Upon this Rock
Natalie HoeferLast Updated: June 23rd, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections
When I made my first pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2015, I was dubious about the authenticity of some sites on the itinerary. Highest on the list was a visit to Banias Springs—formerly the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi—to see “the rock where Peter declared Jesus to be the Christ.” The site is associated … Read More
Making third class relics in the Holy Land (and beyond)
Natalie HoeferLast Updated: June 23rd, 2023Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections
In 2015, I was blessed to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Everything I saw was new to me and filled my soul with awe—except one thing. One thing I’d never seen left me curious and confused. At different holy sites, there would be a star on the ground with a hole in … Read More
The Fifth Gospel
Andrea JLast Updated: May 5th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land
In his Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini (The Word of the Lord), Pope Benedict XVI writes:The word of God and the Holy Land 89. As we call to mind the Word of God who became flesh in the womb of Mary of Nazareth, our heart now turns to the land where the mystery of our salvation … Read More
The Best Time for a Pilgrimage
Andrea JLast Updated: April 21st, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Guadalupe, Holy Land, Ireland, Italy, Marian Shrines of Europe, Upcoming Pilgrimages
This is a question we get a lot from pilgrims who call or email us. The answer can vary based upon priorities and circumstances, but the simplest answer is: anytime! As there are many pilgrimage locations throughout the world, there is always somewhere to go, no matter the season. Summer Summer provides more opportunities for … Read More
Praying in the Garden with Jesus
Andrea JLast Updated: April 5th, 2023Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land, Pilgrims' Stories, Spiritual Reflections
Holy Land Inspiration
A little over a month ago, several seminarians, priests, and lay faithful had the pleasure and privilege of taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the trip was not like your standard trip (as if a trip to the king of the universe’s stomping grounds could ever be standard). Covid was still hanging in … Read More
What is an Aspergillum?
Andrea JLast Updated: June 23rd, 2022Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections
One of the highlights for our pilgrims to the Holy Land is often when they renew their baptismal vows. This occurs in the Jordan River where Christ himself was baptized by his cousin John, whose feast day we celebrate on June 24th. The Catholic Church as a whole also recognizes the value of this renewal … Read More
My Final Three
Bri CampbellLast Updated: June 17th, 2022Holy Land, Italy, Medjugorje, Pilgrims' Stories, Spiritual Reflections
July 10, 2017, was my first day working at Tekton Ministries. Nearly 5 years later, I find myself recounting the memories of my top three pilgrimages. Perhaps you may find inspiration for your next pilgrimage… Italy I went to Italy with Tekton Ministries as I graduated college in 2017. Little did I know, I would … Read More
Unexpected Blessings
Andrea JLast Updated: June 1st, 2022Camino de Santiago, Holy Land, Pilgrims' Stories
I first learned about the Camino de Santiago my senior year of college. It became a dream of mine from that day on. I never knew how I could make it a reality, given the logistics of needing at least a month off work and the money to cover all the costs. So, the dream … Read More
Keeping Holy the Holy Week
Bri CampbellLast Updated: April 13th, 2022Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections
Next week, we begin our final preparations for Easter: Holy Week. It’s during this time that we commemorate Jesus’ final moments of His life and public ministry. Prepare your heart in a greater way for the Easter Celebration by immersing into the entire journey. Below, you can find what events happened each day in Scripture … Read More
The Return to the Holy Land
Andrea JLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Featured Pilgrimages, Holy Land, Pilgrims' Stories
Well, it finally happened. After almost exactly 2 years, which really felt like much longer, we had a pilgrimage group depart for the Holy Land. Though those of us here in the office would have preferred to have gone with them, we have been delighting in their pictures and stories they have shared with us … Read More
Preparing for the Unexpected
Andrea JLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Camino de Santiago, Holy Land, Pilgrims' Stories
Our first pilgrimage to the holy Land in nearly two years is departing in just over a week. They have received their pilgrim packets with their luggage tags and booklet. Their e-tickets are in their inboxes, and their final preparation meeting was earlier this week. We – and their group leaders – have done our … Read More
Would Jesus Get a Tattoo?
Bri CampbellLast Updated: March 24th, 2022Holy Land
There’s a lot to-do about tattoos. Should you get them, should you not; will you like them later in life, will you not; does the Church approve of them, does she not; would Jesus get a tattoo? At the turn of the 20th century, tattoos as we know them today made their way into the … Read More
Holy Name Holy Places
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 23rd, 2021Featured Pilgrimages, France, Holy Land, Ireland, Italy, Marian Shrines of Europe
This week, we celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and this Sunday, we look forward to commemorating the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. With only four days separating these two feasts, Our Lady is brought to the forefront of our days during this time. During pilgrimage, our hearts are also drawn … Read More