Month: July 2020
206 Tours Pilgrim, Peter Breen, is the Australian best-selling author of The Book of Letters, and now, he is out with a brand new book about Medjugorje. Prodigal Pilgrim: Returning to the Magic of Medjugorje is, in part, a reflection on his 2019 Pilgrimage to Garabandal, Covadonga, Santiago de Compostela, Fatima, Lourdes & Medjugorje with 206 Tours. During this pilgrimage to Marian Apparition sites, Breen began to compose a letter to Pope Francis encouraging him to approve and formally recognize the Apparitions of Our Lady of Medjugorje.
“We are so blessed to have Peter as a Pilgrim and a friend. His passion, drive, and fire for Our Lady are so desperately needed – he has become a champion for her message and for Medjugorje”, says President & Founder of 206 Tours, Milanka Lachman. Lachman created the company 35 years ago after a personal pilgrimage to Medjugorje changed her life, and inspired her to help more people experience Medjugorje.
Here, Peter tells us a bit more about the inspiration behind his latest book:
“I first visited Medjugorje in 1990 where I met Wayne Weible for the first time. Wayne inspired me to do something to promote Medjugorje, so I wrote a book about Fatima and Medjugorje, which my Australian publisher had no interest in. The book project was shelved. It’s taken me 30 years to return to the magic of Medjugorje with another book. Now seemed like the right time. Next year marks 40 years since Our Lady first appeared at Medjugorje, and the number 40 has always been synonymous with a period of testing and affliction in Judeo-Christian history.
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt before they reached the Promised Land. Moses spent 40 days on Mt Sinai before God gave him the Ten Commandments. In the Book of Judges, the people of Israel were captured by the Philistines for 40 years. Noah’s flood ended after 40 days. Jesus’ temptation in the desert lasted for 40 days and he ascended into heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. In the Church, the celebration of Easter begins with Ash Wednesday, followed by 40 days of fasting.
Apart from three of the six Medjugorje visionaries, nobody knows if anything will happen at Medjugorje 40 years after the first apparition. Reading the signs of the times, it certainly looks like we’ve entered a period of testing and affliction. Beyond that observation, however, anything else from me is pure speculation. All six Medjugorje visionaries are young enough to live another 40 years if it pleases God to delay the revelation of the secrets. But thinking about the 40-year Medjugorje milestone did remind me to have another look at that book about the magic.”
See details on how to purchase Prodigal Pilgrim here:
For details on Pilgrimage to all the Marian Shrine Peter Breen visited, see Tour 68.
Photo Credit: Zac Efron via Instagram
A new Netflix series called “Down to Earth” is generating a lot of buzz as of late. The documentary follows actor Zac Efron as he travels the world seeking solutions to sustainability issues.
The second episode entitled, “France”, focuses on water and takes a special look at the healing baths in Lourdes.
Our Lady Lourdes first visited Saint Bernadette in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle, which now has a miraculous spring and healing baths that have famously healed and transformed the lives of many. This Marian Sanctuary attracts about 6 million people every year.
In the episode, Efron finds himself immersed in the atmosphere and spirituality of Lourdes, saying; “you can’t deny the extraordinary peace and beauty that is going on right here.”
Efron’s reflections continue as panning shots of the Sanctuary, Pilgrims, and the Candlelight vigil are shown. Lourdes is a place of healing, and undeniable Sacred beauty. We’re grateful to Zac Efron for shining a light on this Sacred place and hope his story will encourage young people to visit as well. Learn more about Lourdes, here.
See the beauty of Lourdes for yourself on a Pilgrimage!
A Pilgrimage is not a simple trip, tour, or vacation – it is an act of spiritual devotion. Answering the call to Pilgrimage means you have felt drawn to know God and to connect more deeply to your Catholic Faith. A Pilgrimage takes you out of your comfort zone, out of your normal life, and into a new environment visiting Holy Sites as you learn of the lives of Saints, follow in Jesus footsteps, or learn about Our Lady’s messages, and strive to be more Holy in their example.
Some of the most famous Catholic Pilgrimages are detailed below. Each is Sacred, special, and powerful in their own ways. For more information on any of our Pilgrimages, visit us online, or email us!
