Shrines of Europe2020

... the German-speaking „Shrines of Europe“ as well as Lourdes, Fátima, Czestochowa and Loreto

Altoett ing, Einsiedeln and Mariazell

Shrines of Europe

The „Shrines of Europe“ working group was founded in 1996 to connect Europe‘s most important Marian places of pilgrimage: Altoetting, Czestochowa, Lourdes, Loreto, Fátima, Mariazell and Einsiedeln. The working group is funded by the respective city administrations, which maintain an intensive cooperation (www.shrines-of-europe.com).

The latest European Popes, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, were very devoted to the Virgin Mary. By visiting all Shrines of Europe they emphasised their great importance.

As a key partner of „Shrines of Europe“, the German group tour operator Bayerisches Pilgerbuero will take you to these places of grace. Therefore, we composed several itineraries for you which will allow a relaxed visit to the Marian shrines. Whether the German-speaking Marian pilgrimage places Altoetting, Einsiedeln or Mariazell or the foreign-language pilgrimage places: We offer you a completely organized trip from beginning to end. With us you have the unique opportunity to reach Lourdes directly and without changing flights with charter flights from Germany and Austria. We are pleased to bring these Marian shrines closer to you.

Your Bayerisches Pilgerbuero

About Shrines of Europe

2 INTRODUCTION

... probably Bavarian‘s most important Marian pilgrimage site

... in the heart of Switzerland is home to the famous „Black Madonna“

Altoetting

... the spiritual capital of Poland

Czestochowa

... the world-famous Marian pilgrimage site in France, situated at the foot of the Pyrenees

Lourdes

Einsiedeln

... is the most important Marian shrine in Portugal and one of the most important in the world

Fátima

... Italy‘s greatest Marian shrine

Loreto

... the pilgrimage and its magnificent basilica are the heart of Mariazell

Mariazell

INTRODUCTION 3

Day 1: Arrival. Arrival in Einsiedeln. Welcome by the Rector of Pilgrimage, Father Philipp (on request). Check-in at the hotel. Over-night stay in Einsiedeln (2 nights).

Day 2: Pilgrimage day in Einsiedeln. Disco-ver the most important Marian pilgrimage site in Switzerland. There is a possibility of attending

mass in the Chapel of Grace at 8.00 am (Sundays) or 9.30 am (weekdays). Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. Afterwards you will discover the baroque monastery church and the monaste-ry library on a guided tour. You will conclude this pilgrimage day by watching a film that gives an insight into history, life and spirituality of the Ein-siedeln monastic community.

Our proposed programme for Einsiedeln, Altoetting and Mariazell

Switzerland, Germany, Austria / proposed programme, 6 days

This itinerary connects Einsiedeln in the heart of Switzerland with the heart of

Bavaria – the important Marian pilgrimage site of Altoetting – as well as Maria-

zell in Austria with its magnificent basilica. What these places all have in com-

mon is that they have been giving comfort and strength to people for centuries.

4 PILGRIMAGES

Day 3: Drive to Altoetting. After breakfast you will drive past Lake Constance, through the All-gaeu and past Munich to Altoetting, the most important Marian pilgrimage site in Germany. Welcome by the Rector of the Pilgrimage, Prelate Günther Mandl or a Capuchin Father (on request). After check-in, a guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a tour of the shrine. You will learn more about the 500 year old tradition of pilgrimage to Altoetting (1 night).

Day 4: Pilgrimage day in Altoetting. The day will start by attending Holy Mass in the Chapel of Grace (every day on the hour from 6.00  am to 11.00  am). Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. After Mass you have the possibility to visit one of the Altoetting museums. After lunch break you will continue on to Mariazell, the most important Marian pilgrimage site in Austria. Wel-come by the Superior of the shrine Michael Staberl (on request). Overnight stay in Mariazell (2 nights).

Day 5: Pilgrimage day in Mariazell. The day will start by attending Holy Mass in the Basilica. Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. Afterwards, you will explore the place of pilgrimage in the course of a guided tour of the city and finally see the impressive treasure chambers of the basilica with the votive collection.

Day 6: Departure. After breakfast you will have to say goodbye to eventful pilgrimage days in three countries and start your return journey.

Picture on the left: Einsiedeln Pictures on the right: Altoetting (left) Mariazell (right)

Please take a note of our ideas for further excursion possibilities on page 9.

