myself strangely in me that pilgrims should journey through the way at a Christian horse-riding camp. I recall the travel industry. I was handed an amazing Holy Land in the sequence of Jesus’ life. This returning from a trail ride towards the opportunity at the age of 22 to set up my is the reason Harvest intentionally begins in end of that week where an unexplainable own city-based travel company with the Bethlehem with the Nativity of Jesus before outpouring of God’s love came upon me backing of a school friend’s father. entering the early years in Nazareth. After an that changed my life forever. Suddenly God My passion to bring people to a similar faith extended time to explore His public ministry became so real and personal that I found a encounter of my early years soon led me to on the shores of Lake Galilee, the pilgrimage boldness to believe in His wonderful plans establish Harvest Pilgrimages to fulfil this culminates in to relive Our Lord’s for my future. I couldn’t help but be moved heart’s desire. Little did I know that my first passion, death and resurrection. at the deepest level as I felt singled out by a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (with a dear lavish Father. Marist Father mentor) would literally open This gives clear context to walking the life of Jesus and to allowing the drama of the Somewhat humorously, I quickly became the floodgates for tens of thousands of Gospels to play out before our very eyes. known as ‘Fr Phil’ at school after challenging future Catholics to walk in Jesus’ footsteps. my Headmaster to tell the parents and students more about Jesus in the weekly Philip in the Holy Land (1986) We think we make the college bulletin. He quickly turned to me and said: “Philip, for the next 8 weeks you choice to follow Him will write in my headmaster’s column. I want but I discovered He had you to tell them all about this Jesus you have found!” been following me from It seems we think we make the choice to the very beginning. follow Christ but I discovered He had been following me from the very beginning and Also, we must remember that we are I was still childlike enough to really believe that truth. called to the Holy Land to receive a fresh awakening of faith. We become vulnerable to blessing as we leave the familiar behind and I found a boldness to allow the tangible graces of this land to have believe in His wonderful its way with our hearts. While our guides offer stunning insights for our minds to plans for my future. savour, the need for transformation seems to trump information when it comes to those

12 harvestjourneys.com Footsteps of Jesus Phil’s Favourites

Tread the Jesus Trail

Fr Ron Nissen SM on Harvest’s first Pilgrimage (1987) Home Meal with Christians searching for deeper answers and a sense of Can you be more specific about God’s presence in a new way. the genuine experience on offer? It’s really critical to allow space for moments For example, we recreate moments like: to pause like Mary and to ponder all these Dinner with Christian Families in Bethlehem things in our hearts. Homes – An awesome way to enjoy fellowship and taste the local cuisine as we We become vulnerable ‘break bread’ together with local families. to blessing as we leave Breakfast with Jesus – A never to be Floating Mass on Lake Gallilee forgotten exclusive BBQ breakfast on a the familiar behind and private beach setting by the shores of Lake allow the tangible graces Galilee in the spirit of John Chapter 21. Jesus Sandals – Yes, we’ve researched with of this land to have its local historians to replicate and gift our way with our hearts. pilgrims from 2020 with a pair of custom- made first-century Jesus Sandals (AD33). My favourite pauses include floating in Tread the Jesus Trail – Be guided through the quiet centre of Lake Galilee after the most authentic section of the rustic People and Plight Encounters communion, sitting in the prayerful grounds mountain pass frequented by Jesus in the of the Mt Beatitudes, or resting up against a lower Galilee (fitness & weather dependent). 2000-year-old olive tree in a secluded section People and Plight Encounters – Be inspired of the Garden of Gethsemane during our by the powerful witness of bereaved family extended ‘Time Out’ periods. members on both sides of the Middle East The Masses celebrated by our Chaplains at conflict along with a visit to the House of Mercy breathtaking settings really consecrate the outreach to the vulnerable in the city of . precious moments each day brings. What would you say to those considering taking such a trip to Your own custom-made First-Century Jesus Breakfast with Jesus Sandals. Exclusive to Harvest Pilgrims. the Holy Land? My desk is inundated with stories from those who write to express their gratitude and amazement at the “before and after” effect that only two weeks in the Holy Land can make. One must take courage to set out on pilgrimage without really knowing fully the reason why. People’s hearts just seem to get a sense that it’s something they must do – even if their Dawn Stations to Calvary logical minds say otherwise. They come back seeing the Gospels through new eyes. They have a renewed faith to pray with a surer hope for loved one’s past and present. It’s both undeniable and inexpressible but no one returns with any regret. It’s as though Jesus has gone before us to prepare fresh encounters on the roads of long ago.

the genuine pilgrim experience 13 Caesarea Philippi

TOUR 1 Cana of Jesus Nazareth 3 Sea of Galilee Mt Carmel 1 Footsteps Mt Tabor Caesarea Maritima

JORDAN Taybeh Tel Aviv Jericho Jerusalem 4 Mt Nebo Bethlehem 2 Madaba

Masada 1 Dead Sea ISRAEL 2 Petra

Wonders of Jordan from (AUD) Post Tour Option Watch the Gospels come alive as we set out on this true pilgrimage of faith and 24 retrace the progressive stages of the life of Jesus from His Nativity in Bethlehem $4,390 MEALS Wadi Rum 11 Via Aqaba to His Passion on Calvary. Be deeply moved as we behold with our eyes what our air inclusive from DAYS DAILY (and the Red Sea) minds for so long attempted to imagine. $6,380 MASSES

Bethlehem (2 Nights) • Masada • Jericho • Nazareth (1) • Cana • Sea of Galilee (3) • Mt Beatitudes • of local Christians for fellowship and to share Mt Tabor • Mt Carmel • Haifa • Jerusalem (4) • Taybeh. Optional Wonders of Jordan Extension (3) in a delicious home-cooked Arabic meal. Mass Setting: Shepherd’s Field. Bethlehem overnight (BD) pilgrim highlights “This was an important pilgrimage ++Pay homage in Bethlehem before the silver ++Walk a hidden stretch of the authentic for me. It more than delivered. star that marks the very spot of Jesus’ birth. ‘Jesus Trail’ through the mountain pass There were other options but in Christ’s actual footsteps towards Lake ++Be invited to the local homes of Christians in I’m glad I chose Harvest” Bethlehem to enjoy a delicious meal during our Galilee. ‘Breaking the Bread’ fellowship encounter. ++Enter as a group into a private gated — Christine Burns Join the Evening Torchlight Procession in Garden in Gethsemane for an extended ++ time of prayer amidst ancient olive trees. Nazareth to honour Mary’s ‘Yes’ to God. DAY 3: VIA MASADA & JERICHO TO NAZARETH Celebrate a breathtaking Mass in the centre ++Celebrate a Sunday Parish Mass in Theme: Ancient Desert Encounters ++ solidarity with one of the last remaining of Lake Galilee onboard our traditional We farewell Bethlehem this morning and Catholic Communities in the Holy Land. sailing vessel floating in silence and journey east along the Jericho Road where tranquility. ++Walk in Jesus’ footsteps as we pray the we recall the parable of the Good Samaritan. ++Enjoy an exclusive ‘Breakfast with Jesus’ in a Stations of the Cross at dawn along the Ascend St George’s lookout private location by the shores of Galilee. deserted Via Dolorosa streets in the Old to marvel at the cliff-hanging 5th-century City of Jerusalem. ++Engage in inspired ‘People & Plight’ encounters complex carved into a sheer rock wall. in Haifa & Jerusalem and be moved by the ++Bow low at the altar of Calvary and touch Travelling south along the Dead Sea we arrive faith and resilience of the local peoples. the very rock where Jesus was crucified. at historic Masada where we will embark the Cable Car offering spectacular scenery to SYMBOLS Mass Setting: Preferred site = Time Out - Planned site for extended the summit before a guided tour of Herod’s (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner opportunity for prayer & reflection fortress overlooking the Judean Desert. We briefly pause outsideQumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found by a Bedouin DAY 1: ARRIVE THE HOLY LAND Continue to Shepherd’s Field to celebrate shepherd boy in 1947. Welcome to Bethlehem where we formally a joyous Christmas Mass in a local cave to Onwards to Jericho, the ‘City of Palms’, said to begin our chronological journey in the commemorate the appearance of the angels be the oldest inhabited city in the world dating Footsteps of Jesus. to the shepherds on that first Holy Night. back to around 9000 BC. Stop by the famous Bethlehem overnight (D) Back in Bethlehem this afternoon we will enter Sycamore tree used to commemorate the the spectacular Church of the Nativity, the powerful story of the tax collector Zacchaeus. DAY 2: BETHLEHEM & SURROUNDS oldest complete church in the Christian world Across the valley see the Mt of Temptation Theme: The Birth of Jesus (6th century) and birthplace of Our Lord and where Jesus was tempted by the devil during We firstly travel out toEin Karem and ascend Saviour. Bow low and enter the grotto through his 40 day fast. the hill to the Church of the Visitation where the Door of Humility as we descend to the Soon we arrive at the Jordan River Baptismal Mary visited Elizabeth and proclaimed her Holy Manger where a silver star in the floor site (Qasr Al Yehoud), an archeological Magnificat prayer – ‘My soul proclaims the marks the actual spot where Jesus was born. discovery said to be the actual location where greatness of the Lord’. From here we come to Visit the adjacent Cave of St Jerome where Jesus was Baptised. Celebrate Mass here as the Church of St John the Baptist, built over he spent 30 years translating the Scriptures. we renew our own Baptismal promises. a natural grotto identified as the saint’s actual Prepare to enjoy tonight our special Breaking Finally, we journey north through the birthplace. the Bread Experience as we enter the homes Jordan valley before arriving into Nazareth,

14 harvestjourneys.com Caesarea Philippi

Cana

Nazareth 3 Sea of Galilee TOUR 1 > FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS Mt Carmel 1 Mt Tabor Caesarea Maritima

JORDAN Taybeh Tel Aviv Jericho Jerusalem 4 Mt Nebo JERUSALEM Bethlehem 2 Madaba

Masada 1 Dead Sea ISRAEL 2 Petra

Wonders of Jordan Post Tour Option Wadi Rum Via Aqaba (and the Red Sea)

LAKE GALILEE NAZARETH VILLAGE

the hometown of Jesus’ childhood. DAY 5: SEA OF GALILEE Rise then to the Mount of Beatitudes for a After dinner we will prayerfully enter the Theme: The Public Ministry of Jesus beautiful Mass here in the tranquil gardens to Basilica of the Annunciation for a memorable Arise and set out on a spectacular day of ponder Jesus’ message of blessedness in the Candlelight Procession with the locals. pilgrimage as we firstly board a traditional Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:1–12). Mass Setting: Jordan River Baptismal Site. ‘Jesus Boat’ sailing vessel for a special Harvest Nearby visit the Church of the Primacy of Nazareth overnight (BD) highlight – a Private Mass in the centre Peter down by the shores of the lake. Here of Lake Galilee. Here we will float in quiet Jesus challenged Peter and each one of us ‘Do DAY 4: NAZARETH & CANA TO SEA OF GALILEE tranquillity and reflect upon the miracles of you really love me? Feed my sheep.’ Theme: The Formative Years of Jesus Jesus calming the storm and appearing to the Onwards to the adjacent site of the apostles walking on this very water. We begin our day back at the Basilica of multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Mt the Annunciation where a traditional cave Back on shore, see the 1st century ‘Jesus boat’ 14:20) to explore the 4th-century church becomes the focal point to Mary’s response to painstakingly raised and restored from the displaying Byzantine considered to be the Angel Gabriel “Let it be done to me according muddy lakebed in 1986. some of the best in the Holy Land. to thy word” (Luke 1:38). After celebrating Continue onto Capernaum, the once fishing AFTERNOON FREE. Mass we will visit the nearby Church of St village of the first apostles Peter, Andrew, Joseph to commemorate the life of Mary’s James & John which also became the home Fully mobile pilgrims have the opportunity beloved spouse. We then enter the nearby town of Jesus and the scene of many of His in the mid-afternoon to walk a spectacular Synagogue Church, built on the site where miracles. stretch of the actual Jesus Trail* frequented by Our Lord between Nazareth and Capernaum. Jesus read the Messianic passage in 61 After our St Peter’s Fish lunch, we will journey This well-worn shepherd’s path through the “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”… north to Caesarea Philippi where the beautiful Valley of the Doves offers a rare and genuine Continue onto Nazareth Village, an authentic springs of Banias form the source of the opportunity to prayerfully tread the actual non-profit re-creation of the village life of Jordan River. It was here where Jesus asked the footsteps of Jesus down through the rustic Nazareth as in the days of Jesus. Here we will disciples “Who do you say I am?” and went on pass between the mountains. take a parable-rich walk back in time along the to commission Peter “On this rock I will build *Weather and personal fitness dependent. path which brings to life the environment and my Church”. atmosphere which shaped Jesus’ early years Return to our hotel for a rest before dinner. Mass Setting: Mt of Beatitudes Outdoor Altar. and ministry. Complete our memorable visit Mass Setting: Afloat Lake Galilee. Sea of Galilee overnight (BD) with a fascinating Biblical Meal in the original Sea of Galilee overnight (BLD) setting of a first-century house. DAY 7: VIA MT TABOR & MT CARMEL TO Travel east this afternoon and on to the DAY 6: SEA OF GALILEE JERUSALEM Theme: Mountains of the Lord village of Cana where Jesus, at the request Theme: Galilee encounters with Jesus We begin our day ascending by taxis up the of His Mother, performed His first miracle Set off early to a secret location down by the narrow winding road leading to the majestic transforming the water into wine at the shores of Lake Galilee to enjoy Breakfast with summit of Mt Tabor. Here Our Lord’s divinity wedding feast (Jn 2:1-12). Here, married Jesus in the spirit of John 21:12 when Jesus shone forth in the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1- couples will have the opportunity to renew said to His disciples “Come and have breakfast”. 2). After our private Mass in this breathtaking their wedding vows. Journey onto the ‘Taste and See’ the Gospels as we recount setting we will understand Peter’s words ‘Lord it panoramic Mt Arbel lookout to catch our first together this passage of Scripture live on is good for us to be here’. glimpse of Lake Galilee and the entire Golan location! Heights. Continue west to the city of Haifa wrapped by Finally we arrive at the shores of Lake Galilee the intoxicating blue of the Mediterranean Sea … “Go to Galilee and you will find him there” “A gift to my life. on all three sides. (Mt 28:7). I discovered Jesus as a person.” Enter here the Stella Maris Monastery at where in the lower cave, Mass Setting: Basilica of the Annunciation. — Ann McManimm Sea of Galilee overnight (BLD) CONTINUED 

the genuine pilgrim experience 15 GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

Prepare then for a memorable pilgrim insight into the original Nativity reality. Visit the “This is the most important journey highlight as we gain private group access local Taybeh Brewery which serves to bring inside the adjacent ‘Garden of Betrayal‘ for a sustainable livelihood to this vulnerable I’ve ever done. At the hour of my an extended time of prayer and reflection community. Sit down then to a sumptuous death I hope for the serenity I felt surrounded by ancient olive trees dating back meal served by the local Order of . when I touched Calvary.” to the time of Christ. Before departure we take the opportunity to purchase a dove-shaped Taybeh Peace Lamp — Richard (2019) From here we set out by coach across town to the Israel Museum for a lunch break. View the in solidarity with all peoples of the Holy Land. Second Temple Scale Model of Jerusalem as it Return to Jerusalem for a time of rest. was in the time of Jesus. In the adjacent Shrine was said to have meditated on His victory over Before dinner we gather to listen to the of the Book Museum we will soon gaze upon the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:1-40). courageous stories of the Bereaved Family parts of the original Dead Sea Scrolls. Forum where both a Palestinian and Israeli We then enjoy lunch in our hand-picked Continue back to Mt Zion to the House of representative will share their extraordinary restaurant with spectacular views over the Caiaphas and into the Church of St Peter journey from grief and loss to a stunning Mediterranean. in Gallicantu commemorating Peter’s triple reconciliation that is sure to inspire us deeply. We soon come to the House of Grace to hear denial of Jesus. Here our pilgrimage moves Mass Setting: Parish Mass at Taybeh. the inspired story of a family committed to towards the final phase of Jesus’ passion. Jerusalem overnight (BLD) empowering the most marginalised members Enter the Cenacle room of the Last Supper of the Haifa community. (Upper Room) where we commemorate the Onwards to the crusader port of Caesarea institution of the Eucharist and the descent of Maritima, built by Herod the Great on the the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Continue to the “The most wonderful trip I have ever harbour from which Paul was taken to Rome. Church of the Dormition where the Virgin done. I can’t wait to go back.” Mary passed into Heaven. Finally, we journey south on and up to — April Roth Jerusalem – the City of our God. Here on the Mass Setting: Dominus Flevit. eve of Shabbat we come to witness hundreds Jerusalem overnight (BD) of devout Jews chanting prayers at the DAY 9: JERUSALEM DAY 10: JERUSALEM Western Wall (formerly the Wailing Wall). Theme: Solidarity & Peace Theme: Death, Resurrection & Ascension of Jesus Mt Tabor. Mass Setting: We set off north for our adventure to the We rise at dawn and return to the Old City Jerusalem overnight (BLD) village of Taybeh, once Old Testament to commence our Stations of the Cross Ophrah and New Testament Ephraim visited following in Our Lord’s footsteps along the DAY 8: JERUSALEM by Jesus before facing His crucifixion (John actual Via Dolorosa. We culminate at the site Theme: The Passion of Jesus 11:54). Taybeh is the last surviving Christian of Calvary where we will celebrate Mass here Begin our Jerusalem pilgrimage as we outpost here in the Holy Land and enjoying in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Walk the proceed up to the Mt of Olives to visit the strong ecumenical bonds between its stairway climbing to the actual site where the ‘Pater Noster’ Church where Jesus taught His 1300 inhabitants of Roman Catholic, Greek Cross of Jesus once stood. After Mass here disciples the Lord’s Prayer (Mt 6:7–15). Walk Orthodox and Melkite communities. enter the Tomb of Christ, the site believed to down the Palm Sunday Road as pilgrims to Our fascinating time here will begin by sharing be where Our Lord lay buried for three days the Dominus Flevit Church for Mass, built a privileged Sunday Parish Mass with locals before rising from the dead. on the site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem in the Church of St George. This Byzantine After Breakfast at our hotel, continue to the (Lk 19:41–44). Church was built in the 5th century by St Church of St Anne with its magnificent We then continue down to the Garden of Helena, the mother of Constantine and widely acoustics and said to be built over the Gethsemane where we will enter the Church known as the first pilgrim to the Holy Land. birthplace of the Virgin Mary. See the adjacent of the Agony containing the rock upon which Also enter a first-century farmers house with Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the Jesus is said to have prayed before His arrest. its original manger below where we will gain paralysed man (Jn 5:2–9).