THE HOLY LAND
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land are an enduring tradition for a variety of religions as the place has great significance for them all. For Catholic pilgrimages, the Holy Land holds importance as the place where Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection took place. Travel to Israel to visit significant sites from his life, like Nazareth and Bethlehem to touch the spot where he was born. In Tiberias, take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to learn more about Jesus’s ministry, in the spot where He fed the masses. The Wedding Church in Cana is the site of the miracle of turning water into wine. In Jerusalem, visit the Garden of Gethsemane where He wept on the night before His betrayal and see the Rock of Agony inside the Church of All nations. Walk through the Old City on the Via Dolorosa, or “Way of the Cross”, where Jesus walked during His Passion. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains Golgotha and Calvary where He was Crucified and his Tomb where he was Resurrected. Pilgrims follow in His footsteps in these essential places and see Him in the works He performed, and realize He is still there today. Together, Pilgrims celebrate votive Masses in the very places where the Scriptures came alive. The entrance to the Church of the Nativity says: “We are hoping that: If you enter here as a tourist, you would exit as a pilgrim. If you enter here as a pilgrim, you would exit as a holier one.”
For all details on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, visit Tour 111: www.206tours.com/tour111
ROME
Vatican City, Rome, is the Catholic center of the World. Explore the eternal city and all the marvels Rome has to offer and even experience a Papal Audience with the Holy Father. Visit important Catholic sites like the Holy Stairs, the minor Basilicas, and some historical sites like the Trevi Fountain. Tour the Catacombs in Rome, which are the world’s largest underground Christian burial site. Experience Catholic Culture like never before, in this hub where it all began.
For all details on a Pilgrimage to Rome, visit Tour 97: https: www.206tours.com/tour97
LOURDES
In Lourdes, located in the Pyrenees mountains of France, Our Lady first visited Saint Bernadette in 1858. Here, she announced herself as, “The Immaculate Conception” near the Grotto of Massabielle, which now has a miraculous spring and healing baths that have famously healed and transformed many. Life-size gold Stations of the Cross will provide an opportunity for all to meditate on Christ’s unconditional love. This Marian Sanctuary attracts about 6 million people every year. Each evening, Pilgrims participate in a candlelight vigil to this stunningly beautiful church.
To visit Lourdes on a Pilgrimage, visit Tour 5: www.206tours.com/tour5
FATIMA
Another famous Pilgrimage will bring you to this significant Marian Shrine about 80 miles northwest of Lisbon. On May 13, 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary first appeared in Fatima, Portugal to three Shepherd children. The children, Sister Lucia, Saint Jacinta Marto, and Saint Francisco continued to witness the apparitions through October, during the start of World War I. Our Lady counseled the children to pray the Rosary and to pray for world peace. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a stunning dedication to Our Lady’s message and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A visit to Fatima is a time for deep spiritual reflection and prayer at its many chapels, statues, and monuments. An estimated 4 million people make a Pilgrimage to this incredible Shrine every year.
To visit Fatima on a Pilgrimage, visit Tour 37: www.206tours.com/tour37
MEDJUGORJE
Another Marian Shrine that is a famous Pilgrimage site is Medjugorje. Located in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Our Lady visited six children for the first time on June 24, 1981, on what is now known as Apparition Hill. Many of the visionaries continue to witness Our Lady’s apparitions to this day. In 2019, Pope Francis authorized official Pilgrimages to Medjugorje, after over 40 million Pilgrims have visited in the past few decades. This extremely small village has opened its arms to Pilgrims from all over the world, seeking prayerful connection to Our Lady.
To visit Medjugorje on a Pilgrimage, visit Tour 1: www.206tours.com/tour1
EL CAMINO
El Camino is another extremely famous Pilgrimage. El Camino, translates to “The Way of Saint James”. This walking Pilgrimage has been drawing adventurous pilgrims for centuries. Pilgrims backpack their way through Spain following the path St. James the Apostle took to Santiago de Compostela, spreading the word of Jesus. Pilgrims walk over a hundred miles to get to the incredible Cathedral which is the final resting place of Saint James. Here, venerate the Patron Saint of Pilgrims and celebrate the very special Pilgrim’s Mass.
