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

Two Life-Changing Pilgrimages: One Shared Mission.

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In Summer 2026, Catholic high school students from across the United States are invited to embark on one of two unforgettable pilgrimages through Europe’s most sacred and beautiful sites. These journeys are designed for young people seeking a deeper relationship with God, a broader vision of the Church, and friendships rooted in faith and shared experience.

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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 departure, all students will attend a 2-day retreat that prepares them spiritually, communally, and emotionally for the journey ahead.
 

What to Expect:

• Faith-sharing and team-building with fellow pilgrims

• Talks from college students about living their faith beyond high school

• Workshops in Ignatian spirituality, including the Examen and discernment

• Song practice and spiritual preparation for liturgies abroad

• Leadership from an experienced spiritual team
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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

• 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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