HI RINDA! THANK YOU FOR WELCOMING ME BACK, OUR HOLY LAND TRIP WAS AWESOME AND THIS TRIP WAS EVER THE BEST PILGRIMAGE EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS MY SECOND PILGRIMAGE WITH 206 TOURS AND WE HAD A VERY INTERESTING GROUP AND EACH ONE HAD DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE IN A DIFFERENT LEVEL AND OUR TOUR GUIDE RAMON/RAHMAN WAS EXCELLENT AND VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND OUR DRIVER NASSI WAS A VERY SAFE/EXCELLENT DRIVER.
 
THE MAJOR FOCAL POINTS OF OUR PILGRIMAGE WHICH WERE THE HOLY NATIVITY, CALVARY/CRUCIFIXION AND JESUS’ TOMB TRULY TOUCHED ME AND FELT GOD’S PRESENCE. THE ST. PETER’S CHURCH IN GALLICANTU WAS BEAUTIFUL AND THE MT. TABOR’S CHURCH WITH THE BREATHTAKING SITE WAS MAGNIFICENT. OUR TOUR GUIDE BROUGHT US TO LUNCH PLACES THAT SERVED US THEIR AUTHENTIC DISHES AND IT WAS GREAT ALTHOUGH WE HAD THOSE FALAFEL SANDWICHES TWO LUNCHES IN A ROW AND THE BEST HOTEL WE HAD (OLIVE TREE HOTEL), SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT AND THE BUFFET BREAKFAST/DINNER WERE FABULOUS!!!! IN OUR LAST DAY, WE WERE ABLE TO DO SOME SHOPPING NEAR THE HOLY SEPULCHER, OF COURSE, LET ME NOT FORGET ABOUT FATHER LARSON, HE WAS AMAZING WITH OUR DAILY MassES AND HIS HOMILIES WERE MOVING ENOUGH THAT I CAN’T WAIT TO HAVE ANOTHER PILGRIMAGE WITH HIM IN THE FUTURE, THAT WOULD BE MY PROJECT!!! I WAS ABLE TO HAD A CONFESSION WITH ONE OF THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS IN THE HOLY SEPULCHER AND HOW I WISH I COULD HAVE STAYED THERE FOR HOURS TO PRAY BUT BECAUSE OF THE NOT SO SAFE WALK BACK TO THE HOTEL, WE ONLY STAYED THERE FOR AN HOUR OR SO BEFORE THE SUNSET BREAKS.
 
LASTLY, MY FLOATING IN THE DEAD SEA WITH MY STREET CLOTHES WAS A TOTALLY FUN AND I DID NOT PLAN TO DO THAT BUT I WAS SO MOVED THAT LITERALLY I PLUNGED MYSELF IN THE WATER. IT WAS THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE. I THINK EACH ONE OF US JUST NEED TO LET SELF FREELY OPENS TO GOD’S INVITATION BY ACCEPTING AND TRULY COMMUNE WITH HIM AND BY PLUNGING IN THE DEAD SEA WATER WAS AN OPENER FOR ME.
 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND MAY YOU AND YOUR STAFF AND YOUR FAMILIES HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!!!!

GOD BLESS US ALL,

MARY ANN B. FROM BLOOMINGDALE, ILLINOIS

Dear Sandra and 206 Tours,
I just arrived back from my pilgrimage to Lourdes, Medjugorje and Rome.  I want to sincerely thank you for putting a trip of a lifetime together.  Our Spiritual Leader, Fr. Richard Fineo was excellent and made the trip a blessed pilgrimage.  I was extremely impressed with our tour guide “Jesus” in Lourdes and Slavenka in Medjugorje.   I will forever recommend “206 Tours”.
God bless you all and have a Merry Christmas!

Joan Ryan Mangino

Thank you for the document, Liz.  And thanks for organizing such a wonderful trip.  Bonnie and I believe it was the trip of our lives, and we have done a lot of traveling.  Father Finneo was incredibly good – so holy and so entertaining.  And your tour guides in Lourdes and Medjugorje were outstanding.  Our tour group was small, and the people were wonderful.
We hope you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas too, and we wish you a blessed, happy and healthy 2009.
Best regards,

John K

My husband and I want to thank you so much for assisting us in experiencing such a spiritual pilgrimage filled with miracles!!! . What was so unique about our journey was our tour guide, Javier!! He is truly filled with the Holy Spirit and he had a strong desire for all of us to immerse ourselves in Jesus’ love through our Mother Mary. Javier made sure that we were surrounded by holiness and sacredness throughout the entire pilgrimage. I have made many pilgrimages in the past and nothing compares to this one. Our tour guide was our angel who was our fellow pilgrim and he guided us closer and closer to Jesus and Mary.
This pilgrimage was a true conversion experience that we treasure in our hearts and share our experiences with all who will listen.( I am still unable to share our experiences without shedding tears of joy!) Our hearts are filled with love and we are very grateful to God for the graces we have been given. We dearly love Lucia, Francisco, Jacinta, Teresa de Jesus, John of the Cross & Ignacious of Loyola who are our brothers and sisters in Heaven!
May Jesus and Mary continue to bless all of you and Javier who do God’s work through evangelization in such a beautiful way.
Peace and all good,

Yolanda and George R.

Greetings to all,
Thank all of you at 206 Tours for your hard work to put together this incredible pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  I regret I waited so long to travel to this holy place.  I hope I will be able to go again. Our guide Joseph was very knowledgeable about the entire history of the Holy Land.  Thanks to Joseph I will continue to expand my  knowledge of my faith.  He was very gracious and had a great sense of  humor.  He made us feel like valued guests instead of a group of  strangers.  Also thanks to Tony, our driver. This was my second pilgrimage with 206 Tours and I highly recommend 206 Tours for anyone who wants a spiritual journey.  My experiences  have been wonderful.  I have met many wonderful people through the journeys–fellow pilgrims, guides, spiritual leaders, drivers and  others.
I look forward to my next 206 Tour.
May the Peace and Joy of the Holy Family be with all of you and all
those you hold dear.

Barbara M.

Good morning Rinda:
I had a wonderful pilgrimage!  I completely enjoyed myself from beginning to end and felt completely safe!  Joseph Eideh, our tour guide in Israel, was awesome.  He was very informative about the history of each of the holy places as well as a great guy to have met.  Tony, our bus driver, was fantastic.  It’s difficult for me to put words to my experience.  It touched me beyond belief.  We didn’t have a whole lot of time at each of the sites, but I know it was because we were trying to fit in as much as possible in a few days.  I’m definitely making plans to go back to Israel and have Joseph & Tony apart of the team again.  It was incredible!!!
In Egypt, our tour guide was Max & he too was fantastic explaining the history at each of the sites.  Kiro, our tour escort from the Sinai Peninsula through to Cairo was wonderful.  He took care of getting all our visas & did a wonderful job overall.  I didn’t catch the driver’s name, but for as crazy as traffic is in Cairo, he did a great job getting us everywhere.  It was absolutely amazing to see the pyramids & the Sphinx.
I would (& have) recommend this tour to friends & family.  It was the first time I’ve ever left the country & it was AMAZING!  The local people were all very friendly and an absolute pleasure to meet.
The only thing I would do differently is I would prefer not to fly with United Airlines again.  What should’ve been a 40 minute flight home from Chicago turned turned into a 28-hour flight.  There were a lot of problems & reps for United didn’t really keep us abreast of the issues.  A few of the problems were a result of the weather here in Michigan, which I know United has no control over, but there were also a lot of mechanical problems with the plane.  I felt their customer service was severely lacking.  The flight attendant was wonderful.  All the passengers were really very frustrated with the whole situation but she remained friendly, helpful & bent over backwards to put us first.  Unfortunately I don’t remember her name, but she made the whole situation a little more palatable.
The flight from Chicago to home aside, the trip overall was tremendous & I didn’t really want to come home.  The tour staff in both places were the best and very helpful.  I truly appreciate the opportunity to make this pilgrimage & am looking forward to doing it again through 206 Tours.
Thank you for everything.

Kelly J. S.

Dear Milanka and Rinda,

Thanks to all of you at 206 tours for this wonderful pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I have just experienced the ultimate pilgrimage!

This was my very first pilgrimage to this holy place, and I can’t believe I waited so long to go there. What continued to come to mind was: Ad Jesum per Mariam, which means “To Jesus Through Mary”. I have visited many shrines of our Blessed Mother Mary and also that of the Infant Jesus of Prague and the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Poland, before I saw the Holy Land, where Christianity began. It was just like our Blessed Mother led me to go on this pilgrimage.

If one can only do a single pilgrimage in their lifetime, it should definitely be that of the Holy Land. It’s God’s Country! There were only 13 pilgrims, with Fr. Neil Buchlein as the Spiritual Director. Joseph, our tour guide, was very kind, helpful and knowledgeable and he also had a great sense of humor. For our daily Masses, there was no need for a Eucharistic Minister, but I felt so honored to do the Reading and Responsorial Psalm twice, one at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth and the other at the Church of St. Lazarus in Bethany. It was humbling to see all those places mentioned in the Bible. For me, the other highlights were the Mass and the visitation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mass at the Basilica of the Agony (The Rock of the Agony upon which Jesus prayed and sweated blood the night before His arrest, is located in front of the Altar), the Way of the Cross at 6 AM (we were the only pilgrims there), the Mass outside the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy (overlooking the Sea of Galilee, where Fr. Neil gave the most beautiful meditation), the visit to the Church of the Beatitudes and its beautiful surroundings, the awesome panoramic view of Ein Karem from the beautiful Church of the Visitation with the colorful plaque tiles of Magnificat in different languages, the boat ride at the Sea of Galilee, and the visit to the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives (where we saw the richly decorated colorful tile plaques of Our Father in different languages).

We were just around the altar during all the Masses. It was such a great feeling, especially at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Basilica of the Agony.

Although we were a very small group, we used a regular bus and we had an excellent driver named Tony. The weather was also very nice. Travelling there in November is great!

It was a first visit for the majority of us in the group. It’s great to have made new friends! There were five of us, who became part of the Falafel Club, because we ordered falafel for at least 4 or 5 of the lunches during the 10-day tour. The best hotel was the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem. It also had the best food.

Thank you very much and I hope to travel with 206 tours again.

May God continue to bless all of you!

Love, joy and peace,
Brenda

Dear Milanka,

I’ve just returned from my pilgrimage to Rome. (My very first pilgrimage). Saying it was a wonderful and spiritually fulfilling experience just doesn’t begin to describe my feelings.  Our guide Gaia was a gem. We had a large group (44 pilgrims) and she took wonderful care of us all. (We all volunteered to be her guide when she comes to NYC in January). She always had a smile on her face and was extremely helpful, informative, fun and VERY patient.  Our spiritual leader, Fr. Mickey Bancroft (also, another precious gem) made each day blessed. The Masses at the Catacombs (my favorite moment of the whole pilgrimage experience), St. Peters tomb at the Vatican (Very emotional) and the Peace Chapel at Assisi, were all both beautiful & spiritually fulfilling. (I’m getting teary eyed just thinking about them). He made sure to include as many of us as possible, in all of his Masses, as Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. (That is one experience I will never forget).  He also always had a ready smile on his face, was available to answer our MANY questions and always made sure to spend time with all the pilgrims. Fr. Mickey made this a truly blessed experience for us all.

We were very fortunate to have beautiful weather for the whole week, blue skies and relatively warm weather (for us New Yorkers at least), mid to high 50’s each day. It only drizzled/rained for a few minutes on the last two nights of our pilgrimage. (Not even worth opening the umbrellas). The hotel Michelangelo was wonderful. We had a perfect view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from our balcony. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.