For more information on an El Camino Pilgrimage, visit Tour 70: www.206tours.com/tour70
Every Pilgrimage is important, meaningful, powerful, and invaluable. The five Pilgrimages above are some of the most famous Catholic Pilgrimages in the world, however, there are hundreds of additional options. To learn more about all our Pilgrimage Itineraries, visit: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages
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A Pilgrimage is an extremely personal and meaningful act of faith. For those who have never been on a Pilgrimage, it may be hard to understand how it differs from a vacation or simple tour. We posed a question to our Pilgrims and Facebook community: “What does a Pilgrimage mean to you?” Here are a few of our favorite responses!
Fr. David Bellusci: “Pilgrimages with 206 Tours are extraordinary experiences where the human encounters the Divine. We meet Christ in these pilgrimages — we meet His Mother — we meet the Saints. I have always found that the 206 pilgrims take their faith seriously; we pray together, we grow in truth together, and our faith is strengthened. 206 Tours is a blessing to Catholics who want to discover the richness of their Church and the depth of Truth.?”
Karen D: “A pilgrimage deepens my faith in God and in humanity. I am inspired by the beautiful places and I love the people I meet, both on the pilgrimage and by happenstance along the way. The priests and guides are amazing. They, too, become friends. My first pilgrimage was to the Holy Land. To walk in the footsteps of Christ, to be on the Sea of Galilee, and attend Mass throughout the pilgrimage was a highpoint in my life. Scott and Kimberly Hahn were with us and spoke often at the sites and in evening seminars. It was wonderful to meet them and hear their perspectives.”
Julia B: “A pilgrimage is a way to deepen your faith and detox your mind, spirit, and body of the world. It is a gift from God for our souls.”
Nancie W: “Our pilgrimages have helped to bring a better understanding of the Bible, Saints and our faith. They have also allowed us to have many A-Hah! Moments. We have met many wonderful pilgrims on our journey, some who have become lifelong friends.”
Candice S: “Just last night, I was tearing up thinking about all the sites God has allowed me to visit. It’s impossible to put into words just what it feels like to be in the same exact spots our Lord, His most Blessed Mother and the apostles have all walked. I never imagined I’d be so blessed to see and literally touch these incredible places. As I envision my outstretched arms on the rock of Gethsemane, the place of His birth, death, the stone where our Lord’s body was cleaned after the crucifixion and so many more, I feel there is no greater place to be closer to Heaven while we are all pilgrimages on this earth. I am forever grateful to the staff and tour guides of 206 tours for allowing me this truly priceless experience!”
Leila S: “To enrich the soul. To keep the faith alive.”
Mary Ellen V: “A pilgrimage is a vacation/retreat with God. For me personally over the past 30 years it has been the great experience of my life. It has brought me to places that are miraculous and filled with beauty. These pilgrimages have lifted my eyes and soul towards heaven, and they have added incredible joy to my existence. It is not boring to travel to beautiful and holy places. I have traveled extensively during my life. A great blessing. I guess I have what you call wanderlust but the trips I have taken with 206 Tours have been the best trips of my life. I pray that I still have many more pilgrimages to take in my life. Take a pilgrimage with 206 Tours I promise you will not be disappointed, and the memories will last for a lifetime. ?❤?❤?❤?”
Mary D: “A pilgrimage for me is very therapeutic! It refreshes my soul, gets my mind back on the Beauty and richness of our Catholic Faith, and rejuvenates me! I’m praying about which pilgrimage to sign up for! ???. JMJ”
Lonnie V: “Our pilgrimages have provided an avenue to greater spiritual growth through knowledge.??”
Cindy O: “Of course it is mind-blowing to visit such sites of sacrifice, beauty, and prayer – treasured moments. I also cherish the fellowship of other pilgrims and seekers, and many remain long-distance friends.”
Judy P: “I have been on pilgrimage one way or another almost all of my adult life. Pilgrimage is a huge part of my life and I couldn’t imagine not being able to go. I think there are special graces attached to pilgrimage sites that infiltrate your soul and change you. As I said once about Medjugorje, but it is probably true of so many other places: Its a bit like being out in a fine drizzle. At first, you don’t notice but if you are out in it long enough, you get soaked. Except that here, it’s not a drizzle but graces.”
