A pilgrimage differs from a tour in several important ways. It is a personal invitation from God, comprised of His offer and dependent upon the pilgrim’s acceptance. God’s call may vary but the purpose remains consistent: It is an individual summons to know God more fully. A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to which the pilgrim joyfully responds “yes” to God’s invitation.

The pilgrim must embark on this journey with joyful anticipation, being willing temporarily to separate himself from the world and to offer him or herself in humble service to another. A successful pilgrimage involves a commitment to leave behind one’s problems and to focus instead on seeking to learn more about our heavenly Father, making one’s heart full of desire for special graces, praises, petitions and thanksgiving, returning home transformed, renewed and restored by the abundant blessings received.

A pilgrimage is a time of prayer and to witness the miraculous signposts God has left for our return to Him. Ask God to bless you with a heart that will be receptive to the treasure chest of graces He desires to shower upon your pilgrimage. The success of your spiritual journey will depend upon your openness, faith, flexibility, and love.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

206 Tours management and employees are pleased you have chosen us to accompany you on your pilgrimage. We are committed to do all we can to ensure that your adventure of approaching the Lord's holy and sacred sites is comfortable and pleasant. Our goal is to assist our pilgrims in their quest to draw closer to Jesus through Mary, by arranging beautiful and spiritual pilgrimages.

AND YOU CAN TRAVEL FOR FREE - ORGANIZE YOUR OWN GROUP

For large or small groups, we will work together to design a unique and memorable pilgrimage. Each of our agents is knowledgeable in group sales and operations. Pilgrimages are ideal for family reunions, church groups, youth groups, student groups, class reunions, senior citizens, singles, interest groups, neighbors, couples or anyone seeking the spiritual refreshment that only a pilgrimage can provide. Simply choose a destination and indicate the most desirable departure date. We will design and print flyers at no cost to you. For further details and incentives, please call us at 800 206 TOUR (8687), and we will be happy to guide you through each step. And remember, if you don't find an itinerary you like in the following pages, tell us and we'll gladly customize a pilgrimage to accommodate your requirements (minimum of 15).

"OH LORD, OUR HEARTS ARE RESTLESS UNTIL THEY REST IN YOU."  SAINTAUGUSTINE

THE LORD'S MESSENGERS

Since the time of Adam, God has spoken to His saints and prophets by means of visions, dreams, and inner voices. Miraculous events are common occurrences in the worlds of the Old and New Testaments and the lives of the saints are especially marked by this divine favor. God's request that His servants go on pilgrimage is first mentioned in Genesis when Abraham left for Canaan. Jacob received a similar request and the Jewish people’s exodus from Egypt was another example. After Solomon, the Israelites were required to make a journey to the sanctuary at least once a year. Fulfilling the law, the Holy Family made this annual journey as well. Their pilgrimage is recalled in Luke 2:41-47 when Jesus was discovered missing during the Passover trip to Jerusalem.

But in our own time, the Eternal Father seems to be calling upon ordinary people. The last century, in particular, was rich in numerous appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and Jesus Himself is said to have spoken to a few of the seers. The Lord's messages remind us that Jesus has been offended by humanity’s sin against His Sacred Heart. His Blessed Mother, Mary calls humanity to prayer, repentance, conversion, peace, and a renewed devotion to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. Our Lady’s messages implore a return to her Son as she lovingly reminds us of the endless mercy and love which are available to all.

Standing on the edge of a new millennium, we are privileged to live in the most exciting period in history of Christian pilgrimages! Many shrines around the globe are preparing to welcome new pilgrims for the great celebration - 1999 is dedicated to contemplating God the Father and the Jubilee Year 2000 which our Holy Father compares this celebration to a pilgrimage to the house of the Father.