PILGRIMAGES 5

Day 1: Arrival. Arrival in Altoetting. Welcome by the Rector of the Pilgrimage, Prelate Günther Mandl or a Capuchin Father (on request). After check-in, a guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a tour of the shrine. You will learn more about the 500 year old tradition of pilgrimage to Altoetting (1 night).

Day 2: Pilgrimage day in Altoetting. The day will start by attending Holy Mass in the Chapel of Grace (every day on the hour from 6.00 am to 11.00 am). Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. After Mass you have the possibility to vi-sit one of the Altoetting museums. After lunch break you will continue on to Mariazell, the most

Our proposed programme for Altoetting and Mariazell

Germany, Austria / proposed programme, 4 days

Although not too far apart from each other, both places have their own

character: Altoetting and Mariazell. Get to know these important Marian

shrines in Germany and Austria!

6 PILGRIMAGES

important Marian pilgrimage site in Austria. Wel-come by the Superior of the shrine Michael Staberl (on request). Overnight stay in Mariazell (2 nights).

Day 3: Pilgrimage day in Mariazell. The day will start by attending Holy Mass in the Basilica. Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. Afterwards, you will explore the place of pilgrimage in the course of a guided tour of the city and finally see the impressive treasure chambers of the basilica with the votive collection.

Day 4: Departure. After breakfast you will have to say goodbye to eventful pilgrimage days in two countries and start your return journey.

Picture on the left:

view of Mariazell Picture on the right: atmospheric candlelight procession in Altoetting

Please take a note of our ideas for further excursion possibilities on page 9.

PILGRIMAGES 7

Day 1: Arrival. Arrival in Einsiedeln. Welcome by the Rector of Pilgrimage, Father Philipp (on request). Check-in at the hotel. Over-night stay in Einsiedeln (2 nights).

Day 2: Pilgrimage day in Einsiedeln. Dis cover the most important Marian pilgrimage site in Switzer land. There is a possibility of attending

mass in the Chapel of Grace at 8.00 am (Sundays) or 9.30 am (weekdays). Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. Afterwards you will discover the baroque monastery church and the monaste-ry library on a guided tour. You will conclude this pilgrimage day by watching a fi lm that gives an insight into history, life and spirituality of the Ein-siedeln monastic community.

Our proposed programme for Einsiedeln and Altoetting

Switzerland, Germany / proposed programme, 4 days

The „Black Madonna“ characterizes both the pilgrimage site of Altoetting, located

in the heart of Bavaria, and Einsiedeln, located in the heart of Switzerland. Make

a pilgrimage with your matters near to the heart to these meaningful places.

Einsiedeln

8 PILGRIMAGES

Day 3: Drive to Altoetting. After breakfast you will drive past Lake Constance, through the All-gaeu and past Munich to Altoetting, the most important Marian pilgrimage site in Germany. Welcome by the Rector of the Pilgrimage, Prelate Günther Mandl or a Capuchin Father (on request). After check-in, a guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a tour of the shrine. You will learn more about the 500 year old tradition of pilgrimage to Altoetting (1 night).

Day 4: Pilgrimage day in Altoetting. The day will start by attending Holy Mass in the Chapel of

Grace (every day on the hour from 6.00 to 11.00). Private Holy Mass is also possible on request. After Mass you have the possibility to visit one of the Altoetting museums.

After lunch break you will start your return journey.

Please take a note of our ideas for further excursion possibilities on this page.

In Einsiedeln:• Way of the Cross on the Meinradsberg (approx. 1.5 km /

approx. 76 m altitude difference)• Participation in the Salve Regina chant and vespers in

the basilica• Participation in the recitation of the Rosary• Diorama Bethlehem: Christmas crib with 450 figures and

Mineral Museum • Panorama: giant circular painting showing the crucifixion

of Christ • Gingerbread Museum „Goldapfel“• A look behind the scenes in the „Milchmanufaktur“

cheese dairy• Lake Sihl boat ride• Half day excursion to Zurich• Full day excursion to Flueeli, home of Saint Niklaus von

Fluee (also known as Brother Klaus)