The whole pilgrimage from the first minute was an experience of a lifetime. My ONLY complaint was that it had to end. I am eagerly awaiting Fr. Mickey’s next pilgrimage with 206 Tours.

Thank you and your staff for putting together such a wonderful pilgrimage. I look forward to my next pilgrimage with you. Until then Pax et Bonum.

Warmest Blessings,

Kim Bellone, West Babylon, NY

Hello Rinda and everyone at 206 Tours,

I just wanted to say that my experience for my 1st pilgrimage was fantastic! I had faith that I would receive healing and I did!  God works in wonderful ways! Thank you Jesus and Mary! Plus…..

I  want to thank Javier Gomez as our tour guide for the European Pilgrimage  he was Outstanding!You can see he has a great love and  devotion to our Blessed Mother which was wonderful to see ( he wasn’t just a tour guide with a bunch of people in a bus) He really provided for our pilgrimage, wonderful and inspiring  European history on our Catholic faith, excellent hospitality, and a great sense of humor. To continue the running  joke on the bus – Im still  looking for Mr. Right,  you never know he might be in Spain !:-)

Javier PS: Your son will make a great Pope one day with having you as his father to guide him!

Javier  was also great in helping to provide  Fr. Madison everything he needed for our daily Mass. Fr. Madison was also wonderful. I wasn’t sure when I first decided to do this pilgrimage if  I should go with a priest and a group of people I didn’t know,other than with my parish priest and parishoners that attend St. Augustines in Pleasanton, California. can proudly say, it  was a privilage to be on  the same tour as Fr. Madison, his love for Christ and Mary was very evident. And my fellow pilgrims were a blessing!

Now for Medjugorje – By far for me the healing came from there! Seeing Vicka her prayers over me I know Our Lady was present! Fr. Jozo (He was truly a BIG part in the healing process – OUR Lady was Ever So Present)and my favorite by far the-HOLY HOUR!!!! was the highlight for me! Christ’s presents was THERE!!!! Our Mothers presence was THERE! The Pain in my Heart ….. GONE! I left Medjugorje with wanting to feel HIS  presence every day  like that! Hmmm… I might have to move to Medjugorje! 🙂

Of course I am greatful to Dragan  and the ladies of the Bevanda House, they were Excellent! Dragan provided history about his country  and the Catholic faith that I had no idea about! I have developed a great appreciation for the Croatian people and those in the religious vocation from the past to the present. May Our  Mother Mary  continue to bless them!    And, the accommodations what a surprise, very comfortable and the food, let me just say it was  like being at grandmas house- with home cooked meals! It was the Best!

And I can’t forget,  Fr. Mundakal (Fr.Joe) loved him! Very spiritual and his love for our Blessed Mother and Jesus was also evident! Thank you, Fr. Joe for walking  up Apparition Hill with me at 5:00am in the morning ( the same morning I was  leavening back to the States) It ment a lot to me! I now can say I walked up Apparition Hill to say goodbye to Our Mother!  Fr. Joe I didn’t say anything to you that day before we left, but when we reach the statue of Our Lady and we only had a few minutes to pray before we had to go back down ( so I could make it back to the bus),Im positive Our Mother Mary waved to me!I know it was still dark out and it was early in the morning and OK I had about  3hrs of sleep But Im positive that while praying and thanking Her, saying goodbye I opened my eyes to look at Her, I saw Her extended hand that she holds the Rosary in was waving to me, ever so slightly! – I blinked and looked again and Her hand was still moving! Like I said it was dark, early in the morning and I had about 3 hours of sleep so my eyes could have been out of focus ( All thought I do have slightly better than 20/20 vision – perfect I know!) so were my eyes playing tricks on me? No, I like to think that She was saying and waving goodby for now! 🙂

And last but not least to The Pilgrims on the tour – GOD placed me with the best Catholic pilgrims with the most spiritual  and caring hearts, minds and souls I have ever met!  GOD knew that those special peopleshould be with me on this tour! Thank you,Caroline, Bruce, Connie Loraine, Sister Margaret, Joanne, Loraine,Ed, Mary, and everyone else!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will never forget you all and will have you all in my prayers! ( and yes when mister right (Catholic of course) comes along YOUR all invited to the wedding! GOD BLESS  you all with Health, Wealth , Love, Joy and Peace in your lives!

Thank you Rinda and Stephanie, Kristy  for all your help with all my questions I had prior to leaving for the pilgrimage! May God continue to Bless you all!

Walking Towards God,

Tierre

Hi, Rinda!

We are back from that wonder filled pilgrimage to France. It was a spiritual journey where we learned so much and our Lady truly walked us through with great joy.

Javier is an excellent tour escort and never left us even during the time of transition to a new carrier. He went beyond our expectation and that we are truly grateful to him.

From our hearts, we just to say THANK YOU 206 TOURS, thank you Rinda, Paul and Stephanie for making our pilgrimage a great success!

(You were in our intentions during our pilgrimage).

God bless,
NELLIE & EDDIE

Our pilgrimage of 11/2 to 11/14 was great!

We gained spiritually in many ways!

1) Our guide, Javier Gomez, provided us with detailed information on both the strategic and tactical elements of each stop, his spirituality was evident to us all, he shared himself and his family with us in a very warming manner and he “mother henned” us with departure issues as we returned home. He made a great difference to all of us!

2) We found some of the information on St. Burnedette at Nevers to be a great summary of our spiritual journey when we read some of her thoughts while in the Convent, especially, her desire to know how saints solve or handle there own spiritual issues.

3) The visit to St Catherine Laboure’s Paris (Rue de Bac) home, gave us thoughts, information and booklets and prayers on the Miraculous Medal (Immaculate Conception Medal) to stir ourselves and others at home.

It is an understatement to say that this has been a good trip! Thanks to 206 Tours.

E. Conway

This was our first pilgrimage and it was more than we expected. The hotels we stayed at were comfortable, clean and friendly. The breakfasts were typically European but satisfying. The dinners were great and we had time to enjoy and relax from a busy day. Fr. Martin, our spiritual director provided us with the perfect religious experience each day of our journey. Knowledgeable and gracious locals hosted each of the shrines we visited. Our guide was the best. Javier (Francisco Javier Gomez Alonso) was always available and had a depth of knowledge that added substance to our stay. We will always be indebted to Javier for his help when our flight home was cancelled and he worked with us to get another flight home. Overall, this was a deeply spiritual and rewarding trip and will recommend 206 Tours to others.
Tom and Sarah M.

Milanka,
I can’t stress enough that you have a real find in our guide Mourad.  He is absolutely amazing.  When you are with him, you think of Jesus.  Like Our Lord, he is a native of Nazareth, a very devout Christian.  A very peaceful, caring, faith-filled man.  Very patient and caring with each individual pilgrim, giving special attention to those who need it.  Always attentive to the needs of the pilgrims, and very respectful to the priests.  When he greeted us at the airport, he welcomed us as his guests by giving each of us a gift: a package of mustard seeds, which immediately got us thinking about what Our Lord said re having faith the size of a mustard seed.  He also has a master’s degree in archeology and is an encyclopedia of knowledge about the holy sites.  I hope he will be available for 206 pilgrimages in the future.
Thank you so much for this tremendous, life-changing experience!
God bless,

Fr. Bill, or as Mourad calls me, Abouna Bill!

Dear Rinda,
           It’s hard to find words to let you know what’s are in our hearts and how we felt but be very sure we have enjoyed and have a wonderful time. For me alone I have to renew my devotion to the Blessed Mother to pray the rosary again every day. Again I say thank you, I remain.

 Truly yours,
Avelina.

Sandra,
This was my third time to Medugorje with 206tours. When I leave this country 206 will always be the first and only call.
We had a prayerful and blessed pilgrimage.
Everything was perfect. Great job by all at 206tours.
Please extend my THANKS !!! to ALL !!!
Peace to all,
See You In My Prayers.

Tom T

Hi Milanka,

I have been in several of your pilgrimages and  the last one I have been too was in Israel. All the pilgrimages that I have been to help me a lot specially with the way I pray and understanding the Bible specially after going to Israel because when you go to Israel you actually see and be part of the Bible. This pilgrimages also help me with my healing as a matter of fact the last PET scan that I had was clear.
Thanks and hope to see you soon

Maria C

Rinda,
Thank you for making this pilgrimage to Mexico City happen. We had a wonderful time.The hotel was very nice. Everyone there was wonderful.Our tour guide, Arturo, was the best. Thank you for hiring him for our trip. Additionally our driver, Luis, was excellent. He did a perfect job of moving us around, and he kept his vehicle immaculate.This was our second trip with 206. Hopefully there will be another in our future.

Sincerely,
Debb

 
The trip was Amazing!  The accommodations were above and beyond my expectations. Iko and Anna made us all feel at home and fed us so well.  Slavenka, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable about the history and current events of Medjugorje.  She is so adorable and patient.  The experience of having Wayne so involved on this trip was also a blessing.  Travel arrangements went very well until the last leg of the trip, when we were delayed in Vienna because of a sick passenger on board.  We missed our connecting flight in DC, but were able to get onto another flight that same night – thanks to the Austrian Airlines ticket agent.  The United agent we were sent to originally could not find us another flight until the next morning, but we decided to check with the Austrian agent and she was able to book us on an AA flight with no problem.   Thank you so much for everything.  206 Tours is a first class travel agency.  This was my second pilgrimage and I will definitely book a third with your company as well as recommend anyone who is thinking about a pilgrimage to contact 206 Tours.
 
Thanks again for your patience and assistance.
 

Toni D

Dear Sandra and Liz- or as they say “Praised be Jesus and Mary!”
 
Thank you for everything.  We had a wonderful time.  I do have one more question….
Fr. George stayed with us in Santa Maria House.  He was so kind and wonderful.
 
Again thank you,
 
Janet

Dear Stefanie:
I am very happy that I went to this wonderful Spiritual Pilgrimage, thank you for all your support and the good service that we had. I came feeling happier and richer in my spiritual life, I hope I can go again in the future and thank you for everything.

God Bless,
Virginia O

Hi Kristin,

My apologies for the delay in sending this note.

Our pilgrimage is wonderful and full of blessings, and my expectations were all met in very respects. Lots of thanks to 206 Tours  and its staff. We had excellent and knowledgeable  guides in Israel and Egypt. Your representative in Israel is very generous!  Sam (your Egypt representative) did a very excellent job in attending to our needs.  Also, both our drivers in Israel and Egypt are great and caring. The hotels and services (food, etc)  are excellent as well.  

Personally, I look forward, God willing, to be able to take future spiritual  journeys with 2006 Tours.
Once again, thank you and God Bless You!
 
Nanding C

Dear Milanka,
What can I say?  The trip was wonderful and Rimon was fantastic. He was wonderful.  It was my best trip to Israel.  Thank you so much for the olive wood statue in our hotel room unexpectedly.  It was beautiful.  It was of the good shepherd.  Thank you for your kindness.  Also thank you for the complimentary water and chocolates the first night in Jerusalem.

