3 months to go to spectacular Catholic pilgrimage but two build up trips will happen first.

Exactly 3 months from today, I will be aboard a plane lifting off from Dulles Airport in Virginia for an epic trip of a lifetime. In fact, I may know the specific flight and hotel information by the end of the next week.

What I do know is that this is going to be the most ambitious trip I have ever taken by a very large margin.

By the time the return flight touches down at Dulles, 17 days later, I will have traveled more than 9,500 total miles and spent more than 62 hours on a bus or on a plane.

More than 2,000 of those miles will be on the road, visiting nearly 20 specific destinations of incredible significance to a Catholic pilgrim.

This itinerary spans Portugal, Spain, and France, visiting sacred sites that hold deep spiritual significance for Catholics worldwide. Each destination is a testament to the enduring legacy of saints, miracles, and divine encounters that continue to inspire pilgrims. From the Marian apparitions of Fatima to the mystical writings of Avila’s St. Teresa, this pilgrimage weaves together stories of grace, sacrifice, and divine love, culminating in the vibrant spiritual tapestry of Paris.

Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, is a significant stop for Catholic pilgrims due to its rich religious heritage and connection to St. Anthony of Padua, one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. Born in Lisbon in 1195, St. Anthony is celebrated as the patron saint of lost things and a powerful preacher. The Church of St. Anthony, built near his birthplace, is a focal point for pilgrims who venerate his relics and seek his intercession. Lisbon’s Sé Cathedral, a 12th-century masterpiece, further enriches the pilgrimage with its historical significance as a center of Catholic worship, reflecting Portugal’s deep-rooted faith.

Santarem, a charming town along the Tagus River, is renowned for the Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem, which occurred in the 13th century. According to tradition, a consecrated Host began to bleed during a dispute, confirming the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Housed in the Church of the Holy Miracle, the relic draws pilgrims seeking to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. This miracle underscores the Catholic belief in the Eucharist as the source and summit of faith, making Santarem a place of profound reverence and reflection.

Fatima is one of the world’s most significant Marian shrines, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—in 1917. The apparitions, approved by the Church, emphasized prayer, penance, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, encompassing the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of the Apparitions, is a global pilgrimage hub. Pilgrims flock to pray the Rosary, attend Mass, and honor Mary’s messages, which include calls for peace and conversion, making Fatima a cornerstone of Catholic spirituality.

Salamanca, a historic university city, holds spiritual significance for Catholics due to its association with St. John of the Cross and St. Ignatius of Loyola, who studied there. The city’s two cathedrals—the Old Cathedral, a Romanesque treasure, and the New Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece—symbolize its deep Catholic heritage. Salamanca’s intellectual and spiritual legacy, tied to the development of theology and the Counter-Reformation, makes it a place where pilgrims can reflect on the interplay of faith and reason in the Church’s history.

Alba de Tormes is revered as the final resting place of St. Teresa of Jesus, also known as St. Teresa of Avila, one of the greatest mystics and Doctors of the Church. The Basilica of St. Teresa houses her relics, including her incorrupt heart, which draws pilgrims seeking her intercession. St. Teresa’s writings on prayer and spiritual life, such as The Interior Castle, continue to guide Catholics worldwide. Pilgrims visit Alba de Tormes to honor her legacy of contemplative prayer and reform within the Carmelite order.

Avila, the birthplace of St. Teresa of Avila, is a fortified city steeped in Catholic mysticism. The Monastery of the Incarnation, where Teresa lived as a nun, and the Convent of St. Joseph, the first monastery she founded, are key pilgrimage sites. Avila’s medieval walls and numerous churches reflect its role as a spiritual stronghold. Pilgrims come to walk in Teresa’s footsteps, seeking inspiration from her teachings on intimacy with God and her contributions to the Church’s spiritual tradition.

Burgos is home to one of Spain’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Catholic grandeur. The Cathedral of Santa María houses the tomb of El Cid, a national hero, and relics of various saints, making it a focal point for pilgrims. Its stunning architecture and sacred art inspire awe, while its historical role as a stop on the Camino de Santiago underscores its significance as a place of spiritual renewal and devotion.

Loyola is the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The Sanctuary of Loyola, built around his family home, includes the room where Ignatius experienced his conversion while recovering from battle injuries. Pilgrims visit to explore his spiritual journey and the origins of the Spiritual Exercises, a transformative guide for discernment and prayer. Loyola represents a call to missionary zeal and intellectual faith, resonating deeply with Catholics worldwide.

Lourdes is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, encompassing the Grotto of Massabielle, draws millions seeking healing through its miraculous spring waters. The apparitions emphasized penance, prayer, and devotion to the Immaculate Conception. Pilgrims participate in candlelight processions and Masses, experiencing a profound sense of hope and spiritual renewal in this sacred space.

Toulouse, known as the “Pink City,” is significant for its association with St. Dominic, who founded the Dominican Order there in the 13th century to combat heresy. The Basilica of St. Sernin, a Romanesque masterpiece, is one of France’s oldest pilgrimage churches and houses relics of St. Saturnin, Toulouse’s first bishop and martyr. Pilgrims visit to honor the city’s role in spreading Catholic orthodoxy and to pray at its historic shrines, connecting with the Church’s apostolic roots.

Rocamadour, a medieval village perched on a cliff, is a historic pilgrimage site dedicated to Our Lady of Rocamadour. The Black Madonna statue in the Chapel of Notre-Dame is venerated for its association with miracles, drawing pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The site’s connection to St. Amadour, traditionally identified as Zacchaeus from the Gospels, adds to its mystique. Pilgrims climb the Grand Staircase on their knees, seeking Mary’s intercession and spiritual renewal in this awe-inspiring setting.

