Journal

About the Pilgrimage

Is it safe and easy to travel to Poland on pilgrimage? YES! In a few minutes Doug and Shannon will share their experience in Poland just last week. They mention two guides Olga and Jacek. These are OUR two guides we will be using in August of this year!

Join us before the it is full — and it is filling fast!

Day 1: August 5 • Depart USA Depart USA on overnight flights for Warsaw, Poland.

Day 2: August 6 • Arrive in Warsaw

Upon arrival in Warsaw, meet our Catholic Polish tour manager and transfer to the center of Warsaw. This afternoon celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Stanislaw Kostka, outside of which is the tomb of Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, chaplain and martyr of the Solidarity Movement. After Mass, explore the museum of Fr. Popieluszko. Next, enjoy a Welcome Dinner hosted by Steve and Janet Ray at the hotel. Overnight in Warsaw (Note: activities today depend on the actual flight arrival time.)

Day 3: August 7 • Warsaw | Niepokalanow | Warsaw

Depart to Niepokolanow – the Immaculata city, built by Fr. Maximilian Kolbe. Celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Fr. Maximilian Kolbe. Return to Warsaw for a city sightseeing tour that introduces us to the most important sights of the capital city of Poland. Raised from the ashes of World War II, we begin our tour at St. John’s Cathedral, where Servant of God Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski is buried. Also see the Royal Castle Square, which features the magnificent royal residence and Sigmund Column. Next see the Jewish Quarter and Heroes Memorial. Dinner in the reconstructed Warsaw Old Town featuring colorful houses, art galleries, and quaint restaurants. Overnight in Warsaw.

Day 4: August 8 • Warsaw | Czestochowa | Zakopane

Depart Warsaw for Czestochowa, the center of Poland’s religious life and home of the famous icon of the Black Madonna. Celebrate Mass at the Shrine, followed by a guided tour. Then travel to Zakopane, St. John Paul II’s favorite place for recreation and relaxation. Dinner on own and overnight in Zakopane.

Day 5: August 9 • Zakopane

Enjoy a tour of Zakopane, nestled in the scenic hills of Southern Poland. Celebrate Mass at Fatima Church, which was built by the mountaineers in gratitude for the Blessed Mother saving the life of St. John Paul II from the assassination attempt. (This church was blessed by St. John Paul II in 1999.) Take the Gondolas to Mt. Glubowka for a bird’s eye view over the city and hillsides of Zakopane where St. John Paul II used to climb the trails. Next, tour the city, followed by a delicious “highlander lunch”. This afternoon there will be time for strolling and shopping on Krupowki Street. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Zakopane.

Day 6: August 10 • Zakopane | Wadowize | Kalwaria Zebrzydowska | Krakow

Depart Zakopane for Wadowice, the birthplace and hometown of St. John Paul II. Visit his house, which is now a museum. See the Basilica of the Offering of the Blessed Virgin Mary and see the baptismal font where St. John Paul II was baptized. After a group lunch, travel to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, known as the Polish Jerusalem. The Shrine is dedicated to the Passion of the Christ and also to the miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary. Celebrate Mass at the Shrine. Continue on to Krakow, where you’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Krakow.

Day 7: August 11 • Krakow | Lagiewniki | Krakow

Visit the new St. John Paul II Center, where you will see the relics of St. John Paul II. Travel to the tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska where we will pray the Divine Mercy Novena. Tour the convent and the Basilica of the Divine Mercy, which was consecrated by St. John Paul II, during his last trip to Poland. Enjoy a talk given by one of the nuns and celebrate Mass at St. Faustina Chapel of Divine Mercy. Transfer to Krakow to visit Market Square and to visit the Witt Stwosz Altar at the Mariacki Church (St. Mary’s Church). After lunch on own, continue on a guided tour of Krakow. Tour the Royal Chambers, Wawel Hill and the Cathedral, where St. John Paul II was ordained a priest and celebrated his first Mass. It is also the final resting place of St. Stanislaw and St. Hedwig, numerous Polish kinds, poets and national heroes. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Krakow.

Day 8: August 12 • Krakow | Auschwitz | Krakow

This morning, celebrate Mass at St. Stanislaw on the Rock Church. Lunch on your own. Depart for Auschwitz, the largest World War II concentration camp in Europe. Take a guided tour of the camp including the Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Return to Krakow. Dinner on your own and overnight in Krakow.

Day 9: August 13 • Krakow | Wieliczka | Krakow

Enjoy free time in Krakow this morning. Following lunch on your own, depart for Wieliczka. Upon arrival have a guided tour of the World Famous Salt Mines to see the statue of St. John Paul II, which is cared in salt (pending confirmation). Return to Krakow for a Farewell Dinner at the famous fourteenth century restaurant, “Wierzynek,” where kings and presidents have dined (pending confirmation). Overnight in Krakow.

Day 10: August 14 • Return to USA OR Optional Extension

This morning, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for return flights to the USA.

OPTIONAL KRAKOW EXTENSION

Day 1: August 14 • Krakow Extension

This morning, breakfast at the hotel. Visit Schindler’s Enamel Factory where you can watch the exposition showing the daily life of the inhabitants, the fate of the Jews of Krakow, life of people who were working in the factory and the story of Oskar Schindler. Then depart for Tyniec Abbey to celebrate Mass followed by a tour (if time allows). The Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec is the oldest monastery in Poland with almost one thousand years of history. Enjoy a group lunch at the Benedictine restaurant followed by a tasting of liqueurs and beers from Benedictines cellar. Free time this afternoon in the city. Dinner on your own and overnight in Krakow.

Day 2: August 15 • Return to USA

Breakfast at the hotel this morning and check-out. Transfer to the airport for return flight to the USA.

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To see videos and pictures, along with a journal of our last trip to Poland, visit https://www.footprintsofgodpilgrimages.com/pilgrimage/poland-divine-mercy-sts-jp-ii-maria-faustina-and-maximilian-kolbe/