16 harvestjourneys.com BREAKING THE BREAD

We then return up to the Mt of Olives to the TOUR DETAILS TASTE & SEE Chapel of the Ascension which is believed meals to mark the place where Jesus ascended into 2020 DATES & PRICES heaven. A befitting end to our chronological Bethlehem: Meet the local Christians pilgrimage in His footsteps as we recall Jesus’ TOUR STARTS: FINISHES: TWIN SHARE as we enjoy a delicious Arabic meal in Great Commission to the eleven disciples: CODE Tel Aviv Tel Aviv Tour Only/AUD their homes during our ‘Breaking the “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...” FJ0120 Sun 12 Jan 21 Jan $4,190 + AIRFARE OPTION Bread’ host dinners experience. – Mt 28:18 FJ0220 Sat 14 Mar 24 Mar $4,590 + AIRFARE AFTERNOON AT LEISURE. OPTION Nazareth: ’Taste & See’ a traditional + AIRFARE First-Century style meal in a classic Before our final dinner, take the brief FJ0320 Sat 09 May 19 May $4,590 OPTION opportunity to view the Holy Shroud Exhibit outdoor setting befitting the times of FJ0420 Sat 06 Jun 16 Jun $4,490 + AIRFARE with its full-size replica of the sacred cloth. OPTION Jesus. Sat 18 Jul 28 Jul $4,390 + AIRFARE Enjoy then a Special Celebration Dinner FJ0920 OPTION Tiberias: Experience a renowned ‘St tonight in a wonderful restaurant with + AIRFARE Peter’s Fish’ lunch freshly caught from FJ0520 Sat 05 Sep 15 Sep $4,490 OPTION spectacular views over all of Jerusalem. the Sea of Galilee! + AIRFARE FJ0620 Sat 03 Oct 13 Oct $4,590 OPTION Mass Setting: Altar of Calvary. Galilee: Share together a stunning Jerusalem overnight (BD) FJ0720 Sat 24 Oct 03 Nov $4,690 + AIRFARE OPTION ‘Breakfast with Jesus’ in a secret + AIRFARE location by the shores of Lake Galilee. DAY 11: DEPART THE HOLY LAND FJ0820 Sat 14 Nov 24 Nov $4,390 OPTION (OR EXTEND TO JORDAN) SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING Mt Carmel: Share a beautiful meal Return today to the airport OR join the $1,590 Supplement $14 per person/per day in Haifa in a breathtaking setting Wonders of Jordan Extension. (B) 2021 DATES & PRICES* overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

+ AIRFARE Taybeh: Be served up a delicious FJ0121 Sat 09 Jan 19 Jan $4,490 OPTION lunch by the Rosary Sisters here in the FJ0221 Sat 13 Mar 23 Mar $4,790 + AIRFARE OPTION Holy Land’s last remaining Christian FJ0321 Sat 08 May 18 May $4,790 + AIRFARE village. POST TOUR EXTENSION OPTION + AIRFARE Jerusalem: Celebrate our final night FJ0421 Sat 05 Jun 15 Jun $4,690 OPTION WONDERS OF JORDAN together in a first class restaurant FJ0521 Sat 17 Jul 27 Jul $4,590 + AIRFARE OPTION overlooking the illuminated Old City. + AIRFARE FJ0621 Sat 04 Sep 14 Sep $4,690 OPTION

+ AIRFARE FJ0721 Sat 25 Sep 05 Oct $4,790 OPTION Priest travels free FJ0821 Sat 23 Oct 02 Nov $4,790 + AIRFARE OPTION PARISH PLAN FJ0921 Sat 13 Nov 23 Nov $4,490 + AIRFARE OPTION See page 10/11 for more details SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS $1,650 Supplement $14 per person/per day AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: $6,380 per person. BOOK NOW Mt Nebo • Madaba • Petra (2 nights) • See harvestjourneys.com for full details. Wadi Rum Jeep Ride • Aqaba • Red Sea • *indicative prices Dead Sea Resort (1 night) 1800 819 156 = Oberammergau 2020 optional add-on available Full details on page 20 Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 www.harvestjourneys.com

the genuine pilgrim experience 17 AFTER FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS Wonders of Jordan Extension

Ancient worlds will come alive as we continue on this exhilarating 4 day adventure through historic Jordan, from Petra and Wadi Rum to the intriguing shores of the Dead Sea

3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS

DAY 11: TUESDAY - JERUSALEM & MT NEBO TO PETRA Travel east this morning crossing in to Jordan. Ascend Biblical Mt Nebo for a spectacular Mass where Moses looked over into the Promised Land and blessed Joshua who was to lead the Israelites under God’s protection (Joshua 1:6-9). Visit St Georges Church in Madaba with its precious 6th-century map of the Holy Land comprised of more than two million pieces. Wadi Rum Jeep ride The Dead Sea Continue south this afternoon to the magnificent ancient trading city ofPetra known as the ‘Red Rose City’ and one of the DAY 13: THURSDAY – VIA WADI RUM TO THE new Seven Wonders of the World. DEAD SEA SYMBOLS Petra overnight (BD) Departing Petra this morning we travel south (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner to Wadi Rum to experience something of the DAY 12: WEDNESDAY - PETRA EXPLORATION vastness and beauty of this desert region. Enjoy a breathtaking guided walking tour A moonscape of ancient valleys and towering TOUR DETAILS today through the ruins of ancient Petra – the weathered sandstone mountains rise out of 2020 DATES & PRICES city that the Nabateans carved out of solid the pink and white coloured sand. rock dating back to 300 BC! Our visit will follow Join here the exhilaration of a Bedouin-driven TWIN SHARE $1,590 per person a passage through the Siq, a chasm created jeep ride deep into the valley to witness the in a prehistoric earthquake. It is one of the SINGLE ROOM $690 supplement stunning grandeur of this place made famous special moments to walk through this canyon in the filmsLawrence of Arabia and The PREPAID TIPPING $14 per person/per day which dramatically opens up before your eyes Martian. to reveal the Treasury Building (Al-Khazneh) 2021 DATES & PRICES* – a never to be forgotten experience. We will Onwards to ancient Aqaba, located on the TWIN SHARE $1,690 per person see also the Roman Theatre, Corinthian tomb northern tip of the Red Sea and dating back along with churches, homes and many other 5,500 years. Cross the border back into Israel SINGLE ROOM $740 supplement buildings from this fascinating period. and travel north to our Dead Sea Resort Hotel located right on the shore at Ein Bokek. PREPAID TIPPING $14 per person/per day The remainder of the afternoon will be at Take the opportunity before dinner to relax leisure to relax back in our hotel. Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 or enjoy the experience of a float in the salty *indicative prices Petra overnight (BD) waters said to have healing qualities. Dead Sea overnight (BD) BOOK NOW “Wow! Visiting Petra and Wadi Rum DAY 14: FRIDAY - DEPART THE HOLY LAND was beyond our wildest dreams.” VIA TEL AVIV (B) 1800 819 156 — John & Anne Gray www.harvestjourneys.com

18 harvestjourneys.com HOLY LAND & ST PAUL Cradle of Christianity

wvw from (AUD)

A privileged journey to The Holy Land, heralded as the very source of faith and 46 $9,590 MEALS summit of all destinations for the earthly pilgrim. Then traverse the ancient paths of 22 air inclusive from St Paul and unearth the origins and emerging faith of the first Christian communities. DAYS DAILY $11,990 MASSES

Philippi Caesarea Philippi 1 Kavala Amphipolis Berea 1 Cana Thessalonii Nazareth 3 Sea of Galilee GREECE Mt Carmel 1 Mt Tabor 2 Meteora TREY Caesarea Maritima Hosios Loukas JORDAN Corinth 1 2 Athens Ephesus START Taybeh Cenchreae FINISH Tel Aviv Patmos Jericho Epidaurus Mykonos Jerusalem 4 Bethlehem 2 Santorini

+ Post Tour Malta Option Rhodes Masada Crete 4 Greek Island Cruise ISRAEL

TOUR DETAILS “Perfect combination of the Historical and the Spiritual!” 2020 DATES & PRICES — Kirsten Stephens TOUR BEGINS: ENDS: TWIN SHARE * CODE Tel Aviv Athens Tour Only/AUD

+ AIRFARE CC0120 09 May 30 May $9,590 OPTION

CC0220 03 Oct 24 Oct $9,590 + AIRFARE Bethlehem (2) • Masada • Jericho • OPTION Nazareth (1) • Cana • Sea of Galilee (3) • 2021 DATES & PRICES ** Mt Beatitudes • Mt Tabor • Mt Carmel CC0121 08 May † 29 May $9,890 + AIRFARE • Jerusalem (4) • Athens (2) • Epidaurus OPTION + AIRFARE • Corinth (1) • Hosios Loukas • Meteora CC0221 25 Sep 16 Oct $9,890 OPTION

(2) • Berea • Kavala (1) • Philippi • SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING Thessaloniki (1) • Aegean Cruise (4): $2,890 Supplement $14 pp/per day + Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, Extra Add-ons. See page 38. Crete, Santorini. Finish Athens. $11,990 per person. Optional Malta Extension (3). AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: See harvestjourneys.com for full details. READ FULL ITINERARIES: * Includes Inter-Europe flights. **indicative prices Footsteps of Jesus - page 14 † 2021 May departure St Paul Itinerary A (page 36). Journey of St Paul - page 36 Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46

the genuine pilgrim experience 19 EDITORIAL: THE HOLY LAND

Jesus IN HIS

Words byHomeland Joy Adan Via Dolorosa Before the sun rises, there is a For Jason Gereis, this early morning walk “It was the best experience I could have through cobblestone streets while praying ever had,” he says. “I wanted to show my solemn silence that permeates the Stations of the Cross was unlike anything kids Jerusalem - it’s the place where Jesus the Old City. The chaotic crowds he had ever encountered before. Jason first walked and it’s a fabulous place to be. I think visited the Holy Land with his parents when emotionally, we were all touched by the that bustle through the streets he was seven years old, but returns decades experience. To me, touching something that of Jerusalem by day are still later, bringing his own children along for the our Lord has, and has risen from, you know, fast asleep. A small group of experience. This time, stepping into the same that puts a full stop on my faith.” spot where Jesus was crucified and laying his Teacher and father, Anthony Gordon, “felt pilgrims carry a wooden cross hand on the indentation where Jesus’ head a sense of warmth” in the tomb. It was one through Via Dolorosa and as would have laid in the tomb, had both a of many places during his pilgrimage where physical and spiritual effect on him. he felt a powerful encounter with the person the first morning light hits and of Jesus of Nazareth; “People who’ve been the cool morning air dissolves, These places are to the Holy Land constantly talk about the they enter the Holy Sepulchre Scriptures coming alive and the encounter tangible, you can touch with Jesus. Now I understand what they and bow low before the scene mean.” of Calvary. it, feel it, smell it. The journey through the Holy Land follows the chronological footsteps of Jesus’ birth, “I didn’t know what I was expecting,” Jason ministry, death and resurrection, starting in says. “But it made me shudder. I felt as if there Bethlehem, then through Jordan and Israel was an earthquake happening, a movement visiting landmarks made familiar through – I thought it was my imagination running stories in scripture, before concluding in wild. We had the whole church to ourselves. I Jerusalem, where Jesus delivered His Great touched the spot where Jesus’ head laid, and Commission at the Chapel of the Ascension. the same thing happened again.” The scent “It’s good to always be reminded that He of myrrh, the candlelight, and the freedom really lived here in these places, that He of walking around the Church of the Holy performed miracles, told us the parables, Sepulchre in the quiet of the morning without taught us about God the Father, the Spirit, the usual crowds made it all the more moving and Himself,” Anthony says. “These places are for Jason and his family. tangible, you can touch it, feel it, smell it.”

20 harvestjourneys.com Church of in Gallicantu, Jerusalem

In the centre of Lake Galilee, the engines of “You’re pinching yourself that you’re the pilgrims’ private ‘Jesus Boat’ come to a here. We’re in chaos here in the middle of stop, allowing the pilgrim group to float in Jerusalem in this busy town, but it’s strange, tranquillity and celebrate Mass in the same there’s a sense of peace and tranquillity,” place where Jesus calmed the storm. “Coming he says. “You’re moved by an overwhelming here with a really good spiritual director need to say ‘thank you’. I know that this is an and excellent guides who are bringing experience we’ll share going into the future, out the spiritual and cultural significance this experience of deepening our faith and It’s good to always of each place, tying it back to scripture, our love of the Scriptures and our love of it’s such a dynamic way of exploring and Christ. It’s a real honour to have my own faith be reminded that He experiencing faith,” says Anthony. nourished in such a deep way.” really lived here in The gentle breeze and lull of the same waves Jesus would have once walked on provide It’s such a dynamic these places, that He a welcome pause on a warm day. So too, does the opportunity for a timeout on the way of exploring and performed miracles, Mount of Beatitudes and in the Garden of Gethsemane. Leaning against the gnarled experiencing faith. told us the parables, trunk of an olive tree, pilgrims sit and soak in their surrounds; the heat of the afternoon taught us about God sun, the bright purple bellflowers and pink Anthony at the Sea of Galillee Jerusalem sage that adorn the garden beds, the Father, the Spirit, the distant hum of the crowds that are just and Himself. streets away.

Mass afloat the Sea of Galilee EDITORIAL: ITALIAN SHRINES

WHEN History MEETS THE Holy

Words by Joy Adan

For Maria Shantharam, experiencing the site of Vatican City - The Eternal City - with its sea of travertine paving, towering colonnades and angelic sculptures, was like taking a trip in a time machine. Pope Francis “It was like stepping into an early civilisation. All of our That moment sparked the beginning of For Gerald McCormack, the size of these histories came rushing to my a physical, cultural and spiritual journey historic structures and the sheer volume discovering the many treasures of Maria’s of artworks and artefacts within them was mind,” she says. “I immediately Catholic heritage. “My family began teaching staggering. “The history of the place, its age, felt peace within me.” me about my faith from the day I was born,” and the magnificence of what was all there she explains. “Walking into St Peter’s Square, moved me the most,” he says. “When we first I felt the freedom to explore all that I was landed in Italy, our guide more or less said taught to believe. Like I had the chance to ask the building we were looking at was three or myself what I really wanted to believe.” four hundred years old, which to them was Away from the crowds in the piazza, Maria’s fairly new. Then you think of , which pilgrim group explored St Peter’s Basilica and is just a couple of hundred years old and our the Vatican Museums, marvelling at frescos, buildings get knocked down and replaced sculptures and religious relics that highlight after a few decades. Such a difference.” the rich, long history of the Catholic faith. Seeing Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel was a highlight. “I couldn’t quite believe how a person who claimed that Walking into St Peter’s he wasn’t an artist could get up there and paint that ceiling and create such wonderful Square, I felt the freedom work,” He says. “I’m multi-colour blind, so things can sort of blend in together and it can to explore all that I was be hard to appreciate what is there. But that taught to believe. chapel was marvellous.”