Paray-le-Monial is the heart of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. The Chapel of the Visitation, where she received visions of Christ, is a focal point for pilgrims seeking to deepen their love for Jesus’ merciful heart. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart further enhances the town’s spiritual significance. Pilgrims come to pray and reflect on Christ’s infinite love and the call to reparation and devotion.

Nevers is forever linked to St. Bernadette Soubirous, who joined the Sisters of Charity there after the Lourdes apparitions. Her incorrupt body, displayed in a glass reliquary at the Convent of St. Gildard, is a powerful draw for pilgrims. Nevers offers a quiet, reflective space to honor Bernadette’s humility and obedience, qualities that made her a vessel for Mary’s messages. Pilgrims find inspiration in her simple yet profound faith.

Chartres is home to the magnificent Chartres Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its relic of the Sancta Camisia, believed to be the Virgin Mary’s veil. This relic has drawn pilgrims for centuries, including medieval kings and saints. The cathedral’s stunning stained-glass windows and labyrinth inspire spiritual contemplation. Chartres remains a symbol of Marian devotion and the enduring beauty of Catholic art and architecture.

Lisieux is the home of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the “Little Flower,” whose Story of a Soul has inspired millions with her “Little Way” of spiritual simplicity and trust in God. The Basilica of St. Thérèse, one of the largest in France, and Les Buissonnets, her childhood home, are key pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims visit to seek Thérèse’s intercession and to emulate her childlike faith, which earned her the title of Doctor of the Church.

While not a traditional pilgrimage site, Normandy Beach holds spiritual significance for Catholics as a place of reflection on sacrifice and peace. The D-Day landings of 1944, a turning point in World War II, are commemorated at sites like the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. Pilgrims visit to pray for those who gave their lives and to reflect on the Christian call to peace, often combining this stop with nearby sacred sites like Mont Saint-Michel.

Mont Saint-Michel, a rocky island abbey off the Normandy coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic Catholic pilgrimage destinations. Dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, the medieval abbey has been a beacon of faith since the 8th century, when St. Aubert received a divine vision to build it. Pilgrims ascend the mount to pray, attend Mass, and experience the mystical blend of nature and spirituality, honoring St. Michael’s role as protector of the Church.

Paris is a spiritual epicenter for Catholics, particularly at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Rue du Bac, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830. Mary instructed Catherine to create the Miraculous Medal, a sacramental promising graces to those who wear it devoutly. The chapel, where Catherine’s incorrupt body rests, is a place of deep Marian devotion. Nearby, the Vincentian legacy of St. Vincent de Paul, founder of the Daughters of Charity, inspires pilgrims to reflect on charity and service to the poor, with his relics venerated at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul.

Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, has been a symbol of Parisian Catholicism for over 850 years. Despite the 2019 fire, its spiritual significance endures, with ongoing restoration efforts symbolizing resilience and hope. The cathedral houses relics like the Crown of Thorns, venerated during Lent, and has been a site of countless pilgrimages, Masses, and historical events. Pilgrims visit to pray, marvel at its beauty, and connect with its role as a spiritual heart of France, embodying Catholic devotion to Mary.

While the Eiffel Tower is a secular icon, its presence in Paris offers pilgrims a chance to reflect on the integration of faith and culture in a city rich with Catholic history. Nearby landmarks like the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, perched atop Montmartre, invite pilgrims to pray for atonement and peace, as the basilica was built as an act of reparation. The Church of Saint-Sulpice and the Sainte-Chapelle, with its stunning stained glass, further enrich Paris’s spiritual landscape, offering pilgrims a chance to encounter God’s beauty in art, architecture, and prayer.

This pilgrimage through Portugal, Spain, and France is a journey of faith, connecting pilgrims with the saints, miracles, and sacred spaces that have shaped Catholicism for centuries. Each destination offers a unique opportunity to deepen one’s relationship with God, drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Church.

Now, it appears that this huge trip will follow two mini-trips that also promise to be a lot of fun.

The first, July 4th weekend.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, located in Champion, Wisconsin, holds the distinction of being the first and only Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States. In October 1859, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Adele Brise, a young Belgian immigrant, in a rural area northeast of Green Bay. Identifying herself as the “Queen of Heaven,” Mary instructed Adele to pray for the conversion of sinners and to teach children the Catholic faith, particularly the catechism, sacraments, and the Sign of the Cross. Adele dedicated her life to this mission, founding a school and a Franciscan tertiary community. The shrine, established at the apparition site, gained national recognition when Bishop David Ricken declared the apparitions “worthy of belief” on December 8, 2010, and it was designated a national shrine in 2016. Renamed Our Lady of Champion in 2023, the site draws thousands annually, especially for the Solemnity on October 9, offering a place of peace, healing, and devotion, with reported miracles like the 1871 Peshtigo Fire sparing the shrine’s grounds.

This means I will visit 5 miraculous Marian sites this year!

The second, Labor Day weekend.

On August 31st, I will make my first ever trip to the State of Florida to watch my first live season opener and also my first time seeing them play the Miami Hurricanes.

It will be my 9th Notre Dame game but probably my first in which both teams were ranked in the top 10. It will also be the first game I have seen live in almost 6 years.

My first game was a loss to Michigan in 2011.

Notre Dame has won all of the other 8 I attended- Maryland, Michigan, Navy, Pittsburgh, USC, Virginia Tech and Michigan State.

These 2 mini-trips will add 3 new states to the number I have been in within the United States. This raises my total from 16 to 19. (Visited states in Red, New states in Blue)