Peace and blessings,
Fr. Charles

+JMJ
Dear Stefanie and Milanka,
Even though my Mother and I got sick during our pilgrimage, it was very special indeed.  With having Slavenka as our personal escort and then traveling to Sarajevo w/Dragon (ms?) as our tour escort was more than we could have asked for from our Heavenly Father through Our Lord Jesus and Our Blessed Mother!!!
From the absolute, incredible care of the personnel from Delta and Croatia Airlines for my Mother, to the Shrine Clinic in Medjugorje, to the staff at the Dubrovnik (Ragusa) Pension – it was “par excellence”.  Slavenka arranged for the Cenacolo to carry my Mom up Apparition Hill – an experience she will never forget.   Even tho’ I thought I would not be fasting while on this journey, it did happen and for that we were able to offer for a multitude.
The most sobering aspect for Mom and I was the visit to Sarajevo, and most necessary as we both believe that it deepened our understanding of the message of our Blessed Mother, Queen of Peace.   Our prayers have an urgency and profoundness and a renewal of the meaning of “praying with the heart” and sense of purpose, if you can understand what I mean by this.  It is not easy to explain to others.  If I have the opportunity to speak, I will say what is written of our Blessed Holy Father, Venerable Pope John Paul II and his exhortation of peace while visiting Sarajevo and Beirut –
“In the same places trampled and violated by hatred, Pope John Paul II went to trace – personally, after having spiritually covered it step by step – the furrow of a new path. He went to assert, challenging protocols of caution and cohabitation, the right which, beyond his own merits, every man deserves: that of knowing that he is loved. That he is not alone.
And John Paul II went to Sarajevo and Beirut to strengthen – and possibly extend to all places – this dramatic cry for peace.”
Slavenka knew that Dragon was the perfect person for us to explain these situations and if we are able, he would be the next person to bring to the U.S. to go around and speak of what he shared with us as he is one person who grew up in Sarajevo, served in the military and is a wonderful communicator with truth, conviction and charity – understanding that humor is a gifted tool indeed.
What is revealing is how pilgrims are needed to go into Sarajevo, bearing the image of God.  Who knew that we would make them happy with our pilgrim visit?  We were able to send our greetings from the Diocese of Las Vegas to the Cardinal via the Franciscan Priest at St. Anthony’s Franciscan Church and how we embraced that beautiful nun who assisted us at the Church.  They are the soldiers of Christ!
To the point, I can no longer think of a pilgrimage that would not include a day visit or overnight in Sarajevo and a visit to Dubrovnik.  With the assistance of Sylvia as our guide in Dubrov, it was great as well.  This time, as we stood in the “war room”, we learned more about the sufferings of the people during the siege, again, bringing us to the deep.
It is always a humbling experience to be an observer as the pilgrims and our spiritual director, Fr. Mugagga begin to enter and open up to the innumberable graces given.  Both Perla and I are fully aware that without your care and love of the work that you do to provide these rewarding experiences – it would not happen.  We know that you can only do so much and the rest truly rests in the opening of the pilgrims hearts to enter into prayer – that relationship with God.  How pleased our Blessed Mother is with these responses!
Again, it is difficult for the pilgrims to leave the little hamlet of love, prayer and peace.  I think of a Mother bird who helps her young ones leave the nest, when they may be reluctant to do so.  But it is when they extend their little wings and fly out of the nest that their lives actually begin.  May the pilgrims who we actually had to kind of “shove out of the “nest”, that they may open their little wings and soar and share this experience with others and not fall to the ground and land in a heap.  I think they all got their “wings” and will also be able to fly back when ready for renewal, if need be.
Again, thank you from my heart, my Mother’s heart.

Peace and Blessings,
mirla.

Dear Stefanie and Milanka,
No body could say it better than Mirla did. She truly speaks for me. It was an incredible spiritual pilgrimage with many, many graces and blessings. The whole experience was outstanding. Each time I go, it is different with new experiences. One of the things I was amazed at was how quickly I saw the transformation of the pilgrims taking place. The group was a small intimate and loving group which grew more loving as the days went by. Mirla’s mom was a special blessing and inspiration for us. The visit we paid to the “Z” family. The beautiful person that helped us with Fr. Mugagga’s visa. To meet with his lovely mother and brother, to visit the funeral site of their beloved husband and father and to experience the reverence, love and devotion they hold for their deceased loved ones, truly was very heart moving and touching experience for me, having just lost my own mother, I was moved deeply to tears. The whole pilgrimage was perfect including the weather. I could not possibly add any more to this than Mirla has so eloquently expressed. I want to repeat that without your care and love of the work you do to provide these rewarding experiences this could not happen. We are deeply and forever grateful to God for being so blessed in working with you, in knowing you and having your friendship.

+JMJ,
May God and Our Lady, Queen of Peace continue to immensely reward you!
With much love and prayers,

Perla

Good Morning Ladies,
Thank you for the wonderful letter and wanting to know my experience with you. This was my first Pilgrimage, my first tour using a tour group and you made it so easy. I did not have to worry about anything because everything was taken care of by all of your wonderful and great staff. I will recommend 206 Tours to others wanting a Pilgrimage or other travel. When I had questions you were right there to give me the answers and your e-mails were fast and efficient. I could not think of anything I would have changed on our trip it was perfect and one day I do want to go back to Spain. Our tour guide was the best anyone could have asked for, Juan Carlos. He was there for all us no matter what the problem, I know on several occasions he went over and above the call of duty. You have a great employee with him at the helm. He made everything so much fun, even getting up early to leave for the airport was a great time. His sense of humor was the best because nothing seemed to get him down, he took everything in stride and took care of whatever it was. My special thanks to all of your staff, the hotel staff, the local tour guides, bus drivers and any one else I may have missed, you all made this trip for me very very special and one that I will never forget. You are the best at what you do so keep on doing what you are doing.
May God Bless each and every one of you.
Happy Holidays to all of you and to your families.

Best Wishes,
Barbara S

Live every day with enjoyment – we don’t know what tomorrow will give us

Our tour was wonderful and we were very satisfied with the service your company provided.  The hotels were very clean and nice.  The food was good and we had a great time.  We would feel very comfortable recommending 206 Tours to anyone.  We were especially impressed with our tour guide, Juan Carlos, and cannot say enough good things about him.  He was considerate, helpful, fun, informative and VERY patient!  He tried to make sure everyone was taken care of and went out of his way to handle any problem that came up (although there were few).  Our bus drivers were also very considerate and helpful.  Our only complaint would be that we didn’t have enough time in some places, however, that could be that there were too many of us (45) and also too much packed into too little time.  Since this was our very first tour we didn’t know what to expect and next time we will. If we have the opportunity we will definitely take another tour.  
Thank you for a wonderful journey!

 
Dear Milanka
Everything is so beautiful here in Israel.
Raymond is a wonderful tour guide and the tour company couldn’t have been more accommodating to us.
Everyone on pilgrimage is absolutely pleased beyond belief.
I am personally so grateful. This has been an experience of a lifetime.

I cannot wait to share it with you when I return.
You are in my prayers and in my heart!

Love,
Father Tony

Rinda,

I am pleased to inform you that we really had a wonderful trip.

The weather was nice and mild, although we had rain on the last day in Siena. The group was lovely, the organization perfect, and the tour leader and guide excellent.

Thank you again for having me.

Fr. Michael

Hello Kristin,
 
We are back.  We had a marvelous and awesome pilgrimage.  Thank you, Jesus and Mama Mary. Thanks to 206 Tours specifically to you and Milanka.
 
Several days before departure, I prayed that the Lord give us the same guide as when we were in Israel in 2000.  I didn’t remember his name but I could picture his face clearly.  We got to Ben Gurion Airport and lo and behold, the guide who met us was Waleed Hazzan, the guide I’ve been  praying for.  God knew the desires of my heart and I trusted in Him.
 
Waleed is an exceptional guide, very knowledgeable, explained things so clearly, he made the bible come alive.  Some called him a walking Encyclopedia.  Everyone in the group was so impressed with him that they said if they came back to Israel, they’d request for Waleed to be their guide again.
 
Our driver Ramzi has super driving skills.  We felt comfortable in the bus knowing he is our driver.  On top of that, he is kind, gentle, patient and very helpful, sensitive to the needs of the group.
 
The hotels in Israel were excellent, had great service.  The extra day in Bat-Yam was so relaxing, an opportunity to stroll the beach and enjoy the stunning views.
 
The same holds true for our stay in Egypt. Our guide Moussa is very knowledgeable and informative, has a good sense of humor. Our escort, Sam is patient and understanding, and sensitive to the needs of the group as well.  Our driver, Sayed is a safe driver, friendly and smiled a lot. The hotels in Egypt were very good.
 
The whole pilgrimage was a great blessing to all of us.  We were touched and experienced God in different ways.  We came back refreshed, renewed, and with a deeper knowledge of Him, our great God, our Lord and Savior. 
 
Thank you again for everything.  May the Lord continue to use your company to bring people closer to the Lord.
 
Serving Him together,
 
Grace M
Seattle, WA

I just came back from my Holy Land pilgrimage and I am very pleased for the good service and expertise  from the tourist guide, travel director and to the driver. Hotels and food are excellent, I feel the caring and protection to all the pilgrims. We are all safe in every places we went. Because of these I have a very  memorable and unforgettable experience in my whole life .

A very special thanks and praise to Grace and Ben Magbaleta for a very good and organize tour. Another special thanks to Father Thanh Doo for all the Masses offered to all special places. I feel renewed after this trip, I learned so many things. Hopefully this will continue, notify me with all your tours ahead of time so I can join again. Thank you so much for having me part of this pilgrimage.

Aurora F. V

Dear Ms. Shea,

Our Holy Land pilgrimage was overall wonderful and spiritually touching.  There were positive aspects as well as negative ones.  But overall, the experience spiritually was there.  This was especially true praying at the Western Wall and doing the Stations of the Cross on Via Dolorosa.  There was also the historical appreciation for this ancient land.  This was made possible because our Guides, Waleed in Israel and Moses in Egypt, understood our quest and provided the historical ambiance as well as the spiritual setting and we savored this experience.  Our drivers were efficient and got us to places safely and securely.  I would also like to praise our coordinator, Grace for her sheparding for Seattle and back.  When two of our members including my wife got sick, she was there for us.

The negative side of things was that the commercialism was all around and very distracting.  This was the difference when compared with our pilgrimage to Medjugorje.  Of course, Holy Land had 2000 years of commercialism in comparison.

If the visiting of foreign lands expands one’s experience as compared to the experience of those who reside there, this visit to this ancient land provides the spiritual depth on one’s faith as compared to those whose faith has been established there.

Of course, when my wife and I think pilgrimage, we shall think of 206.

Sincerely yours,
Luis & Julie A.
Pilgrims

P.S.  Please forward to Waleed of Guiding Star (Israel Agency).  Thanks.

Dear Rinda,

Our journey to Rome and Medjugorje was indeed a powerful human and spiritual experience.

First, we were pleased and astounded that, at each juncture of our journey, we were met on time and transported safely and in comfort to our destinations. Your prior planning and arrangements worked like clockwork. Accomodations were as you had described them. More importantly, the people who met us or drove us or fed us or provided lodging …they were wonderful They seemed to take personal interest in us. At Medjugorje our hostess Natasha was charming. Her home provided a home for us in our brief stay and we will return to her house when we return (we hope to someday go back)

Our guide Slavenka was so friendly, so schooled with the history and significance of this holy place – all of which she shared as we led us from place to place. Because Slavenka held my hand, I was able to climb Apparation Mountain and experience the closeness of Our Lady. Truly The Queen of Peace is there on that rocky and rugged mountain. We did not see her; we did not see any supernatural things, but we were filled with her presence and listened to her message.

The spiritual impact of Medjugorje on us cannot be described except through the outward signs of prayer – the Rosary and the Mass – both of which are now a truly prominent part of our lives – and the inward reality that our hearts are linked to Our Lady in so many intricate and personal ways. For these we give endless thanks.

Thank you for all you provided.

We look forward to hearing from you. And with great pleasure we will recommend your services to family and friends – to everyone.

With gratitude,
Carol and Bob B.

Hi Paul!,

I just wanted to say a big “thank you” for your help with our Greece pilgrimage. My mom had turned 85 years old while we were there. It was a wonderful dream come true for both of us!  Your Kindness Is Greatly Appreciated! God Bless you!