22 harvestjourneys.com Gerald in Assisi

God was my map and I had to use all five senses to find everything He had for me. Assisi

So too, was the opportunity to see the Holy “It was the loneliness of missing those From Assisi, the pilgrims travelled to the Father host the General Audience. “The feeling who’ve departed us, thinking if only they artistic capital of Florence. Maria was that here I was in the Vatican at long last, and were there to see this too,” she explains. “My awestruck at every turn – from the gelato seeing the Pope stands out in my memory.” heart poured out an unexplainable feeling, a on the cobblestone streets and the sunset Having a local guide and spiritual chaplain moment that can be defined by me but not on the terracotta skyline to the intricate unpacking the historical and spiritual with words.” paintings and sculptures inside the Duomo. significance of each site made a big impact “I felt like I was in a movie. I was on Gerald’s pilgrim experience. “I wouldn’t My heart poured out an overwhelmed by the beauty, the people, the have done it on my own – I couldn’t have. I culture, everything,” she says. “The narrow would have turned north instead of south, unexplainable feeling. streets, the brick foundations, the taste of east instead of west, and would have been the food and the drink, everyone’s laughter confused continually,” he laughs. Those intense emotions were tempered with and expression, the atmosphere… I was just From Rome, pilgrims travelled south to the peace she found while retreating in the so inspired. There was so much to see and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, then shady greenery in Eremo Delle Carceri, the discover. Like God was my map and I had to down the Amalfi Coast to soak in the sweet, forest oasis where St Francis was known to use all five senses to find everything He had Mediterranean sea breeze and horizon, have spent time in prayer and contemplation. for me.” before arriving in Assisi. Here, Maria was Inside the Basilica of St Clare Maria, knelt reminded of her favourite line from one of before the original crucifix from which Jesus I thank God for giving the first prayers she learnt as a child, “Lord, spoke to St Francis, telling him to repair His make me an instrument of thy peace.” Church. “It was as if I was floating on a cloud,” me the opportunity to While celebrating a private Mass in the Maria says. “I thank God for giving me the witness this and enjoy candlelit stone crypt where the tomb of St opportunity to witness this and enjoy such a Francis lies, Maria cried hot, heavy tears. blessing.” such a blessing.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

23 TOUR 2 Treasuresof Italy

from (AUD) Not only is Italy a land of unforgettable charm and beauty, it is also a land made 22 rich in grace by its colourful history of holy men and women. Follow their paths 12 $4,590 MEALS etched into our faith heritage from the great Christian centre of Rome to sacred air inclusive from DAYS DAILY towns made famous by St Benedict, St Francis, St Catherine and St Clare. $6,580 MASSES

(First Papal residence) and the adjacent of the Holy Rosary. Travel on to our hotel in Rome (3 Nights) • Montecassino • Pompeii Holy Stairs brought from Jerusalem to Rome in spectacular Sorrento as we catch our first • Sorrento (2) • Amalfi Coast • Tivoli • Assisi 326AD by St Helena (as a favourite of pilgrims, glimpses of Italy’s finest coastline. (2) • Siena • Florence (2) • Ravenna • Padua these steps may only be ascended on the knees). (2) • Venice Mass Setting: Montecassino Basilica. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Sorrento overnight (BD) Gerusalemme with its extraordinary collection of relics from the Holy Land. DAY 5: AMALFI COAST highlights Today we will visit the stunning Amalfi pilgrim Mass Setting: St Mary Major Basilica. Rome overnight (BD) Coast, widely considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world as we follow Begin a 3 night exploration of the ++ DAY 3: ROME PILGRIMAGE – SAINTS & MARTYRS the 34 miles of winding roads, including the Eternal City from St Peter’s Square to breathtaking Positano and Amalfi and its the Catacombs as we unearth the rich Celebrate this morning a spectacular Mass at sacred . traditions of our Church. St Peter’s Basilica before coming to the nearby Catherdal of St Andrew ++Pray before the relics of St Benedict, Vatican Museums. Wander the spectacular Some free time for lunch before arriving in founder of western monasticism and his chambers leading to the Sistine Chapel to Ravello, our last stop on the Amalfi coast. View sister St Scholastica in Montecassino. view Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including the Gulf of Salerno and its beautiful coastline. ++Be awestruck at the beauty of the Amalfi the magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment. Enjoy the landscape on return to Sorrento. Coast with a relaxed stay in Sorrento as Continue through to the awe inspiring St. Mass Setting: St Andrew’s Cathedral. we explore the magnificent scenery of Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world Sorrento overnight (BD) Italy’s favourite corner. for an informative exploration. ++Travel back in time to encounter the Journey this afternoon out to the majestic DAY 6: VIA TIVOLI TO ASSISI living presence of St Francis as we dwell Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls to learn After breakfast we depart the Amalfi Coast, for 2 nights in the hillside village of Assisi. more about the Church’s greatest evengelist. journeying north by coach to Tivoli, and stroll ++Soak in the inspiration of Florence, one Continue to the ancient Catacombs for the beautiful Renaissance gardens at Villa of the great art capitals of the world. a memorable guided tour to marvel at these d’Este . Marvel at the frescoes and fountains ++Enjoy a generous 2 night stay in Padua underground burial tunnels for Christians as we explore this amazing site. alongside the great Basilica and tomb of and Hebrews. We will then dine out at the Journey through scenic Umbrian countryside St Anthony. fabulous L’Eau Vive French Restaurant – run to the pilgrimage centre of Assisi, where St by Carmelite Missionary Nuns who will actually Francis tended the poor and sick and founded SYMBOLS Mass Setting: Preferred site sing to us! the Franciscan Order. (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner Mass Setting: St Peter’s Basilica. On arrival in this medieval hillside town = Time Out - Planned site for extended Rome overnight (BD) we will visit the Basilica of St Mary of the opportunity for prayer & reflection Angels down on the plains where St Francis DAY 4: MONTECASSINO • POMPEII • SORRENTO spent most of his life. Here we will see the Heading south we firstly wind our way up Portiuncula where St. Francis returned for DAY 1: ARRIVE ROME to the spectacular mountaintop Abbey prayer, the thornless rose bush, and the Welcome to Rome. Join with pilgrims this of Montecassino, founded in 529 by St chapel where he died in 1226. evening for a Welcome Dinner. Benedict, patron saint of Europe. We come as Mass Setting: Basilica of St Mary of the Angels. Rome overnight (D) pilgrims to pray before the relics of St Benedict Assisi overnight (BD) and his sister, St Scholastica. The museum DAY 2: ROME PILGRIMAGE – PAPAL & displays examples of medieval monastic art. DAY 7: ASSISI PEOPLE CELEBRATIONS Departing Montecassino we continue south This morning we awake to the sound of chapel Participate in the General Audience with Pope to Pompeii, the city which was petrified bells, cobblestone footsteps and the tangible Francis in St Peter’s Square. In the afternoon, and engulfed by the volcanic eruption of Mt spirit of St Francis preserved in this holy town. visit the impressive St Mary Major Basilica. Vesuvius in 79AD. On tour here we make a After breakfast we enjoy a guided tour through Onwards to the Basilica of St John in Lateran special visit to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin some of the town’s highlights including: the

24 harvestjourneys.com Venice ITALY Padua 2

Ravenna TOUR 2 > TREASURES OF ITALY Florence 2 Siena 2 Assisi

Tivoli Rome 3 Montecassino Pompeii Sorrento 2 Amal Coast

VENICE SIENA tranquil Church of San Damiano and the DAY 9: FLORENCE actual chapel where it all began when the voice Our tour of Florence begins today with Mass at TOUR DETAILS of Christ spoke to Francis in the year 1205. the Church of Santa Croce before continuing Culminate today up at the Hermitage to the Academy of Fine Arts containing many 2020 DATES & PRICES (Eremo delle Carceri), an oasis of peace and treasures, including Michelangelo’s statue of TOUR BEGINS: ENDS: TWIN SHARE tranquillity in the woods built on the site of a . We will visit the Ponte Vecchio and the CODE Rome Venice Tour Only/AUD simple cave where St Francis often withdrew to Duomo, whose magnificent dome was created + AIRFARE TI0120 Tue 12 May 23 May $4,690 OPTION spend many hours in prayer. by Brunelleschi. Across the way are Ghiberti’s + AIRFARE We end our tour at the Basilica of St Clare celebrated bronze doors to the Baptistery, so TI0220 Tue 16 Jun 27 Jun $4,690 OPTION where we will proceed to the side chapel to lovely that they are commonly known as ‘The TI0320 Tue 08 Sep 19 Sep $4,690 + AIRFARE pray before the Holy Crucifix from which God Gates of Paradise’. Enjoy some free time in the late OPTION afternoon to browse the bazaars, explore or rest. + AIRFARE spoke to Francis “Go and repair my Church TI0420 Tue 13 Oct 24 Oct $4,590 OPTION which as you see is in ruins”. Mass Setting: Church of Santa Croce. SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING Mass Setting: Church of San Damiano. Florence overnight (BD) $850 Supplement $14 per person/per day Assisi overnight (BD) DAY 10: VIA RAVENNA TO PADUA 2021 DATES & PRICES*

We farewell Florence today, journeying north TI0121 Tue 11 May 22 May $4,890 + AIRFARE “Harvest leaves nothing to chance, to Ravenna, once the capital of the Western OPTION challenges your imagination and + AIRFARE Roman Empire some 1,500 years ago. The TI0221 Wed 16 Jun 27 Jun $4,890 OPTION enhances your spiritual development.” city’s rare mosaics are thought to be the best TI0321 Tue 07 Sep 18 Sep $4,890 + AIRFARE — Nick & Mimi Romeo preserved in Europe and our visit to the Basilica OPTION of San Vitale will give evidence to this reality. + AIRFARE TI0421 Tue 12 Oct 23 Oct $4,790 OPTION Travel on to Padua, home to St Anthony, the DAY 8: VIA SIENA TO FLORENCE SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING renowned patron saint of lost articles. Originally We conclude our time in Assisi’s upper town $910 Supplement $14 per person/per day from Lisbon, Anthony came to Italy where his with Mass and a guided exploration of the AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: $6,580 per person. gift of preaching brought many to conversion. buzzing Basilica of St Francis which occupies See harvestjourneys.com for full details. On arrival we enjoy a guided tour and Mass in *indicative the entire western end of the upper town. the Basilica of St Anthony including the Chapel The Upper Basilica houses the famous fresco = Oberammergau 2020 optional add-on available of the Reliquaries and St Anthony’s tomb. cycle of the life of St Francis, before our tour Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 descends to the crypt of the Lower Basilica Mass Setting: Basilica of St Anthony. where Francis’ body was laid in 1230. Padua overnight (BD) Departing Assisi we travel west to Italy’s DAY 11: VENICE DAY Priest travels free loveliest medieval city, Siena, birthplace of Today we travel out to Venice, known as Saints Catherine and Bernadine. Upon arrival PARISH PLAN Europe’s most romantic destination. As we we will visit St Dominic’s Basilica and view the See page 10/11 for more details board our boat transfer we enjoy our first incorrupt head of St Catherine, the mystical glimpses of this unique city. Our time here bride of Christ. begins with Mass in St Mark’s Basilica, built to After visiting the medieval Cathedral of Siena house the saint’s remains. Our guided walking BOOK NOW (1263), dedicated to Holy Mary of the Assumption, tour includes St Mark’s Square and its famous we depart Siena and journey north to Florence, monuments. 1800 819 156 the art capital of the world and home to superb Mass Setting: St Mark’s Basilica. churches, galleries and museums. Padua overnight (BD) www.harvestjourneys.com Mass Setting: Basilica of St Francis. Florence overnight (BD) DAY 12: DEPART ITALY (B)

the genuine pilgrim experience 25 EDITORIAL: MARY & THE SAINTS

Full of Grace

Fatima Sanctuary

Words by Joy Adan In the still of the spring night and “We could feel our hearts pounding like we “Before going on this pilgrimage, I never could feel the closeness of Heaven,” says knew so many saints existed; I never knew bathed in the glow of hundreds Eugene. Hours later, he wakes at dawn to their stories,” says Bernadette, admitting of thousands of candles, Eugene capture an early-morning photo of the day’s that it was visiting the saints that struck her first rays bouncing off the stone and steeples. most during the trip. The pilgrimage allowed Menguito stands amidst a sea “The location of our accommodation in so them all to discover more about the richness of people, brightly coloured many of the cities we visited was literally at of Europe’s saints and their lives of holiness, banners and national flags. the doorstep of the churches or shrines,” he prayer, and courage. “Learning about them, explains. “Everything was walking distance visiting places like Loyola, Avila and Paray-le- Metres away, the statue of away. So to be able to get up early and Monial, places where really significant events Our Lady of the Rosary makes capture the sunrise photo of the shrine was happened, then seeing the dedication of the incredible.” people who preserve all these places – I was her way through the crowd, The tranquil silence of the early morning really blown away.” travelling through the square on air and empty streets brought the spirit of a bed of white roses. Devotees Fatima alive in a unique way. This, and the We couldn’t help but feel candlelit rosary from the previous evening, sing Ave Maria with so much are magical moments that have been three all the saints and Mary fervour the song rings out across years in the making. so close to us. the town. It is a sight and sound Eugene and his wife Regina, their siblings Rowena and Jeff Barcelon, and Raymundo the Menguitos will never forget. and Bernadette Torres, all live in three For Eugene, the highlight was seeing the different cities spanning the east coast of childhood home of St Thérèse of the Child Australia. They first raised the idea of taking Jesus, who he had grown up asking for a holiday together in 2016 and the Marian intercession. “When we saw Lisieux on the pilgrimage offered the perfect trifecta; a itinerary, we committed to going on this trip.” family getaway that took them out of the Inside St Thérèse’s childhood house, Les busy-ness of everyday life; the opportunity Buisosonnets, the pilgrims see perfectly to explore Europe; and a journey discovering preserved clothing, books and toys, the the many blessings of Mary and the saints oak-panelled dining room where her family shared meals, and the backyard where she would have played before joining the We could feel our . “Now that we’ve been there, hearts pounding like we witnessed her home and upbringing, we’re brought even closer to her, to Mama Mary could feel the closeness and Jesus,” says Eugene. “Not a day passes without St Thérèse included. This makes it all of Heaven. so real.”

26 harvestjourneys.com “Experiencing Mass, drinking and dipping & Saints in the spring water, then visiting Saint Visitations Bernadette’s birthplace, and travelling to the Convent of St Gildard in Nevers where you see her incorrupt body...all of these are Saints Featured experiences we will carry with us for the rest of our lives,” Eugene says. He recalls the St Anthony - Lisbon candles burning at different prayer points in the sanctuary, and the bright flowers and handwritten prayer intentions on the floor of the cave where the spring still flows; “We couldn’t help but feel all the saints and Mary so close to us.” Before going on this pilgrimage, I never knew St Jacinta & St Francisco - Fatima so many saints existed; I never knew their stories.

Eugene & Regina Menguito “We believe people can change their ways, be converted, be better and become messengers and witnesses to the good news Lisieux was just one of many stops and saints of the Lord our God,” Eugene says. “This is what we learned from St Ignatius when along the trip that reveal a new dimension to St Teresa - Avila the Catholic faith the couples were introduced we visited Loyola in Spain, from St Teresa’s to as children. During the bus ride to Lourdes, mystical experiences in Avila, from St John they watch a movie about Saint Bernadette Vianney’s dedication and commitment to the Soubirous, the poor peasant girl who, after Church, and from St Margaret Mary Alacoque seeing the Virgin Mary, discovered the spring at Paray-le-Monial, the home of the Sacred of healing water that has flown through the Heart of Jesus. The experience of learning Pyrenees Mountains for over 150 years. about and visiting the saints who, in one way or another, formed us in our early years, confirmed so much of what we believe and It is as though we have know today.” St - Segovia Months after returning home after the a responsibility to spread trip, the magical moments of this 19-day the good message and journey live on for Eugene and Regina. “Friends and family listen to our experience bring others to Jesus, and they become more interested; their own prayers and their devotion increases,” just as Mary and the Eugene explains. “Now that we have had the opportunity to experience something saints did. so life-changing, it is as though we have a responsibility to spread the good message With an afternoon free to explore the town, and bring others to Jesus, just as Mary and St Dominic - Caleruega they make their way along the Upper way the saints did.” of the Cross of the Espélugues, where 115 life-sized copper figures illustrate the Lord’s passion in vivid detail, then stop at the Grotto of the Massabielle, where Our Lady first appeared and instructed Bernadette to “Go and drink from the spring.”

