Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight(s) to Warsaw. Your meals will be served on board.

Upon arrival in Vilnius Airport you will find your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the Arrivals Hall where you will be greeted by local guide. After a warm welcome to Lithuania, we begin our pilgrimage with the orientation tour of Vilnius. In Vilnius Saint Faustina became acquainted with blessed Fr. Michał Sopocko, her spiritual director. She told him about her experiences and revelations of Jesus Christ. Here, Jesus dictated her chaplet of Divine Mercy. Apart from the general promise, there are promises that concern the hour of death:

Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul, Paragraph 687)

Celebrate Holy Mass before going to hotel. Check in at the hotel in Vilnius. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel we will start the day with Mass at the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy. The first image of Divine Mercy, revealed to mankind in the message of Divine Mercy painted at the request of Jesus, according to Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska’s vision in 1934, was painted here by the artist, Eugene Kazmirovski in the presence and under the instruction and direction of Saint Faustina herself and her spiritual director: Father Michael Sopocko.

I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: “Jesus, I trust in You.” (Diary 327)

I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world (Diary 47)

Continue with a tour of Vilnius, including: Gate Dawn with its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, the Old Town, Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Church of St. Anna, Cathedral of St Stanislaus and Bernardine Monastery. (all exteriors view). You will also view the Courtyards of the Jesuit University and the Medieval Castel. We visit the house of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy where in 1933-1936, sister Faustina stayed working in the garden. After free time forlunch we will go on an excursion to visit Trakai, the Castle of the Templar Knights. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast at our hotel, we depart for Warsaw. Along the way, we will stop in Sokolka to visit St. Anthony of Padua Church known from the Sokolka Eucharistic Miracle. Mass at Sanctuary St. Anthony of Padua Church. Follow lunch we will continue to Warsaw. Stop in Bialystok to visit Divine Mercy Sanctuary hosting the relics of St. Sisters Faustina and Saint. John Paul II and the mortal remains of bl. Fr. Michael Sopocko. He lived in Bialystok nearly the last thirty years of his life, spreading the message of God’s Mercy all over the world. )

Today I saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the sky, in the midst of a great brilliance. The rays were issuing from the Wound [in His side] and spreading out over the entire world. (Diary 1796)

Continue to Warsaw to celebrate Mass at St. James Church iconic for its tower and square base. This church is where Helena Kowalska prayed extensively upon entering Warsaw.

Very early the next day, I rode back into the city and entered the first church I saw (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul, Paragraph 12)

Also, it is where she confessed all that burdened her soul and asked for the advice of Rev. James Dabrowski which eventually resulted in the Saint entering the convent. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Warsaw.

Your day will begin with breakfast followed by Mass at St. James Church, iconic for its tower and square base. This church is where Helena Kowalska prayed extensively upon entering Warsaw. Also, it is where she confessed all that burdened her soul, and asked for the advice of Rev. James Dabrowski, which eventually resulted in the Saint entering the convent.

I felt immensely happy; it seemed to me that I had stepped into the life of Paradise (Diary 17)

Following this prayerful morning, your day of sightseeing begins. Your group will explore the Old Town, comprised of beautiful maze-like cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture that are symbols of Poland’s successful rebuild following its destruction during World War II. Some of the sites will include the Market Square (the center of the city filled with restaurants, cafes and shops), the Barbican, defense-like structures that have been rebuilt following World War II, and the Warsaw Ghetto monument that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 during World War II. You will also take in the Lazienski Park, a beautifully landscaped park, the Chopin Statue (a large bronze statue of musician, Frederic Chopin), and the Royal Castle (the official residence of the Polish monarchs). In the afternoon, visit the Stanislaw Kostka Church and view a special exhibit dedicated to Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko. This priest was a great personality of the Catholic Church and killed by communists in 1984. In 1987, Saint John Paul II visited here to pray in front of Fr. Popieluzko’s tomb. Your tour of Warsaw will conclude by returning to the hotel for a delicious meal, followed by an overnight at your hotel.

Following breakfast we will transfer to the village of Swinice Warckie.

Saint Faustina: From the age of seven, I experienced the definite call of God, the grace of a vocation to the religious life. It was in the seventh year of my life that, for the first time, I heard God‟s voice in my soul; that is, an invitation to a more perfect life (Diary 7)

In Swinice Warckie, visit the church of St. Casimir. This historically rich parish is the site of baptism for St. Faustina (formally known as Helena Kowalska). Little Helena received her first confession and First Holy Communion at this parish. Additionally, she and her family attended Sunday Mass and other services at this church. After visiting this simple, yet elegant church, we will continue to Czestochowa, the grandest pilgrimage shrine of Poland since the 14th century! Following lunch visit the Jasna Gora Monastery. This hill-top monastery is home to the beloved icon of the Black Madonna. Additionally, Saint John Paul II is said to have made frequent visits to this monastery throughout his life. Tradition tells us that this icon was painted by Luke the Evangelist, discovered by St. Helen, and later enshrined. While here, you will have the opportunity to venerate not only the Holy Icon, but also many other priceless treasures that are contained within.

Be apostles of Divine Mercy under the maternal and loving guidance of Mary. —John Paul II to the Marians, June 22, 1993

Celebrate Mass at one of the chapels. Following your prayerful visit to the Chapel of the Black Madonna. Transfer to Krakow for dinner and overnight.