(The above message has been re-typed from a hand written ”thank you” card that was mailed to our offices in New York.)

Paula G.

Hello Rinda,

I want to thank you for your help with my pilgrimage. It was a great spiritual experience. I already feel the effects. I am glad I was able to help out as Spiritual Director for the LaSallette, etc. segment. Jesus was a wonderful guide, especially at Lourdes. His orientation to it in one day allowed for everyone to focus on the elements most important to them on the next day. Since there were very different interests in the group this lessened conflicts in scheduling elements.

Thanks also for the arrangements at the Hotel Le Marquis. It is well located. Yesterday, I went to Chartres for the windows and the labyrinth.
Today I went to Mont-St.-Michel. Tomorrow I am off to Amiens for Mass, the sculptures and the labyrinth. Monday I take the Tunnel Train back to London.

This was such a prayerful experience, I am considering the Holy Land/Egypt Pilgrimage in the Spring.

Gratefully,
Fr. Gary M.

Dear Rinda:

Thank you for allowing me to be spiritual director of the pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes and Medjugorje. The pilgrimage was well planned thanks to you and the staff.  It was a pleasure to work with you.

When I first met Javier and his welcome of me, I knew we would work well together.  It was a pleasure to have him as a guide. He is a humble and spiritual person. The pilgrimage was beautifully arranged for our Mass celebrations.  Javier was there to help with the various areas I celebrated Mass, introducing me to those in charge.  I cant say enough about him, I highly recommend him for all your pilgrimages.

In Lourdes as we were both having lunch, he spoke of the women who would not be able to get lunch because they had to wait at the baths.  So after lunch we went to a store and bought enough sandwiches for all the women from our tour.  We delivered the sandwiches while they were waiting in line.  He would not Let me help pay for the sandwiches.  What a wonderful gesture on his part, concerned for the women at the baths.

Javier was also concerned for a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who had difficulty walking.   He made arrangements for a wheel chair so sister could participate in the processions.

All the pilgrims were wonderful.  They were willing to participate in all the spiritual exercises.  They enjoyed leading in the various prayers or singing.

I am totally satisfied with the pilgrimage because of the spiritual atmosphere that existed among the pilgrims.  This was a special pilgrimage for me too.  I was overwhelmed with the places that I celebrated Mass. .

Thank you again for you help with the pilgrimage.

Peace,
Msgr. John S.
Saint Jude Church
Monroe, Connecticut

www.saintjudechurch.net

Departing Cincinnati, the plane left about an hour late.
The connection in Chicago was a tight but O.K.
Changed planes in Munich for Thessaloniki.

Kostas met us at airport and took us to hotel. Great that we had time to freshen up and relax for a bit. We got together as a group and commiserated with a little wine.

Kostas was the perfect guide, very knowledgeable, with his background in archeology and his study of comparative religions.  Everyone really enjoyed his information and banter. All the hotels were just great and the food was very good.  We had a good sampling of the Greek foods. We had a wonderful Mass in Phillipi and experienced the ruins.

Our bus driver Vassilli was very good.  We saw some beautiful country on our bus trip to Kalambaka and Delphi.  The monasteries were especially awesome even though we experienced a little light rain.  The ruins of Apollo were quite interesting.

Athens with Kostas as a guide just couldn’t have been better.  His knowledge of the sites was inspiring. We have some great group pictures, one on the steps Paul climbed to Mars hill and preached. Then on to the marvelous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Wow.

Well then we had a free day and some of us decided to go to the Archeology Museum. We took the subway and spent about 3 hours in the Museum.
On the way back to Syntagma square one of the single ladies in the group was pickpocketed.  I told all of them in a meeting before we left that they should have a money belt and keep it under their shirt inside their slacks or pants. Only have out what you need for that day.  Well she had about 300 Euro and 100 US, two credit cards and her passport all in a money belt. Then decided to put that in a fanny pack.  Well while on the subway from Omonia square to Syntagma square a woman with a child bumped her and picked the money belt from the fanny pack. She realized it as soon as we got off the train and the door closed. The woman and child stayed on the train.
The rest of the group went on, she and I went back to the hotel, got her copy of the passport, we immediately called the credit card companies, and took a cab to the Embassy. The Embassy was closed for siesta. We had to call the passport office and then they let us in. We filled out the forms, left and got 2 passport photos, paid $100 and received another passport. A record 3 hours from the time the pocket was picked to delivery of a new passport. Wow.
Back to the hotel and a glass of wine.
The next morning we bused to the pier and boarded ship.
Mykonos was great but the time was too short. We walked to the area of ‘little venice’ but it was already too dark to see much.
On Patmos we saw the monastery and John’s Grotto of the Apocalypse.
Then on to Kusadasi, Mass at Mary’s house and great tour of Ephesus with our tour guide.
Back on board we experienced some very strong winds and choppy seas. Some got ill. Then the most disappointing event, we were not able to tender into Santorini because of the wind and seas.  We only saw it from the ship.

Overnight back to Piraeus and the airport. The flights home were a problem. The plane into Chicago had to pull up and go around because another plane was on the runway. That took about another 30 minutes on a very tight connection. We were told at the gate that we would not make it, that the plane would not wait.  Well we went anyway and rushed as much as possible and barely got on the plane. One person did not have a seat and was about to go on another plane leaving in 30 minutes when the gate attendant asked if someone would get off, allowing the other person to get on the plane.
We all arrived in Cincinnati together.
All things considered, it was a very good pilgrimage with just a few bumps.

Dear Ms. Kanidinc,

This was a very well organized pilgrimage (my third with 206). A truly inspiring journey. Our guide was absolutely outstanding – Jack Halis, a Catholic Arab whose family has resided in Palestine for the past 200 years. His scriptural and historical commentary was excellent and well researched. Fr. Serrano also commented that Mr. Halis was the best guide he has ever worked with.
We were fortunate to have had perfect weather the entire time, a bit warmer though than I expected (25′ – 43’C).

Best regards and thank you for a great tour.
Gert G. L. M.D.

Our Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Rome was fabulous. My sister and I connected with Our Lady and Jesus in such a spiritual way that I cannot put into words! Rinda and the staff took care of us from start to finish with great care. A word of advice to prospective travelers: I would probably be a good idea to upgrade on the long trip to Europe. While the trip was hassle free it was a bit snug. We upgraded on the way back and our bodies felt the difference.

We will definitely contact 206 tours again.

Roberta

Dear Rinda,

This is Fr. John E. Mikalajunas thanking you and the entire staff at 206 Tours for one of the finest pilgrimages that I have taken with your company.

All of the hotels, guides, meals, tours and cruise for three days with the Tour of Greece and 3 day cruise in this year of St. Paul were superb as usual.

As Costas said before we began the magnificent 3 day cruise that 206 wants the best for its clients and that is so true.

The pilgrims that joined me were superb, kind and truly religious people. We had a Silver Wedding Anniversary Couple and Golden Wedding Anniversary couple a gentleman celebrating his 55th birthday and a lady celebrating her 85th birthday. We had special cakes for them and the friendship built through Christ, St. Paul, St. John and Our Lady will be cherised forever.

I know that I as a priest will never use another company but 206 for my pilgrimages. You are the best.

Again Thank you and God Bless your ministry.

Sincerely in Christ,
Father John E. M.
St. Vincent De Paul Church
Vestal, NY

Dear Rinda,

I just want to thank you for a wonderful pilgrimage!! Truthfully, I never expected the trip to be so well organized. In Lourdes we had as guide, Javier. He was so knowledgeable, spiritual and caring. He was wonderful . He treated all of us as family. I know he also does tours in Fatima and if I ever go I would want to have Javier as a guide. The hotel we stayed at was wonderful, four star in our opinion.
In Medjugorje, I feel we had the best guide possible. Slavenka was wonderful and went over and above to make sure we had a wonderful, spiritual experience in Medjugorje. The pension we stayed at was clean, friendly, and accomodating.
Thank you also for getting us the seats on the flights!.

Blessings,
Mary Anne C.

Dear Rinda,

This was our first pilgrimage.
I have neither the time nor the eloquence to describe all of the beauty of this tour. Furthermore, I fully believe that the beautiful inspirations and memories we received will continue to grow and multiply in time.
The tour guide, accommodations and the priest who accompanied us were all great and facilitated a most wonderful total experience.
Thanks
George & Carole B.

Kristin,

I am just getting back on track since returning from Medjugorje. I had to leave right away for a weeklong meeting at the Orlando Airport Hyatt. Then by the time I got back I had to catch on yard work etc….

Anyway,  The trip went very smooth overall…. we were delayed leaving Newark by and hour but were lucky enough that they were holding our connection in Munich… so we ran from one gate to the other… (in the future I would build a bit more time in that connection)…. actually the same thing happened on the way home… delayed in Sarajevo but they held the flight in Munich….  Other than that I think everyone enjoyed themselves. We had a touch of all seasons “Summer Heat” at 100 degrees, a couple days of off and on rain and then mild days and cool nights to finish out the week.

I also knew a few of the ladies from the other group, traveling with Fr. Pio from the friars…. That actually know my wife and had heard my band play somewhere along the way yada yada yada… We played at 5 Masses at St James, opened for David Parks and did a couple of sing-along nights at Pansion Zovko.

Speaking of pansion Zovko…. It was a very nice home the family was great, the food was good and I would stay there again….

Father Bruce, as always, was a great spiritual leader and touched people all over the village from his homily on 9/11 to the stations of the cross while climbing cross mountain. He just seems to draw people to him while we are there.

And, as always, Slavenka did a great job…. but you know we are an easy group…. When you have many people that have been to Medjugorje before we can do a lot of things on our own.  But Slavenka helped in coordinating the days so we could maximize our time. She is a dear friend.

Thanks again to you, Milanka and all the people behind the scenes at 206 tours for your efforts.
We are talking about going back in 2010.Next time I may just want to be a plain ole’ pilgrim with no worries…

Thanks again.

Jeffrey S. R. CMFC, CLTC

First let me say thanks to all of you for a great pilgrimage (my first). As a guy who converted from a life long Protestant to a Catholic after the birth of my son, it was an incredible journey for me both spiritually and historically.  Walking the same steps that Jesus and his disciples took, being able to physically be present in the places where the key events of our faith took place, and above all the Masses that Father gave re-energized me in my continual struggle toward being a good catholic.

Thanks for all your friendships, your understanding and your support during the journey. I hope to see you all again. Attached are a few pics from work, see you guys sometime soon

Chase Sargent BS, MPA, NREMT-P
Bureau of Diplomatic Security Services
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Program
Baghdad Iraq

Dear 206 Tours

My niece and I just returned from the Pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, and the Shrines of Northern France (Sept. 13-Sept. 25).

We went with a group of people from our parish, St. Jane Frances de Chantal. Monsignor Stephen Radocha was the Spiritual Director and Marie Thaler was our pilgrimage coordinator. Jesus was our 206 Tour Director ( Javier was his supervisor ).

We had the most magnificant time. Your Tour Director was so professional, knowledgeable, conscientious, extremely helpful, patient and accommodating. For example, my niece is a vegetarian. Jesus made sure that she (my niece) received vegetarian meals at all the dinners and in all of the hotels. The service was superb!

One story in particular that I found to be particularly noteworthy was when Air France left our luggage in Paris. Although we made a report when we arrived in Portugal, it was your conscientious Tour Director, Jesus, who made sure we got our luggage the following day. In fact, our luggage arrived in our hotel before 12:00 Noon. We were very grateful. Jesus was also very kind and courteous to our entire group of pilgrims.

Please send us via email any other special offerings that your company is conducting. We would be happy to book another tour with 206 because we were extremely satisfied with your service and personnel.

Again, I thank you.