Lourdes Grotto St Ignatius - Loyola

St Bernadette - Lourdes

the genuine pilgrim experience 27 TOUR 3 Visitations & Saints

PREVIOUSLY: VISITATIONS OF MARY

from (AUD) You are invited to participate in the world’s most requested Marian journey as 24 we explore the villages of some of the Church’s most renowned graces and saints. 13 $4,590 MEALS From the Anniversary celebrations in Fatima, through Avila, Santo Domingo de air inclusive DAYS DAILY Silos, Loyola, Lourdes and Montserrat, this will truly be a pilgrimage of a lifetime. $6,680 MASSES

Lisbon (1 Night) • Fatima (3) • Alba de Tormes DAY 1: ARRIVE LISBON children were baptised. • Avila (2) • Segovia • Caleruega • Santo Welcome to Lisbon. Join with fellow pilgrims Back in Fatima tonight, the Anniversary Vigil Domingo de Silos (1) • Loyola • Lourdes (3) this evening for a Welcome Dinner. ceremonies begin with an International Rosary • Manresa • Montserrat (1) • Barcelona (1) Lisbon overnight (D) followed by a candlelight procession and Optional Graces of France Extension (5 Nights) concelebrated Mass on the steps of the Rosary DAY 2: LISBON TO FATIMA Basilica. From midnight to dawn an optional all Theme: St Anthony of Padua night vigil is held for the enrichment of pilgrims. highlights This morning we will meet with our local guide Mass Setting: Apparition Chapel. pilgrim and enjoy a tour of Lisbon city. Our first stop is Fatima overnight (BD) St Anthony’s Basilica where we celebrate our ++Savour a 3 Night stay in each of the group Mass. Despite what might be assumed great Marian Centres of Fatima and from his name, St Anthony was born and grew “This trip has intensified our Lourdes. up in Lisbon and today remains the patron spiritual connection with Mary. ++Be among the sea of pilgrims waving saint of lost articles. their white handkerchiefs in honour The time provided each day gave us Visit the World Heritage listed Jeronimo’s of Our Lady during the momentous opportunities for personal reflection.” Monastery dating back to the 16th century with Anniversary celebrations in Fatima. ­— Jocelyn & Jinny Lee its stunning combination of flamboyant Gothic, Experience an absorbing 2 Night stay ++ Moorish and early Renaissance influences; inside the medieval walled city of Avila see nearby Belem Tower and the Monument and be touched by the tangible grace of DAY 4: FATIMA ANNIVERSARY to the Discoveries. See Europe’s longest St Teresa. CELEBRATIONS suspension bridge and view the inspiring ++Explore the sacred towns dedicated Theme: Our Lady of Fatima to St Teresa, St John of the Cross, St Statue of Christ the King pointing the way We awake to the sound of pilgrims from all Dominic and St Ignatius of Loyola. north to Fatima. over the world en route to the morning’s Be mesmerised by the Benedictine En route to Fatima we will visit the Holy ++ Anniversary celebrations. Commence with Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos as Miracle Church of St Stephen at Santarem a Rosary followed by the procession of Our they chant their Gregorian Mass during containing the oldest recorded Eucharistic our overnight stay. miracle. Lady’s statue to the altar on the steps of the Basilica. Celebrate the International Come to Lourdes, the ‘City of Mary’ and Finally we arrive at Fatima where in 1917 the ++ Anniversary Mass followed by the Blessing of take time down by the Holy Grotto to Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three children the Sick and Consecration. The ceremonies will pray and find your healing as you drink as ‘a lady in white’. close around midday with the touching ‘Adios’ from the sacred springs. Mass Setting: St Anthony’s Basilica. spectacle. ++Join pilgrims from the world over as we Fatima overnight (BD) raise our candles high at the evening We will then enjoy a tour of the Square (the Torchlight Processions in Lourdes and DAY 3: FATIMA largest in Christendom) including the site of Fatima. Theme: St Francisco & St Jacinta of Fatima the Apparitions, Rosary Basilica with the ++Hear the sweet sounds of the This morning we will walk and pray the Stations Tombs of the visionaries, the Museum, Blessed Montserrat Boys Choir during our along the beautiful Way of the Cross (the Sacrament Chapel and other main sites. overnight stay in the Clifftop Monastery Sacred Way) culminating in the Chapel of Afternoon at leisure in Fatima. dedicated to the Mother of God. Calvary which overlooks all of Fatima. Continue Mass Setting: International Anniversary Mass. to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady’s appearance Fatima overnight (BD) SYMBOLS Mass Setting: Preferred site to three peasant children Lucia, Francisco (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner and Jacinta. Proceed on to the little village of DAY 5: FATIMA TO AVILA = Time Out - Planned site for extended Aljustrel to visit the homes where the children Theme: St John of the Cross opportunity for prayer & reflection lived. Finally we enter the original Parish After breakfast we farewell Fatima and journey church and see the Baptismal font where the inland through Portugal before crossing the

28 harvestjourneys.com FRANCE

3 Lourdes Loyola TOUR 3 > VISITATIONS & SAINTS Santo Domingo de Silos 1 Manresa Caleruega Montserrat 1 1 PORTGAL Barcelona 2 Segovia Alba de Avila Tormes 3 Fatima

1 Lisbon SPAIN

AVILA

border into Spain. Visit Salamanca, known home of Bl Jane of Aza and Felix Guzman and the Pyrenees, crossing into Southern France as the ‘Golden City’ owing to the colour of its birthplace of their sons, St Dominic, Bl Mannes before continuing on to Lourdes. It was in this historic sandstone buildings. Arrive at Alba de and Anthony. On our tour we will come to small town that Our Lady first appeared to St Tormes, the little village where St Teresa the Crypt where a well marks the spot where Bernadette in 1858. died and where her incorrupt heart and arm Dominic was born around 1170. Mass Setting: Benedictine Abbey. are enshrined and displayed in the Carmelite Enter the Church of San Sebastian where Lourdes overnight (BD) convent. Here too we enter the convent for Dominic was baptised. The original twelfth Mass, where St John of the Cross lived and who century apse is still preserved, even though DAY 9: LOURDES companioned St Teresa in her spiritual walk. the church has undergone numerous Theme: St Bernadette of Lourdes We continue on to the historic walled town of reconstructions. We celebrate an International Mass this Avila, where the atmosphere has changed little Journey north to the quaint village of Santo morning with pilgrims worldwide in the since the days of St Teresa to whom the city is Domingo de Silos, home to the great immense Underground Basilica of Pius X dedicated. Benedictine Abbey famous for its beautiful (schedule permitting) followed by a visit to the Mass Setting: Alba de Tormes Convent. Romanesque cloister and for spreading the little village of Bartres, and the farm where St was nursed and later returned in Avila overnight (BD) finest tradition of Gregorian chant throughout Bernadette adolescence to help her foster mother. We will the world. DAY 6: AVILA visit the Sheepfold and the Parish Church After dinner we will proceed up to the Abbey where she spent so many hours in prayer. Theme: St Teresa of Avila for evening prayer. We begin our day with a visit to the Convent We will return to Lourdes to enjoy a peaceful Mass Setting: Vera Cruz Church. afternoon to rest or wander at your own pace. of Saint Teresa built over the saint’s birthplace Santo Domingo de Silos overnight (BD) and located just inside the South Gate of the Optional Blessed Sacrament Procession and old town. We then visit Avila’s Cathedral which evening candlelight procession. was started in the 12th century before entering “This pilgrimage through Portugal Mass Setting: International Mass at Lourdes. Lourdes overnight (BD) the Monastery of the Incarnation for Mass Spain and France has been the where St Teresa’s cell can be seen as well as DAY 10: LOURDES other relics of her life. most uplifting faith renewal Theme: Our Lady of Lourdes Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. I have ever had.” This morning we will celebrate a group Mass Mass Setting: Monastery of the Incarnation. — David Hooper at the Grotto, before meeting our guide Avila overnight (BD) for a walking tour of Lourdes including the DAY 7: VIA SEGOVIA & CALERUEGA TO DAY 8: SANTO DOMINGO DE SILOS TO Sanctuary area: Upper & Lower Basilicas, SANTO DOMINGO DE SILOS LOURDES the Grotto, and the Baths where hundreds Theme: St Dominic Theme: St Ignatius of Loyola of miraculous cures have taken place. We continue our visit of the main sites associated This morning we depart Avila, travelling east This morning we will attend the chanted High with St Bernadette including the Boly Mill by coach to Segovia, between the Eresma and Mass at the Abbey before visiting the adjacent where she was born in 1844, the original Clamores Rivers. We will visit the stunning Monastery and Museum. parish church and the Cachot (prison) where , the last Gothic cathedral We then rejoin our coach and set off on our Segovia Cathedral the family was forced to live due to misfortune to be built in Spain. Marvel too at the best travel day, journeying north to Loyola where during the time of the apparitions. conserved aqueduct of the Imperial Roman St Ignatius was born and where he later found Free time this afternoon for a visit and prayers Empire. Outside the walls, we will visit and his conversion. In Loyola pilgrims will have the for the sick at the miraculous Baths where the celebrate Mass at a convent adjacent to the opportunity to visit the impressive Sanctuary water has continued to flow since 1858. Vera Cruz church, where the mortal remains of St Ignatius, including the Casa Santa (Holy Pilgrims may choose to submerge themselves of Saint John of the Cross are buried. View House) - 13th century tower house – where in the healing waters, or collect the Lourdes here the famous Alcazar. he was born and spent many of his early years. From here we journey north to Caleruega, the Later we travel through the scenic foothills of CONTINUED 

the genuine pilgrim experience 29 GRACES OF FRANCE 5 NIGHT / 6 DAY POST TOUR OPTION

Mont Rouen MONTSERRAT Saint-Michel Lisieux 2 Paris Chartres 1 water at the taps. Optional afternoon Blessed Montserrat Boys Choir (The Escolania), one of Taize Sacrament Procession and Blessing of the Sick the oldest and most renowned in Europe. Nevers Community before a final eveningcandlelight procession We will then have a private guided tour of the Paray-le-Monial 2 Ars after dinner. museums. Lyon FRANCE Mass Setting: Lourdes Grotto. In the afternoon we will travel to Barcelona, Visitations & Saints Lourdes overnight (BD) a city synonymous with art, culture and faith. Visit Antonio Gaudi’s inspiring La Sagrada DAY 11: LOURDES TO MONTSERRAT (VIA Familia Basilica, the most visited landmark MANRESA) DAY 1: LYON / ARS / PARAY-LE-MONIAL in Barcelona and famous due to the fact that Fly to Lyon, France; enter Fourviere Basilica with its Theme: Our Lady of Montserrat after more than 100 years since the foundation view over the entire city; celebrate Mass in Ars, the We farewell Lourdes early this morning as we stone was laid it is still under final construction. village where St John Vianney the ‘Cure of Ars’ was again journey through the Pyrenees, crossing Mass Setting: Montserrat Basilica. based; continue north to Paray-le-Monial, where the border back in to northern Spain. Continue Barcelona overnight (BD) St Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of on to the town of Manresa for Mass in the the Sacred Heart of Jesus. cave where St Ignatius came on retreat for 11 DAY 13: DEPART SPAIN Paray-le-Monial overnight (BD) months between 1522 and 1523 . Your pilgrimage concludes after breakfast We then arrive into stunning Montserrat. this morning or continue on Graces of France DAY 2: PARAY-LE-MONIAL & TAIZE The renowned 11th century sanctuary of Our extension. (B) Commence with Mass in the Chapel of Apparitions Lady of Montserrat lies at the top of a 4,000 where most of the apparitions took place; join the foot high mountain and is one of Spain’s most community in Taize for midday prayer; Paray- popular pilgrimage destinations. The shrine TOUR DETAILS le-Monial guided visit featuring the relics of St Margaret Mary; the Chapel of St Claude and the is home to a 12th century miraculous statue Basilica of Sacre Coeur. of the Blessed Virgin Mary, lovingly known as 2020 DATES & PRICES Paray-le-Monial overnight (BD) the “Black ”, discovered in the Santa TOUR BEGINS: ENDS: TWIN SHARE Cova or Holy Cave. CODE Lisbon Barcelona Tour Only/AUD DAY 3: VIA NEVERS TO CHARTRES Time permitting, before dinner we will have an Mass in the convent in Nevers; view St VS0120 Mon 11 May 23 May $4,690 + AIRFARE opportunity to join the Benedictine monks in OPTION Bernadette’s incorrupt body; continue to Chartres + AIRFARE and enter the 13th century Cathedral; gaze the Basilica for evening Vespers. VS0220 Fri 11 Sep 23 Sep $4,690 OPTION Mass Setting: Manresa Cave. upon stained glass majesty with more than five VS0320 Sat 10 Oct 22 Oct $4,590 + AIRFARE Montserrat overnight (BD) OPTION thousand figures depicting biblical stories. SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING Chartres overnight (BD) $1,190 Supplement $14 per person/per day DAY 4: LISIEUX / MONT-SAINT-MICHEL “I felt my spirit lifted. I felt her 2021 DATES & PRICES* Journey west to Lisieux, home to St Therese, presence in Lourdes and Fatima. the ‘Little Flower’; visit the family home of Les VS0121 Mon 10 May 22 May $4,890 + AIRFARE My faith grew stronger and Mary will OPTION Buissonets, the Carmelite Convent Chapel with + AIRFARE its reliquary of the saint and St Therese’s Basilica; always be present in my life.” VS0221 Fri 10 Sep 22 Sep $4,890 OPTION continue to the lovely island of Mont-Saint-Michel. — Sofaia Ulingaholo + AIRFARE VS0321 Sun 10 Oct 22 Oct $4,790 OPTION Mont-Saint-Michel overnight (BD) SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING DAY 5: MONT-SAINT-MICHEL $1,250 Supplement $14 per person/per day DAY 12: MONTSERRAT & BARCELONA Join the community in the Benedictine Abbey for Theme: Montserrat Boys Choir AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: $6,680 per person. an inspiring chanted Mass; see the Chapelle de See harvestjourneys.com for full details. Notre Dame sous Terre (Underground Chapel of Our spectacular day of pilgrimage begins with a *indicative prices Our Lady); enjoy some free time. visit and Mass in the Basilica, the construction Mont-Saint-Michel overnight (BD) of which began in the 16th century, and a = Oberammergau 2020 optional add-on available viewing of the beautiful Holy Image of Our Lady Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 DAY 6: VIA ROUEN / DEPART PARIS of Montserrat, known affectionately as the Journey east via Rouen where Joan of Arc was “Black Madonna.” burnt at the stake on 30 May 1431; visit the Rouen Priest travels free We will then board the Santa Cova funicular Cathedral before continuing east to Paris for our railway and after a short ride, enjoy a walk PARISH PLAN homebound or ongoing flights. (B) down the sacred path to the Chapel where the See page 10/11 for more details FULL ITINERARY PAGE 32-33 image of Our Lady of Montserrat was found by young shepherds in the 13th century after PRICES 2020 2021* seeing a bright light which led them to the COST ADD-ON BOOK NOW $2,390 $2,490 grotto. We take time here at the Holy Cave twin share for prayer and reflection before taking the SINGLE ROOM 1800 819 156 $690 $760 funicular railway back up to the Sanctuary. supplement

Before lunch, we will take our place among the PREPAID TIPPING www.harvestjourneys.com $14 $14 privileged to hear the heavenly sounds of the per person/per day