Today on this special day, the Anniversary of Divine Mercy, we depart for Lagiewniki, the capital of Divine Mercy. Through the mediation of St. Faustina, Christ passed on the message of Divine Mercy at Lagiewniki.

Those who sincerely say ‘Jesus, I trust in You’ will find comfort in all their anxieties and fears. There is nothing more man needs than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights to the holiness of God. —John Paul II, Shrine of Divine Mercy in Cracow, Poland on June 7, 1997

While here, you will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy that contains images of the Merciful Jesus, relics of St. Faustina, as well as the Saint’s convent chapel and her Tomb.

Jesus: My daughter, do you think you have written enough about My mercy? What you have written is but a drop compared to the ocean. I am Love and Mercy Itself. There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy, neither will misery exhaust it, because as it is being granted – it increases. The soul that trusts in My mercy is most fortunate, because I Myself take care of it. (Diary 1273)

Pray Chaplet of Mercy.

I remind you, My daughter, that as often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every (145) soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world – mercy triumphed over justice. (Diary 1572)

Celebrate the Feast Holy Mass at the Shrine with our priest concelebrating. Following Mass and free time for lunch, we visit the new center “Have no Fear” where you may pray by the relic of Saint Pope John Paul II. Depart for your excursion to Wieliczka, Europe’s oldest salt mine which has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Return to Krakow before enjoying dinner at the local restaurant with folklore show. Overnight.

This morning we will make our way to Wawel Hill where you will visit the beautiful Wawel Cathedral and Coronation Chapel. These are among the most important sites in Poland as the Cathedral has been the coronation site of the Polish monarchs and has held numerous pieces of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicist and Modern art. Also at this site, you will have the opportunity to pray at the tomb of the patron saint of Poland, St. Stanislaus. Explore Krakow’s Market Square with St. Mary’s Church. The captivating beauty of this square is largely due to the fact that it has remained unchanged for almost 700 years. It contains a number of buildings that hold important historic value such as the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall and the Burgher’s houses. Celebrate Holy Mass at Mariacki Church which was visited by St.Faustina.

This is how St Faustina described her visit to and her spiritual experiences in the church: “Having finished our business, we paid a visit to St Mary’s Church. As we were listening to the holy ceremony, the Lord gave me a sign of how many souls would attain salvation thanks to this work of art. Then, I began an internal dialogue with the Lord by thanking Him for the grace of seeing how the veneration for His fathomless mercy is spreading. I immersed myself in a profound thanksgiving prayer. Oh, how great is the generosity of God. Blessed be the Lord who keeps His promises” (Diary 1300)

Visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Kopernika Street, which has been a minor Basilica since 1960, is the central temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Poland. Convents of the Congregation of Lady of Mercy, at the time of St Faustina, were contemplative and active places. Sisters would not leave the walls if it were not for important matters, as for example the processions organized on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. St Faustina took part in one of these processions on 19 June 1936 and she wrote in her Diary:

When we went to the Jesuits to walk in the procession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as soon as vespers began, I saw rays coming forth from the Sacred Host – the same as those painted in the image. My soul started longing for God” (Diary 657). Fathers Jesuits preached at retreats and were confessors at the convents of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy. St Faustina based her spiritual beliefs on the Society of Jesuits and was brought up with their assistance. Her life was significantly influenced by Rev. Edmund Elter, professor of the Gregorian University in Rome, who was the first priest to recognize and confirm the miraculous character of her revelations and by Rev. Józef Andrasz S.J., her confessor and spiritual guide from Krakow. Jesuits still assist sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy in retreats and confessions and provide spiritual guidance. In the convent in Łagiewniki they are responsible for the religious needs of the sisters and pilgrims.

After breakfast we drive to Auschwitz, notoriously known as a Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War. Upon arriving at the former camp you can feel the darkness and sorrow that overtakes the atmosphere as there were numerous unspeakable atrocities that occurred at this site. Additionally, while on this visit, you will have the opportunity to view the cell that imprisoned the Christ-like, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and visit the Martyrdom Museum. Continue to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (Saint John Paul II).

The Message of Divine Mercy has always been near and dear to me… which I took with me to the See of Peter and which it in a sense forms the image of this Pontificate. — John Paul II speaking on his Pontificate.

While in the small city of Wadowice, you will have the opportunity to visit the Museum-Home of John Paul II and church of where this beloved Saint was baptized and attended Mass as a child. Following this historically captivating experience, continue onto Krakow. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight at the hotel in Krakow.

After breakfast, we will drive through the mountains to breathtaking, yet small and remote village of Zakopane. Take a funicular to the nearby Gubalowka mountaintop At the top, you will truly experience God’s magnificent Glory when you look out at the magnificent panoramic view. Following free time for lunch and many photos captured atop the mountain, we will head to the Jaszczurowka Chapel. This architecturally distinct chapel was visited many times by the young Karol Wojtyla (Saint John Paul II). As a young boy, Karol Wojtyla often used the walking paths surrounding the Jaszczurowka Chapel for much prayer and reflection. Celebrate Holy Mass Mass at The Shrine of our Lady Fatima in Zakopane.

Jesus-Eucharist, Immortal God, Who dwell in my heart without cease, When I possess You, death itself can do me no harm, Love tells me that I will see You at life`s end. (Diary 1393)

After you experience this beautiful site that assisted in Saint John Paul II’s Holy journey, you will continue your tour to the colorful Krupowki Street. While on this street, you will have some leisure time before returning to Krakow for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to the Krakow airport for return flights home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.