Dr. Joanne L.
Easton, PA, USA

and

Ms. Jessica F. (niece)New York, New York, USA

Hi Billy,
Overall the trip was wonderful. As usual the guides & drivers are always great professionals, the itinerary was very rich and the hotels were very pleasant.  The only trouble we had was with the  food.  Many travelers who have strict diets were frustrated with having only one choice of meat for dinner. 
We had such a fun time that many travelers are begging to register for the Holy Land trip schedule for November 2009.
Thanks,
Gina

We are quite pleased with our pilgrimage. Out tour guide, Javier, is absolutely a wonderful guide. He not only talks about the holy places but adds color to his commentary by adding historical significance of the places. In addition, he cares about his pilgrims welfare. He is such a pleasant and friendly person not only with the pilgrims but also the people at the places we have visited, which allowed us to participate in the religious activities. like my husband having the honor to carry Our lady of Fatima during the procession around the plaza after the rosary prayer.

We also like the hotels we stayed in and we are fairly happy with the airplane seating we had and the time we had in between connecting flights.

I also am pleased with the quick receipt of our travel documents without any problems.

Two things I might suggests changing is the very long day we had on the day we left on a flight from Lourdes to Paris, it was such a very long day.
Another thing I will suggest is the Avila stop. I would have like ii if we had gone to the place where St. Teresa was born and the church, which does not require a fees to enter and also see the garden where she and her brother had played.

All other places were just wonderful holy places. I’ve have been to Lisbon, Fatima, Lourdes and Paris before but this is a different and better experience, in part because of Javier and Monsignor John Sabia. I highly recommend Monsignor as the spiritual leader for pilgrimages. He is great and he enhanced our celebration of the sacrifice of the Mass and morning and evening prayers with music. He is also so friendly and so easy to talk to.

Fr. Peter Dugandzic is a scholar and gave wonderful homilies. Monsignor gave his homilies from the heart but Fr. Peter was more on the understanding of the scriptures in a deeper way.

We hope to join 206 Tours in the future as long as the timing works for us.

Rosita A. L.
Chicago, Illinois

Hi Helen , This pilgrimage was overwhelming and I will never forget, every time I say the rosary or read the bible it will be more meaningful to me .

THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU
Rita T

Dear family and friends,

We arrived home from our pilgrimage Thursday night. We prayed with the petitions you wrote for St. Pio at his body. The petitions will also be touched to his glass encased casket.  In Medjugorje, we heard one of the visionaries speak, and the petitions for Our Lady were given to her. She is one of the visionaries who prays for the sick. Then the petitions were presented to Our Lady that night when she appeared to her. (Each visionary was given a specific group of people to pray for by Our Lady).

We had such an enjoyable, peaceful, memorable, beautiful pilgrimage. One night while returning from a restaurant with some of our friends, we looked up at the sky and we saw a moon that was huge and very misshapen. The sky was very dark, and the moon was very bright with a large aurora around it. In the center was a extremely bright white light. Surrounding the aurora was a rainbow, and everything was spinning. Don saw a cross through it, and he said the clouds parted to reveal the moon. Signs and wonders are everywhere in Medjugorje, and it is a sign that Our Lady is present. The next morning  we were walking down the same path to our host’s home, and all of a sudden I thought I was in a field of roses! The scent was so strong, yet there were no roses around. At the same time I smelled the roses, one of our friends said that she smelled roses. I told her to look up at the sky. We saw a pulsating brilliant sun with a large aurora around it. Again, a sign that Our Lady was present with us. We prayed during both experiences, and asked Our Lady to hear our petitions.

There is no place on earth like Medjugorje! You could stay there for weeks, and just bask in the love of Our Lady, and the peaceful atmosphere. There is no doubt in our minds that we will be returning next year. We prayed throughout our pilgrimage for all of you and your petitions. We pray that Our Lord and Our Lady will grant your wishes. Although we are getting things in order after our trip, and trying to adjust again to N.Y. time, we are very thankful that we had this opportunity for spiritual renewal. Needless to say we are still flying high from our pilgrimage!

We hope some day that you will hear the call of Our Lady, and respond to it by going to Medjugorje.

God Bless You,
Paula and Don

HI RINDA, I LOVED THE PADRE PIO PILGRIMAGE.
I ENJOYED THE WHOLE TRIP. 206 TOURS ARE GREAT. OUR TOUR GUIDE VINCENZO WAS FABULOUS.. JUST LOVED HIM VERY PROFESSIONAL.. HOPE TO GO ON PILGRIMAGE SOON WITH 206.. LOOKING FOR ONE TO GREECE FROM BOSTON. LET ME KNOW IF ONE COMES UP IN BOSTON..
PEACE LINDA PIETRASZEK
THANK YOU FOR ALL ACCOMMODATIONS FROM SEATING ON PLANES TO HOTEL ROOM. PERFECT FOR ME… GOD BLESS 206 TOURS..

Kristin,
the pilgrimage was wonderful.  I would highly recommend 206tours for anyone I know going on a pilgrimage.  The accommodations were close to the church and the center of activity.  I look forward to traveling with S’elah song and 206tours again.

Catherine T (AKA Terri )

Just wanted to say a big thank you to Father Jack, my fellow pilgrims, Sammy and Ali and 206 Tours (Linda , who was my contact   and a big help) and Gabriel for making this Pilgrimage to the Holy Land a memorable one for Prem and me.
I am sure we all agree that Sammy “for sure” is the best  guide and Ali the best driver in all of Israel!

I can’t believe how  smoothly everything went from day to day… and if there is one thing that maybe could have been  different- was  the temperature, but I figured God wanted the Arizona folks to be right at home with the heat  and he threw in a little humidity for good measure, so we sweated it out a little!
Can’t complain too much can we?

All of us may have carried some Cross, big or small,  on this journey.. some bodily crosses, like hurting hips, bad knees and legs, sore muscles, exhaustion from the heat, diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure, problems with heart, lung, kidney or skin or crosses of the mind and soul… broken relationships with God, family and friends, problems with kids, harboring past hurts….
Whatever our Cross maybe, how small it may seem when compared to the pain and suffering and death on the Cross Jesus endured to save us.
My prayer for us all, is that as we journeyed along with Jesus on the Via Dolorosa we received the grace to accept our small Crosses willingly and may we all have received the grace of healing and reconciliation.

When our daughter asked us what was the single best part- we both said everything.. and then when she pinned us down to pick one, I picked the Mount of Beatitudes, thanks to a comment Ranie made. As we were rushing around like chicken with plucked feathers, Ranie said “How about pausing and taking it in” and I did just  that- I closed my eyes, placed my self on the Mountain side along with the multitudes and heard  Jesus teaching the Beatitudes (my favorite part), and I did not want to leave.
Like Father Jack said, if we had to pick a part of the Gospels that we chose to live our lives by.. it would be Matthew Chapters 5-7.
 I also felt so honored doing the readings at Mass on the Shores of Galilee.. thank you Father Jack for asking me. Lectoring at Church for me now will never be the same.. each time I will be transported to the Shores of Galilee… what an awesome feeling!
 How lucky we were to have had Masses at so many special sites- starting with Mass at Hotel Mercure the first night and ending with the Garden of Gethsemane the last day with Masses in between at the Church of the Annunciation, Shores of Galilee ( Peter’s Primacy), on Mount Tabor, (Scene of the Transfiguration),  Church of the Nativity, on Mount Calvary(Church of the Holy Sepulchre) and in Bethany, home of Mary , Martha and Lazarus.
 I could go on and on.. but  I can hear Father Jack whispering in my ear.. watch out, don’t be obnoxious…
 That was  real good advice, as we guard ourselves from getting carried away  and boring our friends with endless descriptions.
 To imitate the hospitality that Mary and Martha extended in Bethany to Jesus and his friends, we would like to invite you to come     and visit us if you happen to be in Boston or NJ. We have room for you in our Inn. I take the liberty to extend this invitation on behalf of Joe, Valsa, Elsie, Ranie, Prem and myself.
  I loved the way Father ended each Mass with “I love you all”, so that is what I want to end with.. “I love you all”
  Prem and Alpheen

Dear Kristin & Staff:

Al my pilgrimages with 206 have been beautiful.  I’ve been travelling with 206 from 1997 – my first trip to Medjugorje.  I loved each one.  Pilgrimages are my passion <3 Thank you and may God Bless 206 abundantly for all the good they do & their strong faith.

Linda B.

Dear Cara,
Sorry it took so long to answer….just wanted to let you know that this was the greatest trip yet to Medjugorje!!!  Please know that both myself and Ed Karen had the best time ever!! Everyone was so wonderful and we cant wait to go back!!! God is so good!
Thank you to 206 tours for all the help in getting us there, especially at the last moment!!! Our Lady is wonderful!!!  Happy Autumn!

Peace, Linda M.

Slavenka,

We all got home OK….

It was great being with you again.  I think everyone really enjoyed the trip. I know Father Bruce thought things went very smooth.

Thanks again for all your coordination, it makes all the difference in the world… especially for the new pilgrims.

Keep in touch…. Hope to see you soon. As always, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I hope your son’s trip to Spain goes well.

Love,
Jeff

I would just like to say “ Thank you “ to you and your staff of ”206 Tours”  for all you did for me for my trip. I was on Tour # 40 : Portugal, Spain and France from July 20 to August 1. It was a great trip and Blessing from God. I would like to commend all the hard work that Javier , Father Bob Brook , Father Eugene and Jenny in Paris abn the bus drivers put in to make this trip a wonderful success. Lourdes, Fatima + all the other Blessed places we visited will always be a part of me. Take care and God Bless you all.
Love,

Candace Z.

Hi Rinda –
I should have written to you back in March to tell you what a terrific experience we had traveling to Lourdes with 206 Tours. I have been following the press of the Pope’s recent visit to Lourdes and have, therefore been remembering the wonderful week we spent there in March. Monsignor Steffan and Father Clancy were great and it just so happened that another priest, Father Vito, was on the trip as well with some of his parishioners. He had the most beautiful singing voice! I will never forget it! Since we chose to spend the entire week in Lourdes (and not make the trip to Paris and Nevers), we were really able to explore Lourdes and a bit of the surrounding area. We took a lovely walk to Bartres one day and saw where Bernadette tended sheep. I think it worked out perfectly because we spent part of the trip with the group and part on our own. Also, we had plenty of time for devotion at the Grotto. We hated to leave Lourdes! Our guides, Javier and Cathy were both just great. Since returning home, I have recommended 206 Tours to many people. Thank you for all of your help in planning our trip, and apologies for not e-mailing you sooner.

Janet S.

Hi Sally…

It’s so wonderful hearing from you and absolutely I can recommend 206 Tours in Smithtown, LI, for your pilgrimage with all my heart and total confidence in them!

Our agent at 206 is Kristin and you can reach her at 1-800-345-2854…..I have been so blessed to go to Medjugorje 76 times and coordinated groups since 1987 with 206 Tours and I have never been disappointed in them and have never felt the need to use anyone else…

Please give Joe Helow my love and prayers and God’s Blessings on your pilgrimage,

Penny

Dear Rinda:

Thank you for a most wonderful pilgrimage! We especially thank you for Joseph our tour guide and Samuel our driver.

God bless you,

Barbara and Manny

Dear Rinda,

Thanks again for all your help getting the Medjugorje and Fatima-Lourdes trips together, this past month.
They were both filled with grace, for me, and I think, as well, for all the pilgrims.

Slavenka and I are old friends, and she is, in my view, the best guide in Europe, but if she’s got a rival, it would have to be Javier.
He is amazing. His energy is nonstop. His knowledge is encyclopedic. His personality is warm and winning.
His enthusiasm for pilgrimage, and his concern for the welfare of the pilgrims, is truly impressive.
Maybe most important — Javier’s faith is profound. You put all that together and our people are just about guaranteed a great experience, on any tour he leads.
We were blessed, too, in the weather, which was mild and breezy everywhere. It could have been very hot, as you know.