30 harvestjourneys.com GRACES OF FRANCE EDITORIAL: FRENCH SAINTS 5 NIGHT / 6 DAY POST TOUR OPTION Sojourn FOR THE Words by Joy Adan Inside a small, unassuming Soul Mont Rouen chapel on Rue de la Visitation Saint-Michel Lisieux in Paray-le-Monial about 20 2 Paris Chartres 1 wooden pews face a simple stone Taize altar and a colourfully painted Nevers Community Paray-le-Monial 2 Ars mural depicting the Apparition Lyon FRANCE of Christ to Saint Margaret Mary Visitations & Saints Alacoque. Sitting on one of these pews, Irma De Guzman discovers DAY 1: LYON / ARS / PARAY-LE-MONIAL a profound connection between Fly to Lyon, France; enter Fourviere Basilica with its view over the entire city; celebrate Mass in Ars, the this French town and her home village where St John Vianney the ‘Cure of Ars’ was in Melbourne, Australia. based; continue north to Paray-le-Monial, where Lisieux St Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Paray-le-Monial overnight (BD) “This is where St Margaret Mary Alacoque So too, will her connection with Mary through had a vision of the Sacred Heart. I didn’t It was like they were the Rosary. “On the pilgrimage, we prayed DAY 2: PARAY-LE-MONIAL & TAIZE know that place before I went there, but sharing their souls when the Rosary every day, and I’ve continued Commence with Mass in the Chapel of Apparitions learning that was one of the most striking that,” Irma says. “When we pray the Rosary where most of the apparitions took place; join the moments during our pilgrimage,” she says. they shared their stories we pray for the whole world, for peace community in Taize for midday prayer; Paray- Irma works in a school founded by the in the world; it brings us together as part le-Monial guided visit featuring the relics of St sisters and brothers of the Sacred Heart. and their faith. It was so of the whole Catholic community. There Margaret Mary; the Chapel of St Claude and the “We always celebrate the feast of the Sacred are so many experiences I’ve had, where Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Heart in June. To think that feast originated in enriching for everybody. people have come to me with desperate or Paray-le-Monial overnight (BD) that place because of that vision, was really impossible situations and I’ve promised to DAY 3: VIA NEVERS TO CHARTRES powerful for me. It was like discovering my Irma took the opportunity during one pray for them, and then I get their feedback Mass in the convent in Nevers; view St roots. It was incredibly profound.” afternoon in Lourdes to visit the miraculous that something is fixed or healed, or things Bernadette’s incorrupt body; continue to Chartres Sharing the journey with such a diverse Baths. “What an experience – it was have improved. I can categorically say that and enter the 13th century Cathedral; gaze pilgrim group made Irma’s journey through unforgettable, totally amazing. It was, the power of prayer is real.” upon stained glass majesty with more than five France even more special. “We had such honestly, indescribable,” she says, recalling thousand figures depicting biblical stories. a mix of travellers - some travelling alone, the awe she felt. “You don’t expect it while Irma in Lourdes Chartres overnight (BD) some young pilgrims, some couples who you’re waiting in line, but the experience is DAY 4: LISIEUX / MONT-SAINT-MICHEL were retired; all people with different cultural totally beautiful. My whole body and my head Journey west to Lisieux, home to St Therese, backgrounds and lifestyles,” Irma describes. were submerged and my hair is quite long, the ‘Little Flower’; visit the family home of Les “It was like they were sharing their souls but when I got out my hair was dry and I had Buissonets, the Carmelite Convent Chapel with when they shared their stories and their to think, ‘Did that just happen?’ It was such its reliquary of the saint and St Therese’s Basilica; faith. It was so enriching for everybody.” an impossible, out of this world experience. It continue to the lovely island of Mont-Saint-Michel. In Lourdes, Irma was swept away by the will stay with me forever.” Mont-Saint-Michel overnight (BD) strident drumbeat of military bands as 12,000 DAY 5: MONT-SAINT-MICHEL soldiers from over 40 countries descended Join the community in the Benedictine Abbey for on the pilgrimage site for the 61st Pèlerinage Chapel of Apparitions, Paray le Monial an inspiring chanted Mass; see the Chapelle de Militaire International. “It was truly amazing,” Notre Dame sous Terre (Underground Chapel of she says, recalling the excitement and energy Our Lady); enjoy some free time. that filled the town. Mont-Saint-Michel overnight (BD) DAY 6: VIA ROUEN / DEPART PARIS It was like discovering Journey east via Rouen where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake on 30 May 1431; visit the Rouen my roots. It was Cathedral before continuing east to Paris for our homebound or ongoing flights. (B) incredibly profound. FULL ITINERARY PAGE 32-33 “Despite the fact that there were so many PRICES 2020 2021* people, it was still a very solemn experience. COST ADD-ON We heard Mass in English, and there were $2,390 $2,490 twin share Bishops from all the different military groups, SINGLE ROOM and their homilies were very moving. And $690 $760 supplement even though there was noise outside, the PREPAID TIPPING moment you step inside the Basilica, it was $14 $14 per person/per day silent and solemn.”

the genuine pilgrim experience 31 Rouen Mont Saint-Michel Lisieux TOUR 4 2 Paris Graces of France Chartres 1 Nevers Taize Community Paray-le-Monial 2 Ars Lyon FRANCE

Lourdes 3 SPAIN Manresa Montserrat 1 1 Barcelona

from (AUD) Watch your faith come alive during this absorbing time of pilgrimage beginning 20 with a reflective stay in Lourdes, the City of Mary. Journey on through Mountainous 11 $4,890 MEALS villages and holy shrines, weaving a pilgrim trail through the glorious Spanish & air inclusive from DAYS DAILY French countryside and the sacred villages of our faith. $6,990 MASSES

DAY 1: ARRIVE LOURDES Lourdes (3 Nights) • Manresa • Montserrat between 1522 and 1523 and pray in the actual (1) • Barcelona (1) • Lyon • Ars • Paray-le- Welcome to Lourdes, the small town where Our cave where his life and spirituality developed. Monial (2) • Taize Community • Nevers • Lady first appeared to St Bernadette in 1858. We then arrive into stunning Montserrat. The th Chartres (1) • Lisieux • Mont-Saint-Michel Lourdes overnight (D) stunning mountaintop shrine is home to a 12 (2) • Rouen • Finish Paris century miraculous statue of the Blessed Virgin DAY 2: LOURDES Mary, lovingly known as the “Black Madonna”, We celebrate an International Mass this discovered in the Santa Cova or Holy Cave. morning with pilgrims worldwide in the Time permitting, before dinner we will take the highlights immense Underground Basilica of Pius X opportunity to join the Benedictine monks in pilgrim (schedule permitting) followed by a visit to the the Basilica for evening Vespers. little village of Bartres, and the farm where St Mass Setting: Manresa Cave. Begin perfectly with a full 3 Night stay in ++ Bernadette was nursed and later returned in Montserrat overnight (BD) Lourdes and be touched by the spiritual adolescence to help her foster mother. We will atmosphere of Our Lady that abounds. visit the Sheepfold and the Parish Church DAY 5: MONTSERRAT & BARCELONA ++Be among the thousands of rejoicing where she spent so many hours in prayer. Our spectacular day of pilgrimage begins with a pilgrims flowing towards the Lourdes Optional Blessed Sacrament Procession and visit and Mass in the Basilica, the construction Sanctuary during the evening torchlight th evening candlelight procession. of which began in the 16 century, and a spectacle. Mass Setting: International Mass at Lourdes. viewing of the beautiful Holy Image of Our Lady Relish a two-night stay in Paray Le ++ Lourdes overnight (BD) of Montserrat, known affectionately as the Monial and pray in the Chapel of the “Black Madonna.” Apparitions where Jesus exposed His DAY 3: LOURDES Board the Santa Cova funicular railway and Sacred Heart to St Margaret Mary This morning we will celebrate a group Mass after a short ride, we come to the Chapel Alacoque. at the Grotto before meeting our guide for where the image of Our Lady of Montserrat Gaze upon the incorrupt body of St ++ a walking tour of Lourdes including the was found by young shepherds in the 13th Bernadette during a private Mass in the century. We take time here at the Holy Cave for town of Nevers where she joined the Sanctuary area: Upper & Lower Basilicas, Sisters of Charity. the Grotto, and the Baths where hundreds of prayer and reflection. miraculous cures have taken place. Continue ++Be awe-struck in Chartres as you enter Before lunch, we will take our place among the the magnificent 13th century Cathedral our visit of the main sites associated with St privileged to hear the heavenly sounds of the and marvel at the stained-glass majesty Bernadette including the Boly Mill where she Montserrat Boys Choir (The Escolania), one of during our guided exploration. was born in 1844, the original parish church the oldest and most renowned in Europe. ++Pray in Lisieux before the statue of and the Cachot (prison) where the family was In the afternoon we will travel to Barcelona, the Virgin Mary that smiled at the forced to live due to misfortune during the a city synonymous with art, culture and faith. 10-year-old Thérèse before she was time of the apparitions. See Antonio Gaudi’s inspiring La Sagrada immediately cured of a severe illness. Free time this afternoon for a visit and prayers Familia Basilica, the most visited landmark in ++Come to breathtaking Mont-Saint- for the sick at the miraculous Baths where the Barcelona. Michel and be inspired by the prayerful water has continued to flow since 1858. Mass Setting: Montserrat Basilica. beauty of the great Abbey built in Pilgrims may choose to submerge themselves Barcelona overnight (BD) honour of St Michael the Archangel. in the healing waters. Mass Setting: Lourdes Grotto. DAY 6: LYON / ARS / PARAY-LE-MONIAL Fly to Lyon in France this morning to visit the SYMBOLS Mass Setting: Preferred site Lourdes overnight (BD) stunning Fourviere Basilica, and admire a (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner DAY 4: LOURDES TO MONTSERRAT (VIA wonderful view over the entire city of Lyon. = Time Out - Planned site for extended MANRESA) opportunity for prayer & reflection Journey north to nearby Ars, the little village We farewell Lourdes and continue south into where St John Vianney known as the Cure of Ars Spain and onto the town of Manresa for Mass was based and to where pilgrims from all over where St Ignatius came on retreat for 11 months Europe flocked to see him. View his incorrupt

32 harvestjourneys.com Rouen Mont Saint-Michel Lisieux 2 Paris Chartres 1 TOUR 4 > GRACES OF FRANCE Nevers Taize Community Paray-le-Monial 2 Ars Lyon FRANCE

Lourdes 3 SPAIN Manresa Montserrat 1 1 Barcelona

Basilica of Paray-le-MonialLOURDES Chartres, France

body and celebrate our group Mass here. Our pilgrimage takes us on to the great DAY 11: VIA ROUEN / DEPART PARIS From here we continue north to Paray-le- Cathedral city of Chartres where we enter Depart Mont-Saint-Michel this morning and Monial, the place where St Margaret Mary inside the magnificent 13th century Chartres journey east to visit Rouen where Joan of Arc Alacoque experienced visions of the Sacred Cathedral, a medieval architectural wonder. was burnt at the stake in the marketplace on Heart of Jesus in the 17th century. Gaze upon stained glass majesty with more 30 May 1431. Continue east to Paris for our homebound or ongoing flights. (B) Mass Setting: Ars Basilica. than five thousand figures depicting biblical Paray-le-Monial overnight (BD) stories and the lives of the saints, presenting to every pilgrim a vision of the heavenly city that TOUR DETAILS awaits us. 2020 DATES & PRICES “The saints, Mary, everything Mass Setting: Nevers Convent Chapel. comes alive. It’s like a little retreat. Chartres overnight (BD) TOUR BEGINS: ENDS: TWIN SHARE You put your life on hold and into CODE Lourdes Paris Tour Only/AUD DAY 9: CHARTRES / LISIEUX / MONT-SAINT- GF0120 Mon 18 May 28 May $4,990 + AIRFARE God’s arms and His presence.” MICHEL OPTION — Jenny Chitti + AIRFARE Journey west today to Lisieux, one of the GF0220 Fri 18 Sep 28 Sep $4,990 OPTION world’s favourite pilgrimage sites and home to GF0320 Sat 17 Oct 27 Oct $4,890 + AIRFARE St Therese, the ‘Little Flower’, whom Pope Pius OPTION DAY 7: PARAY-LE-MONIAL & TAIZE X called ‘the greatest saint of modern times’. SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING After breakfast we commence our time here On arrival we enjoy a pilgrimage tour of Lisieux $1,230 Supplement $14 per person/per day with Mass in the Chapel of Apparitions, visiting the family home of Les Buissonets, the located in the Monastery of the Visitation and 2021 DATES & PRICES* with its of where most of the sacred heart apparitions Carmelite Convent Chapel reliquary GF0121 Mon 17 May 27 May $5,190 + AIRFARE took place. the saint and St Therese’s Basilica. OPTION Departing Lisieux we journey west to + AIRFARE We then set off forTaize , the tiny hillside GF0221 Fri 17 Sep 27 Sep $5,190 OPTION community in which young people from all Normandy and the lovely island of Mont-Saint- GF0321 Sun 17 Oct 27 Oct $5,090 + AIRFARE over the world are drawn. We join with the Michel. From the Middle Ages people have OPTION flocked to the abbey and were so struck by its community for midday prayer, which is sung SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING beautifully in the large candlelit church. beauty that they called this place “The Wonder $1,290 Supplement $14 per person/per day Island”. Today it continues to be a major Returning to Paray-le-Monial, we commence AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: $6,990 per person. cultural and pilgrimage centre. our guided visit featuring the relics of St See harvestjourneys.com for full details. Margaret Mary. Other highlights include the Mass Setting: Carmelite Chapel. *indicative prices Mont-Saint-Michel overnight (BD) Chapel of St Claude in honour of St Margaret = Oberammergau 2020 optional add-on available Mary’s Spiritual Director and the Basilica of DAY 10: MONT-SAINT-MICHEL Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 Sacre Coeur. A highlight of our visit here will be the Mass Setting: Chapel of Apparitions. Benedictine Abbey, which during the French Paray-le-Monial overnight (BD) Priest travels free Revolution was turned into a prison. We plan DAY 8: VIA NEVERS TO CHARTRES to join the community here for an inspiring PARISH PLAN See page 10/11 for more details We journey by coach to the town of Nevers chanted Mass. During our tour we will also nestled within the picturesque Loire Valley. see the Chapelle de Notre Dame sous Terre Here we will visit the Convent of St Gildard (Underground Chapel of Our Lady). It was built BOOK NOW where St Bernadette’s incorrupt body reposes in the late 10th century in the very place that St Aubert erected the oratory in the 8th century. and may be viewed. After she was blessed 1800 819 156 with the 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Enjoy some free time this afternoon. Lourdes, St Bernadette retired to Nevers where Mass Setting: Benedictine Abbey. www.harvestjourneys.com she died at the age of only 35. Mont-Saint-Michel overnight (BD)

the genuine pilgrim experience 33 EDITORIAL: GREECE & TURKEY

FINDING Renewal IN THE RUINS

Words by Joy Adan “All his words and sayings are quite special,” Among those hidden treasures was the says Lillian Ayoub, whose curiosity about St humble, stone cottage on top of the Bulbul Paul’s conversion and interpretation of the mountain, in Turkey. “The House of the Even those who aren’t Gospel message led her to cross the globe to Virgin Mary,” explains Lillian. “That place familiar with St Paul’s mission follow his missionary path through Greece was very special.” As a mother herself, Lillian and Turkey. discovered a new dimension to her faith in establishing the early Church Though a seasoned traveller, travelling with that Marian sanctuary. will know at least some Harvest was Lillian’s first experience on an It was also her first time travelling by herself, organised pilgrimage. “I’ve done lots of tours and after decades of working as a nurse and of his writings. Whether before but I’ve never experienced anything caring for others first, the trip was a welcome it’s the passages about like this,” she says. “It’s a spiritual and opportunity to focus on her own spiritual uncompromising love in his historical journey, and you get to experience experience. “I had downtime to focus on it all. It was a perfect balance and was really what was happening around me, to do a letter to the Corinthians, or his very uplifting.” lot of reflecting and meditation, and I could encouragement to pray without engage with people when I wanted to. ceasing in his letter to the I had downtime to focus Thessalonians, St Paul’s epistles on what was happening Meteora are often quoted and shared – around me, to do a lot thousands of years after they were first written and read. of reflecting.

By boat and coach, Lillian travelled under the bright blues of the Mediterranean skyline, starting out at Corinth and exploring sandstone ruins and towering pillars in multiple ancient cities. “It made me realise we are incredibly blessed to have had so many people walk before us who paved the way,” she says. Having the opportunity to explore the north of Greece and walk leisurely through smaller towns along the way to major historic sites, was a highlight for Lillian. “It was great to visit Philippi, Thessaloniki too; the archaeological sites, the mosaics – all places and things I just wouldn’t think to go and see.”