Lucy S: “It is a time to get closer to the Holy Trinity, to connect to the source of true happiness, even if you have to go through a rough patch. The end gives hope of a joy that can’t be expressed in words. It makes you more aware of how truly blessed you are.”
Lisa H: “That He and only He is our peace. We come home with peace in our hearts. We start to see through the eyes of Jesus and Our Blessed Mother. We receive the strength to keep going and live His commandments. ??”
Sonia S: “For me would be the most beautiful to witness all the paths of our where my Jesus was and Mama Mary, it would be a dream come true for me and my husband who’s from Babylon and speaking Aramaic he adores this places just like me ✝️??❤️”
Kathleen R: “A pilgrimage for means taking the hand of Our Lady as she leads me to the Gateway to her Son to renew me to give me time to pray meditate and find peace that nobody else can give. That is what a pilgrimage means to me.❤️”
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all our Pilgrims who submitted their reflections! Thank you for your loyalty, support, encouragement, and participation! We are so blessed to have you as Pilgrims!
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Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is a Catholic Saint originally from the Algonquin-Mohawk tribe, in present-day New York State. Born in 1656, she was just four years old when she contracted smallpox during an epidemic that took the lives of her family. She was a very pious, mild-mannered, and hardworking child and adolescent. Unwilling to marry, she converted to Catholicism when she was nineteen years old in honor of Saint Catherine of Siena and was shunned by her Native American Community.
She is best known for her vow of chastity, the mortification of the flesh, and her brave decision to convert amidst scrutiny. She spent the end of her life in a Jesuit community called Kahnawake in Montreal, Canada. St. Kateri Tekakwitha was known to eat very little and practice physical penances. In 1680, she died at just 24 years old on Holy Wednesday, and her final words were reported to be; “Jesus, Mary, I love you.” Following her death, he smallpox scars vanished from her face and beauty overcame her.
Her gravestone reads “The fairest flower that ever bloomed among red men” and the Jesuits used her remains to build a mission chapel – pilgrimages her began in 1684.
She was beatified in 1980 by Pope John Paul II, and Canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, becoming the first Native American to become a Catholic Saint. Her Feast Day is celebrated on July 14 in the Roman Catholic Church, and on April 17 in Canada, where there is a major Shrine to her at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Quebec. She is the Patron saint of the environment.
Saint Kateri Tekawitha, Pray for Us!
206 Tours President & Founder, Milanka Lachman, teamed up with Matthew Kelly to create a fantastic new 206-page resource for Catholic Pilgrims – The Pilgrim’s Journal.
This book provides an exploration into the meaning of Pilgrimage, and what it means to become a Pilgrim. Through a series of anecdotes and reflections, both Milanka and Matthew pull on their decades of Pilgrimage experiences to bring the reader to a closer understanding of the meaning of this act of Spiritual Devotion.
The Journal provides opportunities for readers to interact, reflect, and answer prompts during a pilgrimage, or in recollection after returning home.
The Pilgrim’s Journal will only be available in the final documents package free of charge for all 206 Tours and Dynamic Catholic Pilgrims. This resource will greatly impact the lasting effects of each Pilgrimage as Pilgrims will have a profound retrospective to revisit for years to come. A Pilgrimage always has lasting effects and bears spiritual fruits forever, this journal will simply amplify that!
Below, find an excerpt of The Pilgrim’s Journal:
Are you a pilgrim or a tourist?
Tourists want everything to go exactly as they have planned and imagined it. They rush around from one place to another making sure they cram everything in. They are constantly buying souvenirs and knickknacks, many of which they will look at when they get home and wonder, What was I thinking? Tourists get upset if there are delays. They demand prompt attention and service to their every need and desire. They focus on themselves, often shoving past others to get where they want to go. Tourists go sightseeing. Tourists count the cost.
Pilgrims are very different. They look for signs. If a flight gets delayed or canceled, they ask, What is God trying to say to me? Pilgrims are not concerned with seeing and doing everything, just the things they feel called to see and do. They are not obsessed with shopping. They are aware of the needs of others. Pilgrims go looking for meaning. Pilgrims count their blessings.
We are only here on earth for the blink of an eye. This is not our home. This journal is an invitation to discover how to live life not as a tourist but a pilgrim.
Life is a pilgrimage, but sometimes you need a pilgrimage to discover life.
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