In Mariazell:• Rosary path: idyllic path between St. Sebastian and

Mariazell with 15 rosary stations• Way of the Cross on the Calvary • Candlelight procession (on Saturdays)• Great candlelight procession through the village on the

eve of Assumption Day (14.08.)• Visit of the „Pirker“ gingerbread manufactory• Ride on the Mariazell „Museum Tramway“ to Erlaufsee• Half day excursion to the Cistercian monastery of

Lilienfeld• Full day excursion to the Goettweig Abbey• Full day excursion to Vienna

In Altoetting:• Participation in the interreligious prayer for peace

(first Saturday of each month at 5.00 pm)• Participation in the candlelight procession (on Saturdays)• Jerusalem Panorama: giant circular painting from 1903,

showing the ancient Jerusalem and the crucifixion of Christ

• Treasury and pilgrimage museum, where you can find precious treasures such as the world-famous „Goldenes Roessl“ or the bridal wreath of the Austrian Empress Sissi

• Diorama show: historical events from the history of pilgrimage to Altoetting are depicted by 22 scenes with a total of more than 5000 figures and parts of buildings

• Brother Konrad Museum: gives an insight into the everyday life of Brother Konrad and reminds us of the life and work of the saint

• Incense museum• Half day excursion to Marktl, birthplace of Pope em.

Benedict XVI• Half day excursion to Burghausen and visit of Burg-

hausen Castle, which is one of the longest castle complexes in the world

All data on availability and opening hours are subject to change.

Further offers and excursion possibilities:

PILGRIMAGES 9

Experience with us and with pilgrims from all over the world the world-famous French pilgrimage site Lourdes, situated at the foot of the Pyrenees. Enjoy the highlights of the shrine such as the procession of lights and sacraments, the Holy Mass at the grotto of Massabielle, the Inter-national Mass or doing the Stations of the Cross.

Features – Lourdes:• Direct flights with chartered planes to Lourdes/

Tarbes from Germany and Austria or scheduled flights to Toulouse or by coach or train

• Excursion possibilities in the great surroundings of Lourdes

Your requests:• Destination, travel date • Group size• Individual itinerary• Transportation• Accommodation category (hotel, religious

guesthouse)

Our offer:• Individual and personal advice• Group travel experience since 1925• Optimum price-performance ratio• Trusting cooperation with our partners• Worldwide ecclesiastic connections

Millions of pilgrims visit the Portuguese city every year, which has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary from 13  May until 13 October 1917, when Our Lady showed herself to the three little shepherds Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco.

Features – Fátima:• Excursion possibilities to Coimbra, to the mo-

nas tery of Batalha, to the monastery of Alcoba-ça, to the pilgrimage site of Sítio as well as to Nazaré on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean

• Possibility to combine Fátima with Lissabon and Santiago de Compostela

Lourdes

Fátima

Please ask us for programme proposals regarding trips to other Marian shrines in Europe. We will be pleased to organize your individual group tour!

10 PILGRIMAGES

The greatest and most important pil-grimage shrine in Poland is located on Jasna Góra („Bright Mountain“). An image of the Black Madonna is kept behind the walls of the heavily fortified Pauline monastery. It is an impressive pil-grimage site of lived spirituality.

Features – Czestochowa:• Excursion possibility to Wadowice, birthplace

of Pope John Paul II• Visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska • Visit of Krakow or Wroclaw

Loreto

Czestochowa

Inform yourself now!We will be most happy creating a tailor-made offer

for your group tour to make your group trip

an unique and unforgettable experience.

Bayerisches Pilgerbüro | phone: +49 / 89 / 54 58 11 - 0 | mailto: vertrieb@pilger.de

www.pilgerreisen.de

The Marches Region houses a precious treasure of faith: the imposing Basilica of Loreto – defined by Pope John Paul II as “the true Marian heart of Christianity” – with the Santa Casa dedi-cated to the Virgin Mary.

Features – Loreto:• Walk along the Basilica‘s trenches• City of Ancona • Short hike in the Regional National Park of

the Conero• Excursion to Manoppello • Meditation along the Marian Way in Manoppello • Excursion to Lanciano

PILGRIMAGES 11

Information, advice and booking:

Bayerisches Pilgerbüro

Dachauer Straße 980335 Munich

phone: +49 / 89 / 54 58 11- 33fax: +49 / 89 / 54 58 11- 69mailto: info@pilgerreisen.de

www.pilgerreisen.de

„We are – all of us – pilgrims who struggle along different paths toward the same destination.“ (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)

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