34 harvestjourneys.com House of the Virgin Mary

Everybody was understanding and shared For Lillian, the spiritual connection with the a deeper knowledge of the different things early Church is one she will carry with her they had experienced.” long after returning home. “It opened my eyes and ears to a whole lot of precious things around the world. I would recommend I walked with St Paul it to anyone who needs their own time and space to grow; I grew so much on this throughout this journey trip,” Lillian explains. “I walked with St Paul and learned more about throughout this journey and learned more about Jesus in so many ways. Visiting the Jesus in so many ways. places where St Paul went, and being able to relate these to places I’ve heard about during I’ve never travelled on my own before and I Among Lillian’s group of travellers was Mass, to understand what he and other was surprised and proud of myself for having Michael Vainauskas, who was travelling with disciples would have gone through, to walk done it. It was really special,” she says. his wife on their third pilgrimage. “The priest the path they followed that we now follow today… it was just so amazing.” “Engaging with the group was fantastic as we travelled with prepared us before we well. I never felt alone. Travelling with like- would arrive at the historical sites, extracting minded people was really special; you feel bits from the Bible that we might have heard I didn’t go there with that warmth and love of Christianity. at home during Mass. It helped join the dots,” he explains. “Unless you’re really into history the aim of renewal of you wouldn’t be prepared to create those It opened my eyes and links yourself – but bringing it to life was faith, but after being something quite amazing.” there you do have that ears to a whole lot of The tour group traipsed across the ruins in precious things around Ephesus, soaking in the colossal remains renewal because of of the Temple of Hadrian and the Library the world. of Celsus. They stopped where the Third the connection you Ecumenical Council proclaimed Jesus as one person, both human and divine, and Mary as experience. the Virgin Mother in 431AD. “What brings it to life is when someone says that two thousand years ago, in this very place you’re sitting, this significant event Pilgrims share a meal in Greece happened… it makes you realise those actions had an impact on the world as it stands today. It’s very educational, even outside the Christian faith,” Michael says. “I didn’t go there with the aim of renewal of faith, but after being there you do have that renewal because of the connection you experience.”

the genuine pilgrim experience 35 TOUR 5 Journeyof St Paul

PREVIOUSLY: ST PAUL & THE EARLY CHURCH

wvw from (AUD) The Acts of the Apostles come alive as we join St Paul and his companions in the 22 places of his Second Missionary Journey and rediscover the faith and struggles of 12 $4,790 MEALS the early Christian communities. Rekindle our passion for the Gospels as we capture air inclusive from DAYS DAILY afresh the fervour and spirit of the Church’s greatest Evangelist. $6,780 MASSES

Optional 3-Night Istanbul & Pre-tour Enjoy our afternoon exploring Ancient ITINERARY A Corinth where Paul lived for two years as a ITINERARY A WITH ISLAND STAY + : JUN/SEP DAY 1: ARRIVE ATHENS tentmaker. Visit here the ancient ruins and see Athens today is the thriving capital of Greece, Athens (2 Nights) • Epidaurus • Corinth (1) • the site where he preached the Gospel from the th Hosios Loukas • Meteora (2) • Berea • Kavala (1) but, more importantly, we have entered into the Rostrum. See the Peirene fountain, and the 6 • Philippi • Thessaloniki (1) • Kos Island • Patmos world of the New Testament where St Paul and century BC Temple of Apollo before an outdoor Island (2) • Ephesus (2) • Kusadasi. his companions established the first Christian Mass in this stunning pilgrimage setting. communities throughout his four missionary We retire this afternoon to our hotel adjacent journeys. to the ancient Port of Cenchreae where St Paul ITINERARY B WITH CRUISE: MAY/JUL/OCT Athens overnight (D) set sail for Syria after making a personal vow Athens (2) • Epidaurus • Corinth (1) • Hosios and shaving his head. (Acts 18:18) Loukas • Meteora (2) • Berea • Kavala (1) • Philippi DAY 2: ATHENS Mass Setting: Outdoors in Ancient Corinth. • Thessaloniki (1) • Aegean Cruise (4): Mykonos, The Athenians - Paul came to teach the Corinth overnight (BD) Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini. philosophers that there is in fact a God who is real and can be known! Itinerary: www.harvestjourneys.com/stpaulB “It just brought scripture alive to me. We begin our pilgrimage with a tour of I’m not a holy roller but I could sit there Optional 3-Night St Paul in Malta Post-tour Christian Athens including the Acropolis, the Areopagus and the Ancient Agora and really appreciate the scriptures, more than I’d ever done in my life!” highlights where Paul preached about Jesus and the pilgrim resurrection. — Helen Dingle Later we will come to the New Acropolis ++Visit several sites of St Paul’s Second Museum with its celebrated exhibition of Greek Missionary Journey through land and sea DAY 4: VIA HOSIOS LOUKAS TO METEORA antiquities and statues which vividly illustrate the along the pages of Acts chapters 16-18. We travel north today to spend time at the myriad of pagan Gods Paul was battling against. ++ Stand in the very places of St Paul’s remarkable Byzantine Monastery of Hosios preaching and prayerfully explore the After a rest back at our hotel we will enter the Loukas, built in the 10th century on the slopes preserved ruins of Ancient Corinth, Philippi lively Plaka district to dine this evening at a of Mt Helikon and overlooking a picturesque and Thessaloniki. typical Greek Taverna with live Athenian music valley teeming with olive trees. In 1990 ++ Marvel at the living Byzantine and atmosphere. UNESCO included this site on their World of Meteora spectacularly suspended atop Mass Setting: St Denis Cathedral. Heritage List. On arrival we will celebrate an rocky pinnacles and still occupied by hermits Athens overnight (BD) outdoor Mass here in the grounds of the walled since the 11th century. Monastery before being taken on a guided tour DAY 3: CORINTH ++ Spiritually themed focus on the trials and of the Churches, crypt and surrounds where triumphs of Paul & the various people The Corinthians - It was here the Lord spoke to we admire the amazing frescoes and mosaics groups and communities of the early church. Paul and told him to ‘speak … no one will attack with their characteristic gold background ++ An intriguing stay in Corinth beside the you’ (Acts 18:9-10); many were baptized and came dating back to the 11th Century. ancient port of Cenchreae where St Paul to believe. We continue north this afternoon to the small embarked frequently on Mission. Set out towards Corinth today as we firstly town of Kalambaka built at the foot of the ++ Enjoy a priviledged 2 night stay on the Holy come to the world renowned Olive Grove majestic grey rocks of Meteora. Island of Patmos and enter the actual cave of the Nikolaou Family dating back to 1833. Mass Setting: Hosias Loukas Monastery. where St John wrote the Book of Revelation. Learn more about the ancient tradition of olive Kalambaka overnight (BD) ++ Explore the wonders of Ephesus where St Paul oil production techniques going back centuries. lived and preached for more than three years. Onwards to the great ancient outdoor theatre DAY 5: METEORA EXPLORATION of Epidaurus where we will marvel at the The Monastics - The Meteora monasteries were th (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner architectural symmetry of this 4 Century BC inspired by the monks’ love of God and a life structure built by the architect Polykleitos. striving to become open to the Fathers heart

36 harvestjourneys.com ITINERARY A Jun & Sep 2020 Philippi 1 Kavala 2 Amphipolis Istanul Berea 1 Thessalonii Gallipoli

GREECE 1 Canakkale TOUR 5 > JOURNEY OF ST PAUL PreTour Option 2 Meteora

TREY Hosios Loukas Izmir Corinth 1 2 Athens Ephesus Cenchreae 2 Kusadasi Epidaurus 2 Patmos Kos + Post Tour Malta Option

ITINERARY B May, Jul & Oct 2020 Philippi 1 Kavala 2 Amphipolis Istanul Berea 1 Thessalonii Gallipoli GREECE 1 Canakkale PreTour Option 2 Meteora + 4 Greek Island Cruise TREY Hosios Athens Loukas Ephesus

Corinth 1 2 Athens Patmos MykonosEphesus Cenchreae Epidaurus Patmos Santorini + Post Tour Malta Option EPHESUS Rhodes

Crete Rhodes through monastic life and frescoes before descending in to the crypt DAY 8: VIA ISLAND OF KOS TO PATMOS asceticism. Crete where we find the remains of some ancient Return to Athens this morning and fly to the We spend some time today Roman baths and streets. beautiful Island of Kos rich in Greek and marvelling at this unique phenomenon of Finally travel along the ancient route of the Roman landmarks and boasting a quaint nature – 24 perpendicular rocks where 600 Apostle Paul to the port city of Kavala (ancient harbour dominated by the Neratzia Castle. Neapolis), once named “Christoupolis” years ago Byzantine monks chose to worship Visited by St Paul on an overnight stop on after being the first European city to accept God and build their cave-like Monastic route from Miletus to Rhodes, Kos had a community of Meteora. We will visit some of Christianity. It was here that St Paul, St Timothy reputation as a Centre of Healing evidenced these living monasteries by foot and view the and St Silas first landed from Troas (Acts 16:11), here by the archaeological site of Asklepion extraordinary collection of priceless religious one of the foundational moments in the history (the god of healing) founded by Hippocrates frescoes and other treasures that will certainly of Christianity. in the 3rd Century BC. During our afternoon make this a remarkable day. Mass Setting: Thessaloniki. visit, we will see the Church of the Visitation, Enjoy some free time this afternoon. Kavala overnight (BD) Monastery of St John, the Church of the Lamb Mass Setting: Kalambaka. of God among other sites. Kalambaka overnight (BD) “My respect for St Paul was enhanced Enjoy some free time to wander through DAY 6: VIA BEREA TO KAVALA by his dogged determination and belief the streets of the Old City to catch a bargain The Bereans - The Jews ‘received the message with in what he was preaching. He was a smart before a meal in a local Taverna together. In great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily … determined man.” — Ian Ronchi the evening we will take a passage by Ferry to to study the merits of all Paul had preached to arrive later into the Holy Island of Patmos for our privileged two night stay. them.’ (Acts 17:11) DAY 7: VIA PHILIPPI TO THESSALONIKI Mass Setting: Church of the Lamb of God, Kos. Today we journey north by coach to Berea The Philippians - Here Paul founded the first Patmos overnight (BD) (modern Veria). The “Bema” - an impressive European church in Philippi and Lydia was monument to Paul - is believed to incorporate baptised as the first European convert to DAY 9: PATMOS DAY (Rev 1:4) the steps from the original synagogue from Christianity. which he preached the gospel to the Jews, who We begin our tour with a walking tour of the Journey out to Philippi, named after Philip welcomed the word of God and began to study main square of the village of Chora. This is the II, father of Alexander the Great. It was here traditional settlement and capital of Patmos the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-12). that St Paul won his first European convert, a where the narrow streets were designed to A small church was established here and we woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira ward off pirates over the centuries. Ascend will also view the ‘hidden churches’, a collection (Acts 16:12-40). Visit the Baptistery of Lydia for of about 20 Byzantine structures, camouflaged a beautiful outdoor Mass in this breathtaking to the Monastery of St John the Beloved, a th in the form of barns from the invading oasis on the River Zygaktis, and to renew huge fortress-like building dating from the 11 Ottoman Turks. our Baptismal vows. Visit the market place century, for a visit and celebration of Mass. The Thessalonians - St Paul preached during the (where St Paul and St Silas were brought before Our exploration of this living monastery winters of 49-50AD and wrote the two epistles to the rulers) and the cistern which tradition will culminate with time in the actual Cave of the ancient Thessalonians. identifies as the place where St Paul was Revelation where God chose to reveal to St Our time this afternoon in Thessaloniki will imprisoned. In the ancient theatre we will hear John the mysteries of the last book of the Bible include the ramparts of the city, the triumphal the story of Paul’s arrest, imprisonment and - the Apocalypse. Arch of Galerius, as well as the Rotunda miraculous release. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon before a lively where we can see pieces of the pulpit from We depart Philippi and journey east along night in a Greek Taverna as we soak in the which Paul preached. View the Roman Agora the ancient route of the Apostle Paul via atmosphere of this amazing island. where he also preached. Nearby we shall visit Amphipolis (Acts 17:1) where we view the ruins Mass Setting: Monastery of St John the Beloved. St Demetrios’ Church dedicated to a Roman of many Christian basilicas. Patmos overnight (BD) soldier who converted to Christianity and was Mass Setting: Outdoors at Baptistry of Lydia. later martyred. View its valuable mosaics and Thessaloniki overnight (BD) CONTINUED 

the genuine pilgrim experience 37 PRE ST PAUL TOUR OPTION POST ST PAUL TOUR OPTION DAY 10: PATMOS TO KUSADASI ISTANBUL & GALLIPOLI ST PAUL IN MALTA Depart Patmos today by private Charter Vessel 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS to Kusadasi, gateway to Ephesus and the Churches of Revelation. Mass Setting: Patmos. Kusadasi overnight (BD)

DAY 11: EPHESUS DAY (Acts 18:19-21) The Ephesians - The It was to the Christian community of Ephesus that St Paul wrote his greatest and most challenging letter and also succeeded in converting many away from worship of the god Artemis. We travel directly to Ephesus this morning, the most famous of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev 2:1-7) where St Paul spent more than two years in his missionary journey. Our visit today will include the ruins where St Paul lived and preached. See the prison of St 2020 TOURS: MAY • JUN • SEP* • OCT 2020 TOURS: JUL • OCT Paul; walk through the ancient marble streets 2021 TOURS: ALL DEPARTURES 2021 TOURS: ALL DEPARTURES founded in the 10th century BC and see this most ‘complete’ Roman city providing us with DAY 1: ARRIVE TURKEY DAY 12: ARRIVE MALTA an excellent window into Imperial Rome. See Arrive into Istanbul – a glorious city uniquely Upon arrival at Malta International Airport we the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, positioned on two continents. will be met and transferred to our hotel for the enormous amphitheatre (Acts 19:29-31). Istanbul overnight (D) check-in. Christianity has existed almost 2,000 We ascend the hill to the House of the Virgin years in Malta, brought to the island by no less Mary where it is said Mary spent the later DAY 2: ISTANBUL EXPLORATION than the Apostle Paul himself in 60 AD. years of her life. We celebrate our group Mass Full day tour including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Malta overnight (BD) here in one of the chapels. Finally, we visit the Sophia (meaning ‘Holy Wisdom’ and once an DAY 13: VALLETTA • ST PAUL’S ISLAND • restored remains of the 6th century Basilica of early Christian church); onwards to Topkapi RABAT • MDINA St John at Celcuk where a small church was Palace. City cruise on the Bosphorus with originally built over the tomb of St John the majestic views of Ottoman Palaces, Byzantine This morning we walk into the city of Valletta. Evangelist. fortresses, Beylerbeyi Palace and Suleimans Visit the Auberges built by the Knights and St John. We enter St John’s Co-Cathedral and Mass Setting: House of the Virgin Mary. Mosque. view the impressive and miraculous Crucifix Kusadasi overnight (BD) Our afternoon will include a visit to the at – the head of which is spectacular Grand Bazaar, with over 4000 Ta’Giezu Church DAY 12: DEPART TURKEY (OR EXTEND) (B) shops in the one market place. said to be made by angels. Continue to the St where we will view Istanbul overnight (BD) Paul Shipwreck Church two relics of St Paul. TOUR DETAILS DAY 3: VIA ANZAC COVE TO CANAKKALE Proceed to St Paul’s Bay where a short boat Departing Istanbul we travel west to the trip takes us to the island where the Apostle 2020 DATES & PRICES * Gallipoli Peninsula where 7594 Australian and was shipwrecked. Return to the mainland TOUR BEGINS: ENDS: TWIN SHARE 2431 New Zealand soldiers lost their lives in where we view St Paul’s Bonfire Church. CODE Athens Tour only / AUD battle during World War I. En route to Rabat visit the miraculous Church Mon 18 May 29 May + AIRFARE We tour the relevant landmarks here this of Our Lady of the Assumption in Mosta SP0120 $4,890 OPTION ITINERARY B ATHENS afternoon at Anzac Cove including the Lone where during World War II a 500 kilogram Tue 16 Jun 27 Jun $4,790 + AIRFARE Pine Cemetery where we will celebrate Mass. bomb penetrated the dome and hit the inside SP0520 A OPTION ITINERARY IZMIR We come in faith to pay tribute and pray for of the church. Continue to Rabat to enter St Mon 13 Jul 24 Jul $4,890 + AIRFARE the souls of the heroes of those tragic months Paul’s Grotto where St Paul lived during his SP0220 ITINERARY B ATHENS OPTION of 1915. short stay in Malta. We celebrate Mass here Tue 01 Sep 12 Sep + AIRFARE SP0320 $4,890 OPTION Canakkale overnight (BD) and visit the catacombs dedicated to him. ITINERARY A IZMIR After a short walk into Mdina, visit St Paul’s Mon 12 Oct 23 Oct + AIRFARE DAY 4: CANAKKALE TO GREECE (B) SP0420 $4,890 OPTION ITINERARY B ATHENS Cathedral which will be another highlight of Enjoy a restful morning in the ancient seaport our day’s trip. SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT * EXTRA ADD-ONS of Canakkale overlooking the ITINERARY A $1,350 A TIPS: $168 ($14 x 12 days) Malta overnight (BD) † waterway at their narrowest point of entry. ITINERARY B $950 + CRUISE TBA B TIPS ON TOUR / CRUISE & PORT TAXES: $390 Total Return to Istanbul airport this afternoon for DAY 14: GOZO DAY TRIP † Single Berth cabin are strictly limited and at premium our onward flight to Greece. Travel by ferry to the sister island of Gozo. supplement, subject to availability at time of booking. Visit the Church of St John La Rotunda and = Oberammergau 2020 optional add-on available. PRICES 2020 2021* walk up the steps to the Gozo Citadel which is a medieval city and the capital of Gozo. COST ADD-ON † $1,390 $1,490 2021 DATES & PRICES * twin share Visit St George’s Basilica, then on to the miraculous Ta’Pinu Shrine for Mass. SINGLE ROOM Tue 18 May 29 May + AIRFARE $350 $390 SP0121 $4,990 OPTION Malta overnight (BD) ITINERARY A IZMIR supplement Mon 12 Jul 23 Jul SP0221 $4,990 + AIRFARE PREPAID TIPPING DAY 15: DEPART MALTA ITINERARY B ATHENS OPTION $14 $14 per person/per day Transfer to the airport for our homebound or Tue 07 Sep 18 Sep + AIRFARE SP0321 $4,890 OPTION † Including Inter-Europe airfare from Istanbul to Athens. ongoing flight connections. (B) ITINERARY A IZMIR * For September 2020 only, this option will operate after the Mon 04 Oct 15 Oct + AIRFARE SP0421 $4,990 OPTION ITINERARY B ATHENS St Paul Pilgrimage based on a 4-night extended program at a PRICES 2020 2021* small additional supplement. Ask Harvest for more details. SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT * EXTRA ADD-ONS COST ADD-ON † $1,790 $1,890 ITINERARY A $1,390 A TIPS: $168 ($14 x 12 days) OR twin share † ITINERARY B $990 + CRUISE TBA B TIPS ON TOUR / CRUISE & PORT TAXES: $390 Total SINGLE ROOM BOOK NOW $540 $590 supplement AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: $6,780 per person. PREPAID TIPPING See harvestjourneys.com for full details. 1800 819 156 $14 $14 NB: indicative prices for 2021 per person/per day

Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 www.harvestjourneys.com † Including Inter-Europe airfare to Malta.