Thanks for all your expertise, Rinda. It’s a pleasure, working with you. Several of my pilgrims mentioned you by name, in fact, on the second trip — they really appreciated your attitude and your efficiency.

My best to Milanka and all at 206!
In Christ,

Father Jim

Hi Paul,
My husband and I are one of the pilgrims, that joined the above tour. I have been a 206 Tour returnee, and I tell you this is the best tour I have joined so far. Firstly, our tour director, Javier, was very kind, informative and very much involved with us. I was with Mrs. Lumi Vera, and she needs a walking aid, and Javier, was so nice enough to have a wheelchair available for her and he is the one that pushed her around, and at the same time try to explain and give us the view of the places we visited. He has given us his most personal touch about the tour. Of course, the hotels are excellent, which is the trademark of 206 Tour.

Mostly I would like to point out, that Javier, was very kind and concern with us. He even checked in with us all to the Toulouse airport, and carried the luggage of Mrs. Vera, up to the ticketing office and guided all of us where to line up for checking in. None of all the tours I joined has a tour operator, went in to the airport, with the pilgrims. That is the most admirable I have seen, since we are in a foreign airport, and the made it is easy and comfortable for us.

Thank you 206 tours for having a good tour company in the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

God bless us all.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Remedios (Remy) A.

Thanks. I believe that I arrive in Split before the rest of the group tomorrow. Should I just sit tight at the airport until the others arrive?

By the way, this is my fifth pilgrimage.
Javier is by far the best tour guide that I have had. He is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. He goes out of his way and beyond the call of duty. It is also nice to see a tour guide who is very reverent. As you may recall, I had a rough start to the trip. My flight from New York got cancelled, and then when I finally arrived, my luggage was lost. Javier went out of his way to help me out (including coming to the bus station with me to pick up my luggage). Paul was extremely helpful as well coordinating from NY with Javier to catch me up with the group.
 

Dear Milanka,
I want to tell you how much I enjoy working with Rinda.  
When my clients need answers, I ask Rinda, and she is always kind and gracious.  
I know she is very busy, yet she has time for me and she’s always efficient.
Thanks, Milanka, for allowing me to work with her

MIR
Helen   

Dear Kristin,

As usual it was a beautiful trip from beginning to end.  We were welcomed at the home we stayed, they are a lovely family.  Penny did a good job as usual and she helped us to get involved in all the special activities.  It was extra special having PatiAnn Steven and Conner McDonald.  It was a blessed wee, Great Pilgrims and great weather.

Thank you Peace be with you,
Bill R.

Dear 206 Tours,
 
First, I would like to thank you for guiding me safely through the Holy Land and bringing me back to the States alive. Needless to say, I did have some apprehensions, but I felt perfectly at ease with a knowledgeable tour guide and itinerary.
 
Also, having seen my flight schedule, I was dismayed at the number of connections that I needed to reach my destination.  Never having flown Austrian Airlines, I was in for a big surprise. They were wonderful! Even though each flight had a late departure, I never missed a single connection, nor was forced to sit at the airport for lengthy lay-overs. The service, meals/entertainment, aircraft comfort and amenities were terrific!
 
Father Gilbert, the spiritual director of the tour, was truly inspired, and inspiring. With previous religious pilgrimages (not affiliated with 206tours), the accompanying priest seemed to be there for ” a free ride.” Father Tom Gilbert was a joy! I would highly recommend getting him “on board” for future trips, as his presence was a great asset.
 
Thank you. also, for finding a roommate for me. We got along just fine, and, I saved money on the single-room supplement.
 
The hotels that were chosen for our pilgrimage trip were undeniably superior tourist class. Unfortunately. because of our schedules, we did not have time to enjoy the pool and health club facilities.
 
I was very pleased with my 206 tour and applaud the organization required to make such a fascinating tour run smoothly.
Let me also thank you for your cap – the heat started to burn the part in my hair, and I used it frequently! The cross is artistically very tasteful and the certificate, which I have framed already, and both beautiful souvenirs of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
 
I would highly recommend 206tours to anyone. God bless you and your entire team. 

Sincerely,
Irene G
Tour 111, Aug. 3 – 12, 2008

Dear Milanka, Rinda, Paul and all 206 tours staff,

I can’t thank you enough for making this tour possible. Everything went well as expected.
Our tour guide Joseph was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond as far as making our trip as comfortable as possible. Father Gilbert was always there for our spiritual needs. Reading my Bible will never be the same again after this trip. It absolutely made my life richer spiritually after this pilgrimage.

I have gained new friends and reaquainted with old friends who came with the tour.
I will definitely keep you in mind for another pilgrimage in the future.

Take care and God Bless you all.

Bella M

Dear Sir or Madam,
I returned from a pilgrimage to Lourdes and Paris, July 25 to august 1 run by 206 Tours and Rev. Eugene Carella. I thank you for a wonderfully planned trip to France!
All went well changes of planes at Pau, luggage arrived at each transfer point. Most of all out guides were wonderful. Jesus (I didn’t get his complete name) was excellent, sheepherding us at each site with good information on short cuts and the best times to go to the holy places. He was caring and patient and very polite as well as friendly. You are lucky to have such a knowledgeable employee.
Our guides in Paris, jenny was exceptional. She gave us lots of history of many areas we visited and passed while on the bus, on foot and gatherings at our hotel. She even remained with us as far as allowed by the airport when we were departing Paris.
I also compliment you and your choice of hotels. Each one was modern, clean and comfortable. The accessibility in each area was great. Just a short walk to all places in Lourdes and the metro in Paris.
Many kudos to you and 206 tours. I would recommend you and your organization to my friends

Sincerely,
Adrianne Mazzy M

Dear Kristin,
    The pilgrimage to Medjugorje was outstanding! I had wonderful flights both to and from Split. I really liked going through Düsseldorf and Munich Airports on the way to Split. The flight home to Newark via Munich was very comfortable too. I appreciated the aisle seats on all my flights.
    Staying at Josef Tunin’s home was again exceptional! The family is so accommodating and make the stay very comfortable and happy. I thank you for all the arrangements you made for me, especially making sure I flew in and out of Newark International Airport.
    I look forward to returning to Medjugorje and traveling with 206 Tours again.
    Thank you and God bless you for all your efforts!
    Lucille

I never got a chance to thank you personally for such an amazing pilgrimage last week!      You did a fabulous job and I’d love to take you out to lunch, to say thank you, thank you, thank you!

You are absolutely worth your weight in gold…more so if you were 300 lbs

With Love and Prayers,
Penny

Dear Rinda,

Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful tour for me and the rest of my group. I have not done a tour before and didn’t know what to expect. Our tour guide was wonderful and I had such a great experience in Medjugorje. I plan to bring my sister and my nephews next year. I felt very safe and everything was taken care of for me. Thank you to all of you, for our wonderful hosts at the Pansion Ana and all of you who helped to make our trip a truly blessed one!

God bless you,
Linda O.

Hello Rinda,
I had a wonderful trip! This was my first trip out of the country, and my first pilgrimage. I met so many wonderful people and had the opportunity to see many beautiful places. Javier was excellent! His care, compassion, humor, and faith set all my fears to rest and made this trip truly a journey towards God. Father Brooks also made this trip very spiritually enriching. The reverence he showed while celebrating the Eucharist was inspiring and a joy to behold. I would like to thank everyone at 206 Tours for making all the arrangements for my trip. Keep up the good work…

Bridgette M.

It was a FABULOUS pilgrimage and Steven on cloud 9

Ratko was a life saver once we got to Split and took care of the seats for the return flight right away so we didn’t have to worry about that!    It was just a little hair raising when they insisted that Steven take his seat in the back of the plane assigned in Munich to Split, but through the grace of God, the front of the plane was empty and we said that we would pay the difference when we got to Split just to get Steven on in business, but like I said through the grace of God and all of you, it worked out like clockwork once we got over the hump.

The group from Attleboro really blended in after a few days of long faces and everyone helped each other with helping Kathy, Art and the kids with our extra clothing, etc. and Marica did their wash every day and so it was truly blessed and we all had a fabulous time.

Sr. Janja’s Mass at her chapel and going to the Divine Mercy Chapel yesterday was such a gift to all of us to have these two private Masses and Fr. Tino was an absolute treasure.

I can’t thank you all enough and I’ll write again tomorrow and you were all very much in our hearts and prayers throughout!

Love and Prayers and our deepest gratitude for helping to make this dream #2 possible for Steven, Patti and Conor and for all of us as well,

Penny

Dear Rinda,
The Pilgrimage Tour was wonderful.  It all went smoothly without any problems.  Our guide made our trip with his spiritual outlook and thoughtfulness.  When we were in line for the baths, which was very long, he brought us sandwiches as it was the lunch hour. Also water as it was very hot. Father Bob  was the spiritual grace that kept us focused on why we were there with his beautiful Masses and prayers. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this trip.  This is the first tour I have taken.  It was a hard trip that was surprisingly  easy.  By hard I mean that we had lots to see and do with the short time we had in each place.  The one thing that was so heartwarming was the Faith in all the people who came there from all over the world. Our bus driver was always on time and a good driver with such narrow streets.  This tour was truly a spiritual journey for me.  The Only * complaint I have is in the food at the last hotel I stay in  in Lourdes – Hotel Moderne.  It was awful and we were there for three nights. 

God Bless!
Gertrude R.

Note from 206 Tours: We are addressing meals concerns with Hotel Moderne (www.grandhotelmoderne.com), which is one of the few 4 star hotels, and at present ated as the best hotel in Lourdes

Dear Rinda,
We had such a wonderful spiritual pilgrimage. I want to thank you for all you did for us before we left. My husband and grandson Nicholas also feel the same way as I do. I myself had been to Lourdes and Fatima and Spain before but this was the first time for my husband Jim and grandson Nick. This was the best ever.
Our tour guide Javair was just wonderful. He is the best tour guide I have ever had. Our tour number was #37. He went over and above what he had to do. So many of us needed extra needs and he was there for everyone. He is a very spiritual guide. He was a good example to all of us on how to be kind and loving. He made us all feel like a family.
Just to tell you an example on his kindness. We decided to go to the baths in Lourdes. It was our last full day. The lines were so long.  We had to get on line at 11am. Well time was going and we were not able to get any lunch. Here it is now going on 3 hours and we still on line. Javair went and bought all of us sandwiches and we passed them out to the ladies. What a life saver he was. It was a very hot day and we were all feeling the weather. We were all starving. We were all so thankful to him. All of the  ladies were so happy he was there for us.
I myself needed him to stop the bus one day when we were traveling to use the rest room. I told Javair and he was so kind to make sure to stop for me. I was so grateful to him. I would love to go on another pilgrimage and have him again as my guide. My grandson will be 16 on the 4th of August and he was so impressed. To see a teenager get inspired is great. My family all appreciated the kindness that was given to us.
Fr. Bob also was wonderful. He is such a great priest. His Mass his talks were so inspiring. I myself was touched by the whole pilgrimage. I had not been saying my rosary every day but I feel Our Blessed Mother touched me so I told Our Blessed Mother from now on I was going to try to do the Rosary every day.
I had been to Lourdes and Fatima before but this time I felt even closer. This year the 150 year of Our Lady of Lourdes was the best ever.
I would recommend everyone to go. What graces what blessings that Our Blessed Mother was giving to all of us.
Thank you once again.

God Bless You
love Marie D.

