Pilgrimage Photos
2024 Pilgrimage: Marian Shrines of Portugal, Spain and France
In April 2024, more than 30 pilgrims embarked on Franciscan Mission Associates’ spiritual journey, carrying the prayers and intentions of our friends and benefactors to the Marian Shrines across Portugal, Spain, and France. The pilgrimage began with a Mass at Lisbon’s Church of St. Anthony, located at the saint’s birthplace. They then visited the sacred town of Fátima, where Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. This is among the most famous of the Marian apparitions, and our visit deeply moved all participants, who felt a profound connection to the history and sanctity of this place. The journey continued through the historical cities of Salamanca, Ávila, and Zaragoza, celebrating Mass at sites imbued with the spirits of St. Teresa and St. Ignatius de Loyola. In Lourdes, they prayed at the Grotto where Mary appeared to St. Bernadette, dedicating our prayers to our benefactors. The pilgrimage concluded in Barcelona with visits to the Abbey at Montserrat and the breathtaking Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The 2024 pilgrimage profoundly engaged and inspired the participants as they journeyed through sacred sites. Each location fostered unique moments of spiritual renewal, deeply connecting each pilgrim with the divine realities.
2023 Pilgrimage: Holy Land
In May 2023, FMA brought pilgrims to the Holy Land. During this transformative pilgrimage, participants embarked on a spiritual journey through the holy sites of Israel. The first days took them to Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Nazareth, and Cana, where they explored significant biblical locations and celebrated Mass. The following days, they explored the Sea of Galilee, visiting Tabgha, Capernaum, and Mount of the Beatitudes. The pilgrimage continued to Samaria-Sebastia, and Bethlehem, where they visited the Basilica of the Nativity and experienced the Mount of Olives. They also traveled to the Jordan River (and renewed baptismal vows), Qumran, and the Dead Sea. The final days were spent in Jerusalem, visiting the Old City, the Israel Museum and celebrated Masses at significant shrines. The journey concluded by walking the Via Dolorosa concluded by Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. Participants returned home with cherished memories and a renewed sense of faith.
2022 Pilgrimage: Austria and Germany
In June 2022, FMA pilgrims embarked on a memorable journey through Austria and Germany. The pilgrimage included daily Masses at various shrines. The pilgrims were able to visit Vienna, where participants explored Klosterneuburg Abbey and its captivating art treasures. Mass was celebrated at the Tomb of Saint Leopold. The tour continued with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and iconic landmarks such as the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The journey then took them to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariazell, nestled in the Alpine mountains, before reaching Salzburg. In Salzburg, participants had the opportunity to explore attractions like Mozart’s house and the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress. The pilgrimage culminated in Oberammergau, where the group witnessed the renowned Passion Play, a centuries-old tradition performed every decade since 1634.
Join our next pilgrimage
We invite you to journey with us on our next pilgrimage and experience the spiritual benefits of being a pilgrim. Together, let us embark on a transformative quest guided by God’s grace and inspired by the examples of the saints. This sacred journey will deepen our faith, strengthen our connection to the divine, and allow us to walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, finding inspiration and solace along the way.