38 harvestjourneys.com Pilgrimage of Mercy TOUR 6 > PILGRIMAGE OF MERCY

POLAND

Częstochowa 1

Wambierzyce 3 Krakow 2 Auschwitz Prague Wadowice CECH REPLIC 1 Zakopane

Budapest 2 wvw from (AUD) 18 Join us on a magnificent faith journey from Budapest to Prague passing through 10 $3,990 MEALS Polish heartlands steeped in the graces of our Catholic heritage of past and present. air inclusive from DAYS DAILY $6,480 MASSES

DAY 5: KRAKOW intriguing Szopka and its Gospel focused Budapest (2 Nights) • Zakopane (1) • Theme: Sr Faustina and Divine Mercy miniature world before travelling to Prague. Krakow (3) • Auschwitz • Wadowice • Prague overnight (BD) Czestochowa (1) • Wambiercyze • Prague (2) Prepare for a memorable day as we retrace the life of St John Paul II in charming Krakow. DAY 9: PRAGUE Visit the Wawel Cathedral and the crypt Theme: Little Infant of Prague DAY 1: ARRIVE BUDAPEST where he was ordained, St Florians Church We commence our final day of pilgrimage housing his underground youth ministry Be immediately awestruck by the beauty of with a walking tour of Prague. Visit St Vitus among other highlights. Hungary’s capital Budapest here in the city Cathedral, the Hradcany area, Prague known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Afternoon includes an extended time in the Castle, Old Town and Tyn Cathedral among Budapest overnight (D) Shrine of Divine Mercy to absorb the grace other treasures. Our highlight will be a visit to of St Faustina and her apparitions (1931- the Church of our Lady of Victories housing DAY 2: BUDAPEST 1938). the miraculous Holy Infant of Prague. Theme: St Stephen of Hungary Krakow overnight (BD) Prague overnight (BD) Our pilgrimage day begins with a visit and Mass at the stunning Basilica of St Stephen DAY 6: WADOWICE & AUSCHWITZ DAY 10: DEPART PRAGUE (B) which houses the saint’s the mummified Theme: St Maximillian Kolbe th hand. Also visit the 13 Century Chapel of Full day excursion to Wadowice (the St Matthias, Parliament Building, Heroes birthplace of Karol Wojtyla) and see his SYMBOLS Square, Fisherman’s Bastion and the family home and Parish Church. Other (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner panorama of Gellert Hill. Dinner Cruise on memorable moments include Kalwaria = Time Out - Planned site for extended the River Danube tonight. Zebrzydowska and a somber tour of opportunity for prayer & reflection Budapest overnight (BD) Auschwitz Concentration Camp in honor of St Maximillian Kolbe. DAY 3: BUDAPEST TO ZAKOPANE Return to Krakow in time for dinner. Theme: Our Lady of Fatima TOUR DETAILS Departing Budapest this morning, we journey Krakow overnight (BD) north crossing into the Slovak Republic and DAY 7: CZESTOCHOWA PILGRIMAGE 2020 DATES & PRICES then into Poland and the Alpine Village of Theme: Our Lady of Czestochowa TOUR BEGINS: ENDS: TWIN SHARE Zakopane frequented by a young Karol CODE Budapest Prague Tour Only / AUD Wojtyla. Mass in the Church of Our Lady of We farewell Krakow this morning, journeying north by coach to Czestochowa, home to the + AIRFARE Fatima. PM0120 Tue 23 Jun 02 Jul $3,990 OPTION cherished miraculous icon of Our Lady with Zakopane overnight (BD) SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING the Child Jesus, an object of veneration for $1090 Supplement $14 per person/per day DAY 4: ZAKOPANE TO KRAKOW centuries (known as the Black Madonna). Theme: Pope John Paull II We will then tour the Basilica, Treasury, 2021 DATES & PRICES* Today we embark on a cable car ride into Museum and Knights Hall before praying + AIRFARE PM0121 Sun 27 Jun 06 Jul $4,190 OPTION the Tatras Mountains with its many walking before the Black Madonna in the ancient trails. Also here atop Mt Kasprowy we enter chapel. SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING $1,150 Supplement $14 per person/per day the charming wooden Jaszczorowka Chapel Czestochowa overnight (BD) so loved by Pope St John Paul II. AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: $6,480 per person. DAY 8: CZESTOCHOWA TO PRAGUE See harvestjourneys.com for full details. Before our arrival into Krakow we enjoy an *indicative prices enthralling tour of the famous Wieliczka Theme: Our Lady of Wambierzyce Salt Mines, the oldest operational mines in Depart Czestochowa today for the Shrine of = Oberammergau 2020 optional add-on available th Europe and dating back to the 13 century. Our Lady of Wambierzyce, one of Poland’s Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 Krakow overnight (BD) great pilgrimage centres. Also visit the

the genuine pilgrim experience 39 Oberammergau2020

In a five-hour-performance, more than place, returned home beating their breast.” 16 May to 4 October 2020 2000 participants bring the story of Jesus of (Lk 23,48) In total, Oberammergau expects Nazareth to the impressive open-air stage 450,000 visitors at 103 playing dates. The of the Passion Play Theatre. Almost half of Passion Play is uniquely connected to the Oberammergau’s population will devotedly culture of Bavaria and its well-preserved act out the story of the man whose tidings tradition. Ever since 1634, the world’s most Nearly 400 years ago the for more than 2000 years have brought hope successful amateur dramatic performance history of the Passion and power of life to an incredible number of keeps finding new ways to tell the story of Play began. The plague people. They will play it from His entry into the last days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Jerusalem until His death at the cross and His The text versions are always a reflection of raged in many parts of resurrection. All this against the backdrop of the respective time period and its political Europe and did not spare the words of the evangelist Luke at the end circumstances. “The staging changes of his description of the tale of suffering: fundamentally every time”, says Christian Oberammergau either. “And all the crowds that had assembled for Stückl, who will direct the Play for the fourth this spectacle, when they saw what had taken time in 2020. THE HISTORY In 1633 the Oberammergau villagers promised to perform the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every tenth year if no one was to die of the plague anymore. The villagers were answered by God and in 1634 the first Passion Play took place. By the middle of the 18th century, spectators from all over Germany came to Oberammergau attracted by the great power and atmosphere of the play. 2020 will see the 42nd instalment of the play that the citizens of Oberammergau have maintained through the centuries with unique continuity.

40 harvestjourneys.com OBERAMMERGAU LINK

Join us on this once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2020. Simply add the following land cost supplement to your preferred Harvest pilgrimage. Your Harvest consultant can advise you of the best available airfare from the final stop of your pilgrimage to Munich. Look for the Oberammergau Option symbol listed against selected 2020 pilgrimage departures throughout this brochure.

2 Night • 3 Day Package (share twin or double) $1,790 Per Person • Plus best available airfare to Munich

INCLUSIONS 2 Night • 3 Day Package SPECIAL TOUR > OBERAMMERGAU 2020 ++Return Private transportation ++ Admission ticket to the 2020 from Munich to Oberammergau Passion Play (Category TC2 or TC3) ++2 Nights Oberammergau ++2 Dinners and 2 Breakfasts vicinity Hotel Category B or C ++Programme Book for 2020 in comfortable high standard Passion Play accommodation. NOTE: Certain Shuttle bus service to the departures may comprise of ++ performance venue from your 1 night in Munich and 1 night accommodation Oberammergau. V ++Single supplement available on ++Price does not include application flight(s) to / from Munich at ++Some departures will comprise the beginning or end of this of 1 night Munich and a 1 night programme. Most airlines offer Oberammergau package – your regular flight options from Harvest Consultant will advise Munich to Australia after your if this applies to your dates Oberammergau 2020 package An additional bridging ++Prices above may vary slightly ++ where certain package night(s) may be required at departures are based on the commencement of your an alternate standard package in Munich on some of accommodation or departures (approximately performance seating $140AUD per person / per night / twin share) ++Seats are strictly limited and Priest travels free therefore we cannot guarantee that displayed options are PARISH PLAN available at the time of your See page 10/11 for more details booking

PACKAGE PLANNER 2020

Tour Series Page May Jun Jul Aug Sep

1. Footsteps of Jesus 16 √ √ √ √ “The highlight spiritually for me was the 2. Visitations & Saints 28 √ √ Oberammergau Passion Play. It was a powerful and emotive presentation in speech 3. Graces of France 32 √ √ and song which reminded me of what had happened to Jesus and how it deeply affected 4. Treasures of Italy 36 √ √ √ the disciples, Mary and the local people both 5. Journey of St Paul 40 √ √ √ √ then and for thousands of years since.” 6. Pilgrimage of Mercy 43 √ — Cherry Jackson 7. Queen of Peace 44 √

the genuine pilgrim experience 41 TOUR 7 European Passion Play Pilgrimage

wvw from (AUD) Set out on a once-in-a-decade adventure from Budapest to Oberammergau 24 through the glorious countryside of Eastern Europe. The hills will be alive with 13 $7,190 MEALS the sounds of pilgrims as we weave a blessed path into the Bavarian alps to air inclusive from DAYS DAILY culminate with the world famous Passion Play. $8,780 MASSES

west through the Austrian countryside onto the Catholic world. Budapest (2 Nights) • Bratislava • Vienna (2) Vienna. Cross the historical Charles Bridge built in • Melk Abbey • Prague (2) • Svata Hora • Mass Setting: St Martin’s Cathedral. 1400 and continue on to the Old Town area Altotting (2) • Salzburg (2) • Innsbruck • Vienna overnight (BD) including Wenceslas Square, Celetna Lane, Oberammergau Passion Play (2) Old Town Square, the Town Hall with the DAY 4: VIENNA astronomical clock and Tyn Cathedral. Time Today we meet our guide for a wonderful permitting, we also visit Strahov Monastery exploration of this awe-inspiring city where SYMBOLS Mass Setting: Preferred site and Loreto Church. (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner we will visit Schonbrunn Palace including a stroll through the manicured gardens. We see Mass Setting: Church of Our Lady Victorious. = Time Out - Planned site for extended the Opera House, Old Town Hall, take a stroll Prague overnight (BD) opportunity for prayer & reflection through Graben Square as well as visit and celebrate Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral. “Words simply cannot describe the Following dinner, we return to DAY 1: ARRIVE BUDAPEST Schonbrunn pilgrimage – you just have to go and Palace for a concert with a fine selection of Welcome to Budapest known as the ‘Paris of experience it for yourself.” the East’. masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. — Anne Burrows-Jung Budapest overnight (D) Mass Setting: St Stephen’s Cathedral. Vienna overnight (BD) DAY 2: BUDAPEST Our tour today in Budapest begins with a visit DAY 5: VIA MELK ABBEY TO PRAGUE DAY 7: VIA SVATA HORA TO ALTOTTING the stunning Basilica of St Stephen which This morning we travel west to the Benedictine Departing Prague this morning we travel to holds the mummified hand of St Stephen, the Melk Abbey where we celebrate Mass. This nearby Svata Hora (Holy Mountain). This first King of Hungary. We continue on to view impressive baroque building was declared the baroque complex of buildings consecrated to the decorative Parliament building, Heroes “Best Historic Destination of the World”. Enter the Virgin Mary has long been considered the Square, the 118-foot-high Corinthian column the magnificentmarble hall, abbey library spiritual heart of Bohemia. The church itself dedicated to the Roman Catholic Church, the and the church with its unique frescoes! has, in addition to the Miraculous statue of 13th century Church of St Matthias and the Overlooking the beautiful Danube River, the Our Lady, many magnificent works of art and Fisherman’s Bastion. Finish our tour with Mass Abbey contains the tomb of St Coloman of frescoes. at the Rock Cave and a panoramic view of the Stockerau. Following Mass, we journey east to the famous city from Gellert Hill. We then continue crossing the border into Marian Shrine of Altotting, in the heart of Enjoy some free time this afternoon before the Czech Republic as we journey north to the Bavaria. embarking on an enchanting Dinner Cruise on golden city of Prague. Mass Setting: Svata Hora. the River Danube. Mass Setting: Melk Abbey. Altotting overnight (BD) Mass Setting: Rock Cave. Prague overnight (BD) DAY 8: ALTOTTING & MARKTL Budapest overnight (BD) DAY 6: PRAGUE Altötting has been the spiritual centre of Bavaria DAY 3: VIA BRATISLAVA TO VIENNA Today we embark on a tour of Prague. Visit St and for more than 500 years the most significant This morning we cross the border into the Vitus Cathedral, the city’s most distinctive place of pilgrimage in Germany. More than one Slovak Republic and follow the Danube onto landmark which houses the crown jewels and million pilgrims and visitors per year seek the Bratislava where we meet our guide for a tour the tomb of ‘Good King’ Wenceslas. Continue “Black Madonna”. of this small but historical city including the on to the Hradcany area and Prague Castle. This morning we have the privilege of Rococco-style Grassalkovich Palace, Primate’s We celebrate Mass today at the Church of Our celebrating Mass here at the shrine and come Palace the neo-classic residence of the Lady Victorious where we come face to face as pilgrims before the “Black Madonna” to Archbishop of Esztergom. Visit also the striking with the stunning Holy Infant of Prague. This seek her intercession and motherly protection. St Martin’s Cathedral for Mass. wax figure has an impressive record of miracle Also see here the Jerusalem Panorama, a Following some free time for lunch we travel cures and is one of the most revered images in monumental cyclorama of the crucifixion of

42 harvestjourneys.com GERMANY POLAND

2 Prague TOUR 7 > PASSION PLAY PILGRIMAGE Svat Hora

CECH REPLIC

SLOAIA Munich Vienna Altotting 2 Melk Abbey 2 Bratislava Oberammergau 2 Salzburg 2 Budapest 2 Innsbruck ASTRIA HNGARY

wvw

Jesus, along with the Treasury and Pilgrimage Platz where we can view a statue of the great Oberammergau vowed that they would perform Museum. composer. We will visit the Mozart House the “play of the suffering, death and resurrection Close by we will visit the town of Marktl, the where the family lived between 1747 and 1773. of our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years if birthplace of Joseph Ratzinger who went on to On a side street we see one of Europe’s most they were spared from extinction. In 2020 the become Pope Benedict XVI. The afternoon is at revered objects – The statue of the village will perform the play for the 42nd time, leisure. of Loreto which miraculously cured the sick. maintaining the continuity of this unique world- famous event. Mass Setting: Black Madonna Shrine. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Altotting overnight (BD) Mass Setting: Salzburg Cathedral. Over 2000 participants bring the story of Jesus to Salzburg overnight (BD) the ears and eyes of the audience in a five-hour DAY 9: TO SALZBURG presentation on the imposing open-air stage. Travel south by coach this morning through DAY 11: VIA INNSBRUCK TO OBERAMMERGAU Today is the highlight of our pilgrimage when some of the most breathtaking scenery in Following breakfast, we travel south to the we attend the world-famous Passion Play. southern Bavaria. We visit the Benedictine charming city of Innsbruck, where its most Abbey at Frauenworth situated on an island breathtaking treasures are the grandeur of the Oberammergau overnight (BD) and founded in 772AD. Crossing the border high snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival DAY 13: DEPART MUNICH (B) into Austria, we will stop and enjoy the Hallein we ascend the mountains by Hungerburg Salt Mines where we can enter to see this Funicular where we have tremendous views of wondrous underground world of salt. the whole valley to the Italian border. We continue nearby to Mondsee, where the Enjoy a visit to the Hofkirke which features TOUR DETAILS hills will surely come alive with the “Sound giant figures surrounding and representing the 2020 DATES & PRICES of Music”! Our visit includes St. Michael’s family of Maximilian I. The old townhouses Church - scene of the wedding between Maria with their rich stucco ornaments, reliefs and TOUR BEGINS: ENDS: TWIN SHARE and Captain Von Trapp. Also enter Hellbrunn frescoes provide a fantastic backdrop to our CODE Budapest Munich Tour Only / AUD Palace, a unique world of trick fountains and next stop, the Dom St. Jacob where we see at + AIRFARE EP0120 Wed 17 Jun 29 Jun $7,190 OPTION in the garden, see here the Pavilion where Liesl the high altar the picture of “Madonna and + AIRFARE sang “Sixteen Going On Seventeen.” We visit Child” by Lucas Cranach the Elder – miracles EP0220 Sun 06 Sep 18 Sep $7,390 OPTION the hilltop shrine of Our Lady of Maria Plain have been attributed to this picture. We also SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING for Mass, where pilgrims have been coming for see the Goldenes Dachl where the golden roof $1,860 Supplement $14 per person/per day three centuries to pray to a miraculous image consists of 2,657 gilded copper roof tiles. Here, of the Virgin Mary. we will celebrate Mass. AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: $8,780 See harvestjourneys.com for full details. Finally, we arrive in Salzburg. In the late afternoon we arrive into the Mass Setting: Our Lady of Maria Plain Shrine. beautiful village of Oberammergau. Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 Salzburg overnight (BD) Every ten years affords pilgrims the great privilege of witnessing the world-renowned Passion Play DAY 10: SALZBURG of Oberammergau. For over 300 years this Priest travels free This morning we visit Nonnberg Convent picturesque village in the Bavarian Alps has re- and admire the magnificent Byzantine frescoes, PARISH PLAN enacted the Passion of Jesus, attracting people of some of the oldest in Austria. The convent is See page 10/11 for more details every religious denomination to this spectacle. more famous for having the real Maria Von Trapp from “The Sound of Music” enrolled Mass Setting: Dom St. Jacob. Oberammergau overnight (BD) as a novice. Continue on to the huge domed BOOK NOW Salzburg Cathedral for Mass which can be DAY 12: OBERAMMERGAU - THE PASSION PLAY seen from all over the city. We see the bronze The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play 1800 819 156 font where Mozart was baptised - many of his begins in 1633. During the Thirty Years’ War, works were performed here for the first time. after much suffering and many deaths caused www.harvestjourneys.com Stroll through Residenz Platz and into Mozart by the plague, the surviving population of

the genuine pilgrim experience 43 TOUR 8 of Peace Queen TOUR 9

wvw from (AUD)