My daughter and I had a great trip.  We were very pleased with the tour.  This was my third 206 pilgrimaged and all went smoothly.  I particularly enjoyed our tour guide in Lourdes (Jesus) and our spiritual Director (Fr. Eugene.)

Sincerely,
Claire P.

Hi Rinda
I recently was a Pilgrim on/with Fr. Eugene Carrella’s Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Paris, Nevers, and Lisieux. Fr. Eugene so inspired us all in his Religious Dedication and Commitment and it was such a comfort to know Fr. Eugene was with us every moment of THE WAY as he kept us all together and as ONE and always made us feel that at any time we could approach him and talk to him……AT ANY MOMENT……. HE KEPT THE FAITH FOR US AND THEN SOME….JUST IN CASE WE GOT OVERWHELMED….which I did…..so it was a great comfort to know Fr. Eugene was there at our sides AT EVERY MOMENT.  This truly wonderful Pilgrimage was, for me, an incredibly inspirational and life-changing experience filled with much Faith and Love for our God and for Blessed Mother. I am at home now feeling totally transformed and feeling even so much more happy and proud to be Catholic, even though I have ALWAYS been most proud and very happy to be raised Catholic all through my many years…thanks to the inspiration and guidance of my wonderful Parents who are no longer here but who still are here with me ALWAYS….in Spirit. This AMAZINGLY INSIGHTFUL Journey has been a very positive turning point in my life and as I am sure in the lives of many who witnessed ALL along with me. Our Pilgrimage, which we all accomplished together with Fr. Eugene,  just validated it all for me as a Catholic and made my Religious Attestations all the more exciting and eager to profess to ALL I SEE . And in since doing so, I could actually see that those who listened to me really were convinced that I had truly witnessed MUCH MORE than just a trip to Beautiful France…..Europe. Paris truly is a MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY but this PILGRIMAGE was THEEEEEE MOST BEAUTIFUL TO BEHOLD OF ALL FRANCE SITES. WE ALL SAW A LOVING GOD HERE…..ALL LOVING….

Our Guides…….Jesus in Lourdes and Jennifer (Jenny) in Paris, Nevers, and Lisieux were EXCEPTIONALLY KIND AND ENDEARING AND WONDERFUL  and MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE and “SO VERY MUCH ‘DOWN TO EARTH’.”  They took care of us on every step of our Religious Journey. Their loyalty and dedication was truly evident in their Hearts as they made sure to provide us with every bit of information available during our “PILGRIMAGE WAY.” They came into our “Pilgrimage World” with all of us together and just “held our hands” so-to-speak throughout and made sure we experienced everything possible that we could ultimately experience and, too, they made every juncture so smooth and easy for us throughout. I could not help but realize how much they loved their work. Each forgot about themselves and focussed on us. 206 Tours should feel very privileged and fortunate to have Jesus and Jennifer(Jenny) as Pilgrimage Guides. They are invaluable to you as they were so very much invaluable to we Pilgrims.

There is so much more to say and express but FOR SURE……..I have come home to my family with a rejuvinated FAITH and LOVE and JOY for my God. Now it will be so much more easier to stop and smell the roses and REALIZE AGAIN in how beautiful life really and truly is because of our Catholic Faith that we so cherish and  have cherished AND that this Pilgrimage has helped us to REMEMBER WITH JOY how “RICH IN FAITH” we all are…..Thanks to OUR DIVINE PROVIDENCE in OUR GOD who NEVER ABANDONS US.
GOD IS LOVE. AND…… GOD AND LOVE NEVER DIES WHERE FAITH EXISTS…….We are the luckiest Pilgrims…….IT’S ALL LOVE……….ALWAYS WITH GOD. If anyone I travelled with reads this from me, just know I am so privileged and happy to have known you all and look forward to seeing you all again….You all have inspired me……We had such a great group of us….Again, so much more to say……words I do not think will ever capture our experiences totally……..we all must just rely on our Hearts and Remembrances and of course……MOST ESPECIALLY……OUR FAITH-FILLED SOULS…..I LOVE YOU ALL…..GODSPEED…….Don’t mind the typos:):):
Sincerely yours,

Susan R.

Dear Rinda,
We just returned this evening. It was a great trip. The guides were wonderful…accommodating and knowledgeable. Everyone seemed to have had a wonderful and uplifting pilgrimage. The hotels were also great. I thank you for putting together such a comprehensive and spiritual pilgrimage. I hope to work with you again in the future.
Sincerely,

Fr. Eugene C.

Dear Milanka and 206 company,

Greetings in the Lord Jesus and Mother Mary, Peace and Grace be with you!. I am so sorry that it is Only * now that express my sincere THANKS in writing, but my deep gratitude is always in my heart with prayers that God continue to bless you and your 206 Company.

With all those who joined the Pilgrimage, I express my heartfelt  gratitude for your patience, sacrifices, prayers, and perseverance in helping us all. Our group leader Gloria shared me that she underwent so much trials and sacrifices for this pilgrimage more than any others. Let me assure you that for most of us pilgrims, this was not just memorable and beyond forgetting pilgrimage but it was at every step blessed and grace-filled. We had a mission to pray with holy hour and celebrate the Eucharist for priests all over the world  and our group was blessed  to  participate  at the solemn feast of Corpus Christi in Krakow, Poland with Holy Mass and procession presided by Cardinal Dziwisz with several bishops and priests including myself.

Our hotel accommodations with breakfast and diner are all very good specially in Krakow, Poland and Vilnus, Lithuania where we spent two nights in each respectively. Mariola our Tour leader was great and very patient and helpful. Together with Gloria they were both like good Shepherdess leading us to experience the best of Poland and Lithuania according to the plan and our bus driver is very good and helpful to all of us.

Every church, shrine, and basilica we visited and prayed specially the Holy Mass and Holy Hour, we prayed for you and everyone who serves in your 206 Company for we all know we will never make this pilgrimage without your prayers, unselfish sacrifices, and great services with love and perseverance. I am sure most if not all those who made this pilgrimage with the right intention express the same gratitude I am saying to you now. I am sorry it is Only * now that I put it in writing but as I said it is always in my mind and heart. I am praying that God will bless and reward you and your Company abundantly every time you help and make sacrifice for any pilgrim or group of pilgrims.

In Jesus and our Blessed Mother Mary,

Fr. Peter M. A.

Dear Rinda,
I know Our Lady directed us to you when we booked our pilgrimage through 206 Tours! Our tour guide, Jack, was not Only * very knowledgable about the country and sites visited, but his timing so we didn’t wait in long lines, along with his personal care for each of our needs was amazing. His love of Christ and desire for us to remain focused on Him throughout the trip was such a gift. Being able to have Mass with Fr.Anthony at each of the holy sites was another blessing. We also loved returning to Medjugorje. Slavenka took great care of us and made sure we had time for many special experiences while we were there.
We would travel with 206Tours again.
Thank you for your great service.

Kathy, Leon, and Kahale (11 years)

Dear Milanka,
My gratitude to you, for saying yes to your ministry to pilgrims.  What an awesome responsibility, what a great way to make a living!  I was thinking just the other day how it is almost ten years since I first wrote you, from St. Patrick’s Seminary, about a couple of trips I hoped to get together, for the summer of 1999.  I wrote in the autumn of 1998, and you PHONED me back, which just blew me away!  I think I knew from that first phone call that I was going to know you the rest of my life. 
 
Thanks, Milanka, for everything. God bless you and everyone, at 206.
 
Father Jim

 
Dear Rinda,
May I thank you for all the work and preparation that went into planning our pilgrimage to Italy. It was an outstanding trip. Although our group was small, I think it is safe to say that we not Only * enjoyed meeting and getting to know one another but also enriching our faith at the many beautiful locations that we went to. Everything went so smoothly and was coordinated very well. The accomodations were excellent, the food was wonderful, and our guide was very helpful and kept us on track. There are many memories that we will have from this pilgrimage and we were especially fortunate to have seen Padre Pio as well as visit the basilica of St. Paul outside the walls during this special year for these two saints. I look forward to being spiriual director on another pilgrimage, hopefully next summer!!! Thanks so much and God bless all of you at 206 Tours!!!

-Fr. Nick  (All Italian Shrines/ Classic Italy) 

Absolutely enjoyed our spiritual journey with Our Lady of Medjugorje! Cannot say enough about our well prepared, experienced, and dedicated spiritual director Fr. Bill Elder,who sees to it that we are on a true pilgrimage and that we get the most out of our walk towards God with our Blessed Mother!
And what can you say about our tour director Slavenka except to say that she is absolutely the best! We were always kept up to date to know what to expect from day to day, everything well planned.
May Our Lady call us back for another walk closer to God!

Peace/Paz/Mir,
Merced & Lupe S.
San Antonio,Texas
June 19-27,2008

Dear Rinda,
I wanted to thank 206 Tours for such an amazing pilgrimage.  It was truly a blessing for me as a priest to celebrate Mass in the most holiest of places.  It was definitely an experience that I will take  with me for the rest of my life!  Our tour guide in the Holy Land was outstanding.  His name was Jack and I would highly recommend him for any tours going to the Holy Land.  His love for the faith and for his native land was extremely evident and much appreciated.  Overall, everything was beyond my expectation.  The staff at 206 Tours is to be commended highly.  Also, it was a blessing meeting such wonderful people on the pilgrimage.  Thank you!
With Prayers,

Fr. Anthony 

My Dear Kristin,  May Our Blessed Lady bless you for your beautiful work.  to say I was in Heaven , would not describe my experience.  God Love you and bless you. Rafael, how spiritual, was — well words cannot describe this beautiful young man, and Slavenka Jelavic, WELL< What a team!! When I go again, God willing, I hope He will bless me with these two beautiful people,  You all are in my daily prayers, and again hank you for a heavenly experience.

Prayerful greetings, Mary Ann P.

I just want to let you know that I enjoyed my trip to Lourdes and Medjugorje. We did the tour where Bernadette lived.  Doing the procession was great.
Being in Medjugorje was wonderful.  It was like coming home.  I stayed in the same house, Ana Pansian, where I stayed 4 years ago, and had the same tour guide, which I was very happy about that.  Slavenka is an excellent guide. I got to see and have my picture taken with Vicka.
It was a good trip.  And I didn’t even lose my luggage.
Thanks for all the good arrangements.

Marie H.

Dear Rinda, This was an amazing trip. We were small in number, but we made up for it in quality!!! Super people. They absolutely loved the Hotel Michaelangelo and its wonderful location. It was sunny and hot everyday…w/ the exception of the day of our arrival (a few sprinkles). The excursion to Assisi was magnificent/magical…I think the trip to Orvieto was “overkill” (the pilgrims were hot and tired by that time). All in all…it was a true blessing. We were blessed so many times.

God Bless everyone @ 206 Tours, Fr. Mickey

Dear Rinda,

Just wanted you to know that everything went perfectly on our trip. I must say that Paul was wonderful in making our last minute trip possible…he went above and beyond the call of duty and didn’t even act “put out”. He is a very special young man.

Our accomodations in Vienna were also very nice and right across the street from the railway station.

Thank you again for making our trip possible.

Love and prayers,
Barbara F.

Dear Rinda:

My trip was just grand to say the least. I did not return home until June 5th as I had extended my stay longer in Medjugorje.

All my flights worked out fine. The one in Munich to go to Zagreb was cancelled but they put me on a later flight which still gave me time to make my connection to Dubrovnik.

I thoroughly enjoyed staying at Iko’s pansion again. They are very gracious hosts. Slavenka was my guide for 3 days and she is always very professional but very friendly and helpful.

I am hoping to travel with the 206 Tours again and hope that there will be a group to travel with me.

Thank you for all your help and consideration in making my entire trip a success. It was wonderful visiting my grandchildren in Brussels and my daughter in Augsburg, Germany. I can’t thank you enough for all your careful planning for me.

