India Pilgrimage (2024 | winter | 2 weeks)
This is not a regular mission trip, staying at hostels, walking a lot, spending most of the time volunteering, etc. In addition to visiting the following holy sites, the pilgrims will experience India in an incredible way – with elephant rides, special cultural shows, amazing local boat rides, staying at unique 4/5 star hotels, etc.
We will visit the home of Mother Teresa, attend mass at her tomb. We will also take time for a pilgrimage to South India. St. Thomas the Apostle built the earliest Christian churches in Kerala. Tracing his footsteps, we will visit some of those churches, experience Eastern rite Catholic Mass, pray and retreat on a houseboat, and unpack our experiences of the trip together.
Finally, we will immerse ourselves in Portuguese culture in Goa. Five centuries ago St. Francis Xavier reintroduced Catholicism which later spread to all corners of the nation. His incorrupt body is still at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, and it is display only once in 10 years. Yes, you guessed it, we will be there just in time to witness the miracle.
You will be immersed in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of India. It will be an explosion of the senses. We’ll visit the places that make India distinct and beautiful, like the majestic Taj Mahal, the royal Palaces of Jaipur, and the historic monuments of New Delhi. We will ride trains, tuk tuks, and elephants too!