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American Catholic Student Pilgrimages:
Faith on Your Feet
Summer 2026 | Hosted by Afar & Away Travel

Two Life-Changing Pilgrimages: One Shared Mission.

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In 2026, as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, young Catholics from across the United States are invited to take part in something historic: a journey of faith, friendship, and discovery through Europe’s most sacred sites.
 

These pilgrimages are designed for Catholic high school groups, parish youth groups, university campus ministries, and Newman Centers—young people eager to deepen their relationship with God, experience the global Church, and carry their faith into the future of our nation.

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Together we will walk in the footsteps of the saints, pray in the heart of Catholic tradition, and lift up prayers of thanksgiving for 250 years of freedom and faith in America. Along the way, pilgrims will form lasting friendships, encounter Christ in powerful ways, and begin discerning how God may be calling them to live out their vocation in the Church and in the world.

Two unique itineraries—Lourdes & Loyola or Rome & Assisi—offer transformative encounters with holy places, rich cultural experiences, and a strong community of peers united in faith and mission.

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Each group will travel in small cohorts of 28–36 students within a larger community of 120–160 pilgrims, allowing for both meaningful intimacy and the joyful energy of a broader Catholic network.

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Choose Your Pilgrimage Path

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Lourdes & Loyola | June 15–26, 2026

A pilgrimage of healing, devotion, and cultural discovery through southern France and northern Spain.
 

Encounter places where God has touched the lives of ordinary people and called them to extraordinary witness:

• St. Bernadette Soubirous – Pray at the Grotto where the Blessed Mother appeared to a humble teenage visionary

• St. Ignatius of Loyola – Visit his birthplace and experience the profound spiritual transformation that reshaped his life

• Our Lady of the Pillar (Zaragoza) – Step into one of the oldest Marian shrines in Christendom, where tradition holds that the Blessed Mother appeared to St. James. Declared by St. John Paul II as the Mother of all Spanish-speaking peoples, this sacred site offers a powerful moment to honor the faith and heritage of our Spanish-speaking American pilgrims and the vibrant Latino presence in the Church.

• Join millions of pilgrims in Lourdes, a global symbol of faith, healing, and Eucharistic devotion

This journey also offers rich cultural experiences:

• Stroll the scenic beaches and old town of San Sebastián, a gem of Spain’s Basque coast

• Explore Zaragoza, with its stunning architecture and lively tapas culture

• Marvel at the Gothic splendor of Burgos Cathedral

• Conclude with a visit to Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital—where past and present meet in a dynamic fusion of faith and culture
   

Rome & Assisi | July 6–17, 2026

A pilgrimage through the spiritual and historical heart of the Church—plus the timeless charm of Italy.

Walk where saints inspired generations and the Church was born:

• St. Francis of Assisi – Embrace the joy, simplicity, and deep trust in God that shaped his life

• Blessed Carlo Acutis – Discover the story of a tech-savvy teen whose devotion to the Eucharist continues to change hearts

• St. Ignatius of Loyola – Reflect on his spiritual conversion and the legacy of discernment that continues through Jesuit ministry today

• Early Christian Martyrs – Pray in the places where they stood firm in the faith, even unto death
   

On this journey students will enjoy:

• Mass at the Vatican and the opportunity to experience a Papal Angelus Address

• Visits to Rome’s most famous landmarks—the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, and more—all experienced in small-group cohorts for personal engagement

• A walk up the Holy Stairs and prayer in the four Major Basilicas, including Santa Maria Maggiore, final resting place of Pope Francis

• A full day in Assisi, exploring its sacred basilicas, medieval charm, and hillside views
   

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Pre-Pilgrimage Orientation Retreat

Loyola University Maryland | Guests of the Office of Mission & Identity
 

Before we set foot in Europe, we’ll gather together for two powerful days of prayer, formation, and community. This retreat is where the journey truly begins—a time to meet fellow pilgrims, root ourselves in Christ, and open our hearts to what God is preparing to do.

 

What to Expect

• • Faith + Community: Small-group conversations and team-building with fellow pilgrims.

  • Real Stories: College students share how they’ve carried their faith beyond high school.

  • Ignatian Tools for Life: Practical workshops on prayer, the Examen, and discernment.

  • Prayer in Action: Song, liturgy prep, and shared worship that will shape our experience abroad.

  • Trusted Leadership: Guidance from a seasoned spiritual team who will walk with you each step of the way.

 

A Journey of Vocation and Discernment

Each pilgrimage invites young people not only to travel but to discern. Students will explore the fundamental Ignatian question:
 

“What have I done for Christ?
What am I doing for Christ?
What more can I do for Christ?”
 

Through daily prayer, small-group reflection, and sacramental encounters—Mass, Confession, Adoration, the Rosary, and the Stations of the Cross—students will begin to discover how their deepest desires might meet the world’s greatest needs.
 

We will also pray for the future of our nation during this 250th anniversary of the United States, lifting up our people and Church in hope and gratitude.
 

What’s Included

• Roundtrip airfare to Europe from the Washington DC area; we can handle the connecting flights to the DC area

• High-quality accommodations and most meals

• Private ground transportation

• Masses at sacred sites

• Daily prayer, faith formation, and spiritual leadership

• Pre-departure orientation retreat

• Free chaperone for every 7 students (chaperones stay in single rooms)

• Small-group cohort travel for personal travel experiences

• Professional pilgrimage memory video created by Catholic filmmakers

Pricing

Student Cost: $4,600
Includes everything listed above—no hidden fees.
Chaperones travel free and receive single-room accommodations.
 

Are You a Priest or Religious Who Loves Working With Youth?

We are building a vibrant spiritual team for Summer 2026. If you’re a priest, religious brother or sister, or lay minister with a heart for youth and a desire to walk with the next generation of Catholics, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us in forming hearts, deepening vocations, and encountering God across Europe’s most sacred places.

Contact us to learn more about joining the spiritual leadership team.  Fill in the interest/pre-registration form today.

Space Is Limited — Pre-Register Today

Full registration opens mid-July 2025

Space Is Limited — Pre-Register Here Today
 

What to Help Someone Make the Pilgrimage?
If you feel called to support a student, seminarian, or religious who would otherwise be unable to join the pilgrimage, we’d be honored to connect you. While we cannot accept donations directly, we’re happy to link you with a parish, high school, or religious community in need. Simply share your contact information below, and we’ll facilitate the connection.​​

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Make Pilgrimage Possible
 

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This isn’t just a trip. It’s a sacred invitation.
Step into history. Deepen your faith. Discover the Church alive in the world.​​​​​​​​​​​

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