A tiny Croatian village, 6 children and the faith of millions from all over the world 14 $2,490 MEALS have shed new light on what it means to be a true pilgrim on life’s journey. In this 8 air inclusive from hallowed place of Medjugorje, this valley of miracles, the Mother of God beckons. DAYS DAILY $4,480 MASSES

Dubrovnik (1 Night) • Medjugorje (6) • The Hill of Apparitions - Make the journey TOUR DETAILS Optional Rome Pre-Tour (3 Nights) ++ in prayer up to this sacred site where it is 2020 DATES & PRICES reported that first apparitions took place and Our Lady first told the children ‘I have TOUR BEGINS: ENDS: TWIN SHARE Since June 1981 Our Lady has said to be come to tell the world that God exists… CODE Dubrovnik Sarajevo Tour Only/AUD appearing on a daily basis to six village that peace is necessary for the salvation of + AIRFARE QP0120 Sun 17 May 24 May $2,490 OPTION children, giving countless messages to them. the world’. Healings, miracles and conversions – these Thu 18 Jun 25 Jun $2,690 + AIRFARE ++Climb Mt Krizevac – The Mountain of QP0220 OPTION have been occurring for so long. Endless the Cross dominates the landscape. Pray QP0320 Sun 18 Oct 25 Oct $2,590 + AIRFARE TOUR 11 streams of pilgrims over the years have come the Stations of the Cross and ascend OPTION to receive these graces and return to their the grace-filled path, which rises to the SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING homelands renewed. breathtaking summit with its commanding $590 Supplement $14 per person/per day DAY 1: ARRIVE DUBROVNIK 30-foot cement cross built in 1933. 2021 DATES & PRICES* Welcome to Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Visit the Cenacolo Community - ‘Field ++ QP0121 Sun 16 May 23 May $2,690 + AIRFARE Adriatic’. Join with fellow pilgrims this evening of Life’ is the name of the community OPTION for a Welcome Dinner. that Sr Elvira has founded for young QP0221 Sun 20 Jun 27 Jun $2,890 + AIRFARE Dubrovnik overnight (D) men who were once drug addicts. We OPTION will be touched to hear their miraculous QP0321 Sun 17 Oct 24 Oct $2,790 + AIRFARE DAY 2: DUBROVNIK & MEDJUGORJE OPTION testimonies of faith. Within the stone walls of Dubrovnik’s Old SINGLE ROOM PREPAID TIPPING City, we begin our guided tour of this awe- ++Special visionary events - $650 Supplement $14 per person/per day Eg. Join Ivan’s prayer group during a inspiring town. Visit the Basilica of St Blaise AIR & TOUR PRICES FROM: $4,480 per person. where we celebrate Mass before setting out special outdoor apparition or be present See harvestjourneys.com for full details. on our exploration of grand palaces, buzzing when Vicka has a special meeting at night *indicative prices plazas and remarkable churches. on Mt Krizevac (subject to availability). = Oberammergau 2020 optional add-on available Prepare for a most extraordinary encounter ++Inspiring talks - There is an enriching of grace and peace for the next five days Franciscan talk most afternoons in English. Full list of INCLUSIONS see page 46 as we make our way to the village of ++Share occasional group gatherings Medjugorje. - Optional and led by your Priest, for ROME PRE TOUR EXTENSION DAYS 2-7: THE MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE voluntary sharing, prayer or group rosary. $1,990 per person (6 Nights • BD daily) ++Enjoy personal free time daily - All 3 NIGHTS FROM The activities here will be evenly activities listed do remain optional. proportioned by our guide throughout our Priest travels free stay to allow time for rest and personal DAY 8: DEPART MEDJUGORJE retreat. Each evening we will be advised of Our pilgrimage comes to an end this morning after breakfast. (B) PARISH PLAN the following day’s agenda, as many events in See page 10/11 for more details Medjugorje are spontaneous. Here are some of the highlights we hope to include: ++Meet the Visionaries - The visionaries BOOK NOW regularly receive groups, give “Only heard of Medjugorje but could not imagine anything like it was.” explanations, pray with and answer 1800 819 156 pilgrims’ questions (subject to — Rita spontaneous availability). www.harvestjourneys.com

44 harvestjourneys.com OTHER 2020 PILGRIMAGES

TOUR 9 TOUR 10 Camino de Santiago Graces of Europe

wvw

LAND COST FROM LAND COST FROM $ $ twin 3,990 twin share 6,980 share

10 Nights / 11 Days 17 Nights / 18 Days Commences: 11 May, 11 September, 10 October 2020 Commences Madrid: 28 September 2020 Lisbon (1) • Fatima (3) • Alba de Tormes • Avila (2) • Segovia • Santo Madrid (1) • Sarria (1) • Portomarín (1) • Palas de Rei (1) • Domingo de Silos (1) • Loyola • Lourdes (3) • Manresa • Montserrat (1) • Arzúra (3) • Amenal • Santiago de Compostela (3) Barcelona (1) • Lyon • Ars • Paray-le-Monial (2) • Taize • Nevers • Chartres (1) • Lisieux • Mont-Saint-Michel (2) • Rouen See page 28-33 for full details

TOUR 11 TOUR 12 Holy Land + Italy Russia + Oberammergau

Holy Land + Italy (21 Nights) Holy Land + Rome (13 Nights) LAND COST FROM OR LAND COST FROM LAND COST FROM $ twin $ twin $ twin 9,590 share 6,690 share 7,490 share

Commences: 9 May, 3 October 2020 12 Nights / 13 Days Commences: 29 May 2020 Bethlehem (2) • Masada • Jericho • Nazareth (1) • Cana • Sea of Galilee (3) • Mt Beatitudes • Mt Tabor • Mt Carmel • Haifa St Petersburg (4 Nights) • Tsarkoe Selo • Veliky Novgorod (2) • Jerusalem (4) + Treasures of Rome (3) or Italy (11) • Moscow (4) • Sergiev Posad • Oberammergau (2)

CALL HARVEST NOW TO START PLANNING 1800 819 156 the genuine pilgrim experience 45 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: WILL HARVEST ASSIST ME WITH ANY ADDITIONAL SIMPLE BOOKING PROCEDURES TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE OR AFTER MY PILGRIMAGE? 1. Visit harvestjourneys.com, select your pilgrimage Q: HOW CAN I BOOK ON A HARVEST PILGRIMAGE? A: Harvest is a fully accredited travel agency. Our and departure date and proceed to ‘Book Now’ A: There are 2 easy ways to make your pilgrimage Consultants are well equipped to assist you in to follow the booking process OR call Harvest booking: the arranging of additional tours, flights, cruises, (Australia: 1800 819 156 or New Zealand: 0800 rail passes, car rentals and accommodation 819 156) and speak with one of our Pilgrimage 1. Visit harvestjourneys.com, select your pilgrimage requirements for any personal travel extensions Consultants who can help with the booking process. and departure date and proceed to ‘Book Now’ to before or after your pilgrimage. Ask your Harvest follow the booking process. All bookings require a non-refundable deposit of AUD Consultant to advise you on the best options to suit $800 per person. An additional non-refundable deposit 2. Call Harvest (Australia: 1800 819 156 or New your ongoing travel plans. Zealand: 0800 819 156) and speak with one of of AUD $400 per person is required for Oberammergau Q: HOW FIT AND ABLE MUST I BE? our Pilgrimage Consultants who can help with the Pilgrimage Packages. Payments can be made via Direct booking process. A: While the physical demands of each pilgrimage may Deposit, Cheques (made payable to Harvest Journeys) or vary, each participant must be physically mobile, in Credit Card (fees apply). Please note that all booking forms must be good health and capable of caring for themselves on accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of AUD 2. Make balance of payment 60 days prior to tour. Some pilgrimage activities may include standing $800 per person and a photocopy of your current for extended periods or significant walking – possibly departure. passport. An additional non-refundable deposit of over uneven terrain. Although some exceptions may 3. Collect or await the delivery of final tour AUD $400 per person is required for Oberammergau apply, pilgrims over the age of 70 or with medical or documentation approximately two weeks prior to Pilgrimage Packages. If at the time of booking you physical disabilities may be assessed, (in accordance departure date. do not have a valid passport or are in the process of with standard Travel Insurance Procedures) and if renewing it, please ensure to forward a copy to us as deemed necessary, must travel with the assistance soon as it is received. of a dedicated care person. Please refer to Sections Q: HOW CAN I ARRANGE MY FLIGHTS? 16 and 17 of Harvest’s Terms and Conditions or call GENERAL PRICE INCLUSIONS All Harvest pilgrimages listed in this brochure feature A: Harvest offers the choice of both ‘Air & Tour’ and Harvest for any concerns or questions you may have. the following minimum price inclusions, unless ‘Tour Only’ pilgrimage options. Q: CAN MY SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTS BE otherwise indicated: If you select the ‘Air & Tour’ option, upon receipt of CATERED FOR ON PILGRIMAGE? ++Accommodation with private facilities in reputable your booking form, a Harvest Pilgrimage Consultant A: Please make sure to advise us of your specific needs will arrange your flight bookings for your pilgrimage, at the time of booking and Harvest will work with local 3-4 star superior hotels or quality religious as well as any additional travel arrangements its local operators to do all possible that your needs houses as applicable. (including flights), that you may require in are met. ++Return economy class airfares from Australia: conjunction with your pilgrimage. Q: WHAT ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ARE INCURRED? , Melbourne, , or (applicable to Air Inclusive Package options from If you opt for ‘Tour Only’, Harvest can still assist A: The pilgrimage cost covers all items listed in the Australia only). with any flight and touring needs you may have in General Inclusions section. Additional expenses may addition to your pilgrimage. include lunches, beverages at meal times, telephone ++Local internal airfares as noted in the pilgrimage Q: IF I HAVE BOOKED AS ‘TOUR ONLY’, WHERE DO I calls, shopping, laundry and items of a personal itinerary MEET THE GROUP? nature. Airport taxes and airline fees and levies are ++Breakfast & dinner daily or as specified on itinerary A: Your Tour Manager will make contact with you at the included but can be subject to ongoing fluctuations. as per meal indicator (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – hotel on the first day of the pilgrimage. Please refer Q: WILL I NEED TO APPLY FOR VISAS? Dinner). to your tour documents for details. See below for A: Your Harvest Consultant will advise you of any visa ++Transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motor details of airport transfers. requirements for your travel itinerary and can assist coach Q: ARE AIRPORT TRANSFERS INCLUDED? you in the process of obtaining these. Application ++Professional local Tour Escorts and local guides as A: A scheduled Group Transfer from the airport to the forms along with visa fee information will be required. group hotel and return is included only for pilgrims provided in your letter of confirmation. Passengers ++Escorted group airport transfers (only applicable to not travelling on an Australian passport should take who purchase ‘Air & Tour’ packages through Harvest. ‘Air & Tour’ packages). ‘Tour Only’ passengers may particular note of their specific visa requirements ‘Tour Only’ pilgrims can purchase airport transfers join the scheduled arrival / departure group transfer and restrictions. Non-Australian passport holders from Harvest for a nominal fee. Conditions apply. or can have a private transfer booked (additional will need to apply for their visa in person through the Your Harvest Pilgrimage Consultant can provide you respective Consulate or Embassy. fees apply). Your Harvest Pilgrimage Consultant can with full details. provide details. Q: WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SIZE OF A GROUP? Q: ARE HARVEST PILGRIMAGES FULLY ESCORTED? ++Led by Priest Chaplain / Pilgrimage Director. A: Most groups depart with the average size of 20-25 A: All pilgrimages are fully escorted by a Priest Chaplain ++Comprehensive sightseeing throughout with people, although this can range from very small and often with a Pilgrimage Director from Australia. entrance fees as required. groups of around 12 to larger capacities of 45 or In the case of smaller group sizes, your local Tour more. ++Porterage of one suitcase per person at hotels. Escort may assume the role of Pilgrimage Director ++Quality Harvest travel pack and pilgrim’s journal. from your first point of arrival. Q: WHAT ABOUT THE TOUR ESCORTS AND LOCAL GUIDES? Q: WHAT IS A SHARE TWIN ROOM AND HOW DO YOU Not included A: Tour Escorts normally join a pilgrimage at the first CHOOSE MY ROOM PARTNER? ++ Passport and Visa Costs (if applicable) point of arrival and provide commentary information A: While a ‘double’ room normally constitutes a double and assistance throughout the days on tour. ++ Other meals not listed or queen bed in the room, a ‘twin’ provides two Furthermore, local guides are employed at chosen ++ Items of a personal nature including phone calls, single beds in the one room. Passengers travelling by shrines and sites for their focused expertise and laundry, beverages, etc. themselves who elect a ‘twin-share’ room basis can more detailed explanations. assign Harvest the task of pairing two pilgrims of the ++ Travel insurance – ask Harvest about its specially same gender together throughout the pilgrimage. Q: DO YOU NEED TO BE CATHOLIC OR RELIGIOUS TO discounted comprehensive travel insurance This will always be done with age compatibility in PARTICIPATE? ++ Prepaid Tipping – refer “PREPAID TIPPING” below mind although this will always remain at Harvest’s A: Whilst our programmes are geared primarily to the Important notes discretion and can never be guaranteed. Please refer needs of the Catholic faithful, all are welcome to to Section 11 of Harvest’s Terms and Conditions for participate and to encounter the unique community ++ Prices are correct as of 30 August 2019 and must more details. and spiritual experience found on pilgrimage. There remain subject to change without notice due to alterations in taxes, charges, levies, currency Q: CAN I LINK SEVERAL PILGRIMAGES TOGETHER is no obligation to attend daily Mass. fluctuations or minimum group size contingency. BACK TO BACK? Q: ARE MONIES PAID TO HARVEST PROTECTED? ++ Prices are per person based on twin share rooming. A: Many programmes have been scheduled to allow A: Harvest has been in operation for over thirty years. various combinations of pilgrimages. Please refer to We are a fully accredited travel agency. All monies ++ Additional hotel nights or flights may be required the ‘Other Pilgrimages’ page in the Harvest Brochure paid to Harvest are protected under current Travel in certain circumstances due to possible scheduling or on the Harvest website. Your Harvest Pilgrimage Agency Insurances. restrictions. Consultant can assist you with planning and advise Q: WHEN WILL I EXPECT TO RECEIVE MY TRAVEL you of the additional travel details. DOCUMENTS? PREPAID TIPPING Q: CAN I EXTEND ONTO MY PILGRIMAGE? A: Tour documentation will be dispatched A: Yes, you can easily extend onto a pilgrimage, whether approximately 2 weeks prior to departure. Wisdom has shown us the practical necessity it be a combination of two or more pilgrimages or Passengers can make an appointment to collect to implement a PREPAID TIPPING fund for the your own personal travel arrangements, Harvest can it from the Harvest Sydney office, while pilgrims convenience of our pilgrims. Your Pilgrimage Director help. Speak to a Harvest Pilgrimage Consultant to in interstate/regional locations will receive their will receive the total amount paid and distribute discuss your plans. documents by courier service. accordingly on behalf of the entire group.

46 harvestjourneys.com PHILIP | HARVEST CEO

Harvest for Good

Mission is a central part of our mandate here at Harvest. JOSHUA | HARVEST MARKETING MANAGER Love for the poor is embedded in everything we do, with a particular focus on street children and orphans.

Millions of children around the world miss out on their childhood as a result of poverty. Poverty deprives them of the potential needed to survive, develop and thrive.

We partner with local Catholic organisations in the Philippines and work on projects that inspire and educate children and young adults to harness their God given gifts, opening up for them a real future, away from youth gang crime, violence, drugs and sexual exploitation.

ANDREW | HARVEST SPECIAL GROUPS

KATARINA | HARVEST GROUPS MANAGER SAMUEL | HARVEST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONTACT US

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