May God Bless the 206 Tours and all its staff members.

Sincerely,

Louise L., Ohio
 

206 Tours
In appreciation and thank you Fatima Portugal: Tour #36.
I want to thank the personnel at 206 Tours for a wonderful travel experience.
All the arrangements were great. The hotel in Lisbon was comfortable and had great food.

The tour of Lisbon was enjoyable and informative, and the guide was very knowledgeable.

The Guide Jesus was excellent. He knew his history. He cared very much about his travelers and went out of his way to be of assistance. There was a balance between tours, prayer and time for sightseeing.

The hotel Santa Maria in Fatima was superb. The staff was caring and went out of their way to fulfill requests for assistance. After the tour group left, they treated my friend and I as if we were royalty, meeting our every need.
The food and service were superb, I rate this hotel as a five star hotel.
We met people from many different countries: Australia, Germany, Austria and England.
The persons in our group became friends in a very short time.
The weather in Portugal was wonderful, sixty five to seventy five degrees.
It was great to have just a few plane transfers.
The atmosphere in Fatima is reverent and peaceful The processions and ceremonies are inspiring, and it’s awesome to be in the places where the apparitions took place.

Suggestions: Travel on another day other than Sunday. Traveling on Sunday does not allow attendance for Mass and it is so important to keep the Sabbath day holy. Use electronic tickets instead of paper tickets. Then tickets are less likely to be lost.

Thank you for a wonderful blessed trip. Fatima touched my heart and my inner spirit.

I look forward to traveling to Poland in the summer of 2009.

Marian S.

Dear Milanka

I would like you to know that the trip we made to Europe last year was a very holy and meaningful experience
and it also gave us the opportunity to meet some lovely people. Both tour guides were most helpful to
Mary who had to have a wheel chair for most of the time.

Best wishes from us both.
Colin

Dear Billy,
I enjoyed every minute of the pilgrimage.  The hotels, the tour guides, and the bus driver made it possible to relax and enjoy the moment.  The food was an experience for me but I enjoyed each meal to the fullest, and even the deserts.
Thanks for providing window seats all the way, as I flew from here to there, and from there to here!  My Only * problem was having to spend the night at the airport terminal. Flights were delayed due to “mother nature and her decision to change the weather” …. Otherwise, I enjoyed the well planned trip….from here to there, and from there to here.  Keep up the great work!!

Blessings,
Celina S.

Billy,
Thank you for the wonderful pilgrimage!
I enjoyed every moment of it!  The blue 206 Tours bag was fantastic and extremely helpful!
I so enjoyed Assisi and all  the other stops on our way.  I kept you in prayer also.
Gaia, our tour guide, was the BEST, as was our driver.
I have NO complaints whatsoever!!  Thank  you for all you did to make it wonderful.

Thanks.
Anne

Hi Milanka,
I just want to know if you received the note I sent you May 26,2008. Enclosed with the short letter I composed in a hurry  attesting to the excellent tour guide (George Said) and bus driver (Joseph) you had provided us on our latest pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Below the short note are the signatures of the members of our large group 43 people who were as happy and satisfied for the excellent service that George and Joseph rented us.  We could not have better people – courteous, patient, respectful and just plain nice people. We highly recommend them to future pilgrims to the Holy Land.

The group, my sister, Gloria and I would like to thank you very much for listening and answering to our needs for a better tour guide.

We now plan for our next pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey, to follow the footsteps of Saint Paul. I checked your 2008 catalog but I did not see any mention of these two countries together in one tour.  Please let me know if you have design an schedule for these two countries for next year or the next year 2010 sometime in March or November. Some members of my own group here Southern California have express interest in this particular tour.

We would like also to thank Kristin for her patience, and understanding in working with us to make this pilgrimage a success.

Hope to be touring by booking with your company again…God Bless…

Cora

Dear Billy
 
…the driver, Massimo was wonderful, good sense of humor, kind and very helpful…compassionate, patient. 
 
Gaia was extraordinary!!!  She fit in so well, related to everyone as if she were a member of our ‘family’…
she was funny, and informative, helpful and enthusiastic…she and I took one of our women to the hospital…
and we all laughed and tried to see the bright side of things.  She (and Massimo)…she was so reverent
in the sanctuaries we visited…incredibly patient and supportive…I don’t know if she actually works for you but she is a gem.
 
Isabel was marvelous…so helpful to everyone, always smiling and patient and kind…
 
the Only * problem…and it was a major one…was that there were no facilities, no support for those who could not walk well…Italy does not seem to make provision for their handicapped…the walks were long, often over wet, cobblestoned streets…one woman fell and hurt herself…I enjoyed the walks thoroughly but others had a very difficult time and often had to take taxis…an added expense…but again, that is Italy but it is a good thing to keep in mind…
 
But it was beautiful for me…I’d lived in Italy, studied in Italy and it was good to be there…I’d never been to San Giovanni Rotondo or Pietrelcina and that was good…beautiful and sacred…thanks for all you did….it was a blessed time ….
 

Florence 

Dear Javier,
I want to thank you for all the energy, time and dedication you gave us along the pilgrimage. You truly did “above and beyond” the call of duty and myself (and I believe the group) are truly grateful.  You are a spiritual young man who works from his heart, a very special blessing.
I send you and your family love and prayers.  With much appreciation to have had you be our “guide” (in many ways).
Thank you. Peace,

Annabelle W.

Dear Mr. Ryan,
The pilgrimage was a great  and complete positive experience to me. Isabel Bettwy did the best
for us during the journey  and we were so comfortable with her way to be there for us.

I have to say thanks to you !
Dr. Magalis A(Consecrated Virgin)

—
“Before all things else wisdom was created, and prudent understanding
from eternity…” Eccl.1,4

Thanks for an opportunity to participate in another terrific, spiritually uplifting pilgrimage.  I was privileged to celebrate Masses for our groups at some of the most incredible spots.  We had great guides who gave us more than was really required.  Bus drivers were outstanding and accommodations were top notch.

Fr. Bruce

Dear Ms. Shea,
Our pilgrimage with Gloria Saulog on May 11-20, 2008 to the Holy Land was great.  Best of all our Tour Guide, George A Said, was superb. He was excellent.  So far, he was the best tour guide we have encountered.  Joseph, our driver, was also great.
With Gloria, George, and Joseph in our tour to the Holy Land, our pilgrimage was so memorable.  Our stay in the Holy Land was something we will treasure all the days of our lives.

Sincerely,
Consuelo S.

Greetings from West Virginia! Our trip to Medjugorje was very good once we were able to get out of West Virginia and Washington, D.C. We encountered some unusual snags with weather, mechanical problems, and being promised seating arrangements that never materialized. I don’t think that I have ever had a pilgrimage where there was not at least some type of snag. It is all part of the experience even though we may not like it at the time. All in all, our group from here did get split up into two groups and we lost one day. The weather cooperated and the groups were also able to see Vicka and be present for Ivan’s first public apparition before we left. I would say that seeing four
out of six visionaries was certainly a blessing even though we were staying with two. Miraculously all of the medical supplies, made it without any problem and no bags were searched or items confiscated.

It was indeed wonderful to be with Mirjana and Jakov. Both did grant us private sessions with the group of 58 although Jakov is still very shy and reserved.

Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Neil

Hi Rinda,
My father and I had a WONDERFUL pilgrimage.  We were especially blessed by our tour guide in Israel, George Said.  He was knowledgeable and really helped bring the Gospels to life in the Holy Places we visited.
Having a Palestinian Roman Catholic as our tour guide also taught us a lot about the issues facing the Holy Land.  Very informative.  I am sharing what I learned with my friends and family at home, and asking them to keep the Holy Land in their prayers
In Rome, all of our pilgrims in attendance for the Papal Audience were blessed with the privilege of shaking Pope Benedict’s hand. That was an amazing experience that none of us expected!
The pilgrimage was the experience of a lifetime and I thank you so much for how smoothly everything went and how well organized things were

God bless you and 206.
Jennifer

 
Hello to all and Blessings from Medjugorje for all of you.  I believe I am still so uplifted from the beautiful experience of our journey to Medjugorje.  I am 110% happy about everything…all the people on the trip…the flights….our tour guide….his beautiful family…the great food….and everyone on our journey was such a Blessing to me….to have 2 Catholic Priest with us was in itself awesome.  I personally have been on 2 other foreign pilgrimages so I know what they are like….The Schedule was Great….seeing this beautiful Country where Our Lady has Appeared to me was all that I could have wanted. 
She is doing better and said she can’t explain it but that Our Lady has touched her and she is on the road back to health. 

I want to thank you all and I will DEFINITELY be interested in the Next Pilgrimage….there are so many places I would love to see….May Jesus and His Mother Mary Pour Out Many Blessings on you and yours….

Most sincerely,

Anna

From Charles H.  To Slavenka

My Dearest Slavenka;
You will always be an outstanding Lady to me, you are the most outstanding and most spiritual- tour- person I have had in my three tripe to you most beautiful country.
Dubrovnik was the icing on the cake. If I could I would like to spend time and roam through that old town at my leisure. To be able to celebrate Mass at St. Blaise’s church was more than I expected.
I felt closer to my beloved Barbara while there, she must be with him in heaven.
Thank you for your kindness and the help you gave me while climbing Apparition Hill.
I love you in Gods Name

Austin

Dear Rafael,
This pilgrimage was such a remarkable trip, you do so wonderfully at arranging everything and Slavenka is the absolute best guide ever.

Thanks.
Jo and Bob S.

The trip was so amazing; I want to go back today!!!
Penny is the greatest.
This is my second trip with you guys, I went to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dec. of 06.
206 is great, no worries there!  Thanks a lot!

Ruthie C.

THIS WAS MY 3rd Medjugorje Pilgrimage with 206…Penny as well as Fr. Tony & Fr. Chris
made it ” personal “&  more than that their ‘Spiritual’ sharing added to my own
“Awesome Experience” this time!!

God Bless 206!
Maria A.

Thanks so much, Milanka – the driver and the guide were excellent and all the hotels and accommodations were great.
The last hotel, the Alba, was not quite up to the standards of the others and we ate together in a little room reserved just for group- but I understand that this was unavoidable.

Our group got along well together and do wish to travel with 206 again – I just don’t know if a 2009 would be cost prohibitive for our group of people.

Thanks again.
Joanne M.

Dear Milanka,
I want to let you know how much I appreciated your company’s wonderful help all of you provided to me during my extended period of illness. Your group’s performance and compassion was extraordinary.

Thanks and God bless,
Tom Dwyer
SEVEN SEAS VOYAGES

Dearest Milanka,
I can’t say enough wonderful things about our recent Pilgrimage to Medjugorje. It was delightful to have Dragan as our tour leader again and to also be able to meet Ratko in Split.
Many doors were opened for us in very special ways. We were invited to hear Vicka for her first public talk in about eleven months and also loved spending an hour with Mirjana in a small group session. Of course, the monthly apparition with Mirjana was a highlight of our trip. It was also special to be in Medjugorje in the Christmas season with all the decorations still up as well as the Christmas songs begin sung in all the services.
I loved the gift of "Faiths and Religions of the World." It’s exactly the kind of book that I can use and I didn’t already have a copy of it! I especially liked the time-lines and comparisons for my teaching. Thank you.
Milanka, thanks again for all that you do to provide an opportunity for people to become ‘pilgrims’ through your special tour ‘ministry.’ On behalf of all the people who have traveled with me, we are so blessed by how we have been served by the gracious people who work for you.
Joyous and prosperous blessings for the New Year!
Sincerely,

Marcia & Rev. Marcia Sutton Christ Church of Co-Creation