Options for 2013 – Part 3

We are observing the 2nd Year of Faith (the first was in 1967, declared by Pope Paul VI on the 19th centenary of the martyrdom of Sts. Peter & Paul) as proclaimed by Benedict XVI in his papal encyclical Porta Fidei (The Door of Faith), from October 11, 2012 until November 24, 2013.  In line with the observance is the focus on “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith,” from the theme of the 13th Synod of Bishops in Rome last October 7 – 28, 2012.

I am encouraging travelers this year to join any of the pilgrimages offered by pilgrimage specialists. There are a few tour agencies that focus on religious journeys and a pioneer in Cebu is Delmar Travel & Tours, which is marking its 35th anniversary this year.  Hence, the people behind Delmar have designed several pilgrimages to cater to the varying expectations of the passengers. A new Delmar package is the Divine Mercy Pilgrimage (12 nights) on October 02 – 16, 2013.

From Manila through Dubai to Rome, on Emirates Airlines. Arriving in Rome the following early afternoon, the rest of the half-day is at leisure until the appointed dinner at a local restaurant. The next two days will be enjoying Rome’s famous sights: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Fountain of Trevi, as well as gaining indulgences – if spiritually prepared -- by praying in the important basilicas.

Heading north from Rome, next stop is the gated city of Siena – no vehicles allowed inside the walled city.  It is really an open museum of Gothic architecture and home to the world’s oldest bank, Monte di Paschi di Siena, which was established in 1472.  Of course, the highlight of the visit is going into the beautifully crafted church of St. Catherine – Doctor of the Church. Then, taking in the sights of the Duomo and the Palazzo Pubblico, with restorations and additions ongoing till today that began in the 14th century. Siena is known for its bareback horse race called The Palio (July 02 and August 16) among its 17 districts, and established in the year 1147!

Moving on to the lagoons of Venice, lunch and a short tour will be at Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagne Region of Northern Italy. It is a university town with students comprising a fifth of the population.  Famous for its cuisine the world over, “Bologna sandwich” means a filling meal of the local sausage.

Arriving at night in the fabled Venice Mestre, the center and the most populated urban area of Mainland Venice, is a fairytale experience.  Composed of many small islands in a big lagoon, the Republic of Venice was ruled by a Doge, a Venetian term from the Latin meaning “leader.” (Italian – duce; English – Duke). Its founding coincided with the dedication of the first church of San Giacomo at the Rialto on March 25, 421AD.

The pigeon-filled Piazza San Marco at the heart of Venice is so named because the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist that was brought to Venice from Alexandria and placed at the nearby Basilica of St. Mark. This happened when Venice was the gateway to the rest of the world and was part of the formidable Repubblica Marinara, composed of Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi. Completely built on water, one of the common means of transportation is the vaporeto or water taxi. Beware of taking the world-famous gondola! The gondoliero will not be serenading you, but will charge you an exorbitant fee.

The island of Murano is internationally famous for its glass-blowing factories that supply the mansions and palaces of the world with chandeliers, vases, decors and beads-accessories. Burano, on the other hand, is equally world famous for its exquisite lace.

After breakfast on the second day, Postojna in Slovenia, where a cave visit will be an opportunity to see the habitat of the “Human Fish”, an endemic amphibian – the world’s largest! Through a scenic route called the Simmering Pass, to Bled. This is another fairytale place of an island in a large lake, reminiscent of “Swan Lake.” The snow-capped Julian Alps is a magnificent backdrop to a Medieval Castle at the north shore of the lake.  A boat ride to the island will lead to the Miraculous Chapel of the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. It is said that one’s dream will be fulfilled if one rings the “Wishing Bell” in the chapel.

Next stop: Budapest, Hungary.  Check out Buda and Pest, the twin towns of the Hungarian capital. Cross the quaint bridges straddling the Danube River and marvel at the grandeur of the 13th century Matthias Coronation Church. Culmination is dinner with some lively gypsy music performed by local musicians.

Poland’s capital city of Krakow is the heart of this pilgrimage. Pilgrims will head straight to the Shrine of the Divine Mercy for personal devotions and meditation. Then, on to the Convent Chapel of St. Faustina. She was tasked by Jesus in a series of apparitions to propagate the Divine Mercy Movement.

In 1978, Krakow’s historic center was proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included in the sight-seeing are the castles and ancient churches, museums and Medieval monuments.

Prague, Czech Republic (ancient name: Bohemia), is the home of the original “Sto. Niño.”  The Image of the Infant Jesus is at the Church of Our Lady of Victories.  Tour includes a lovely cruise on the Vlatava River and ends with dinner inclusive of a Czech folklore show.

The pilgrimage ends in Vienna of the Johann Sebastian Strauss fame. Take a tour of the fabulous Schonnbrun Palace of King Franz Joseph and Queen Elizabeth of the House of Hapsburg, as well as peer into the gardens of the “Sound of Music” mansion.

After breakfast at the hotel in the next morning, off to the airport for the flight back to Manila.

Tour cost: US$4,496.00 inclusive of airfare, taxes, Schengen visa fee, tips, twin sharing accommodations in  3-4 star hotels, breakfast and dinners as indicated, air con motor coach with English speaking drivers, English speaking guide for local tours, porterage for 1 pc of luggage per person and weighing not more than 20 kilos, Filipino tour escort, a Spiritual Director, a Delmar travel bag.

There is a final Footsteps of Jesus Pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel with Turkey Extension on October 17 – November 03. Holyland tour – US$2,800.00/ $931.00 – Turkey extension with a minimum of 10 pax. All in with Turkey visa: US$4,606.00

Travel with God in this Year of  Faith!