In the fall of 2022, Ken Hensley, Jim Anderson and Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson will be leading a group on pilgrimage through Germany.

We begin our pilgrimage in Berlin. After exploring this historic city and making a brief stop in Potsdam to tour the summer residence of Frederick the Great, we set out to travel through former East Germany learning about the life and teaching of Martin Luther the Augustinian monk and Catholic priest who launched the Protestant Reformation in Germany in the 16th century. We begin by visiting Wittenberg, where Luther posted his infamous 95 Theses and the Protestant revolt began. After this, we explore a number of cities and sites associated with Luther and the Reformation: Leipzig, Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach, and Wartburg Castle where Luther completed his German translation of the New Testament. These are incredibly beautiful and interesting German villages, towns, and cities rarely visited by tourists. We complete our pilgrimage in Fulda at the heart of Catholic Germany, where St. Boniface the “Apostle of Germany” came as a missionary in the 8th century and is buried. Along the way, we will celebrate Mass each in some of the most beautiful churches in the most beautiful towns in one of the most beautiful countries on earth. This pilgrimage will be an inspirational experience, but also deeply educational for lifelong Catholics, converts to the Catholic Church, as well as those on the journey from Protestant backgrounds. Please consider joining us! It will be a wonderful time for us to share our stories and forge life-long friendships as we experience the beauty and history of our Church up close.

Day 1 – Depart USA

Depart USA on overnight flight to Berlin.

Day 2 – Arrive in Berlin 

Arrive in Berlin and meet your hosts and European tour escort, who will be with you for the duration of your tour. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Welcome Dinner at the hotel with the touring team. Overnight in Berlin (D)

Day 3 – Berlin 

After breakfast we celebrate Mass at St. Hedwig’s Cathedral followed by a guided city tour of Berlin’s highlights: the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz and the famous Brandenburg Gate. After lunch on your own, enjoy a free afternoon to stroll Berlin or visit the Pergamon Museum to see some of the world’s most famous treasures, including the famous Ishtaar Gates of Babylon. For our final night in Berlin, we enjoy the sights on a scenic dinner cruise on the river Spree. Overnight in Berlin. (B|D)

Day 4 – Potsdam / Wittenberg / Leipzig 

Depart for Potsdam where Churchill, Stalin, and Truman famously met in 1945. After visiting the Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great, we travel on to Wittenburg, the Cradle of the Reformation and celebrate Mass at Undefiled Conception Catholic Church. After lunch on your own, we visit the Castle Church, where Luther was rumored to have nailed his “95 Theses,” as well as the graves of Martin Luther and theologian Philip Melanchthon and the Luther House, where he lived with his wife, the former nun Katharina von Bora, and their six children. Depart for Leipzig and, upon arrival, check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B|D)

Day 5 – Leipzig

After celebrating Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old City of Leipzig, including the site of Luther’s famous debates with John Eck, the St. Nicholas Church, and the Church of St. Thomas, where Johann Sebastian Bach served as choir director and church organist for 26 years, and where he is buried. Lunch on your own and free time to explore the old town of this beautiful historic city, which includes the homes of famous musicians Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann. Dinner at a famous local restaurant and overnight. (B|D).

Day 6 – Eisleben / Erfurt

Depart for Eisleben, where Luther was born in 1483, baptized, preached his last sermon, and died. After Mass at St. Gerturd’s and lunch on your own, we visit the museum in the house of Luther’s birth and death. After lunch on your own, depart for Erfurt to visit the Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk before checking into your hotel for dinner and overnight in Erfurt. (B|D)