Warsaw, Wroclaw, Krakow, Auschwitz - September 8 - 19, 2020
With the Coming Home Network International
“As Catholics, we go on pilgrimage to seek God, to do penance, to learn more about the Lord, to have a deeper experience. And to let those places, in a sacramental way, touch us and affect us. And they do.”
— Steve Ray, Convert
Join us for our “Deep in History” Pilgrimage to learn about the History of the Catholic Church in Poland.
Poland is one of the most Catholic countries in the world,and also one of the most beautiful. Our itinerary will take in many aspects of modern Catholic history in the context of WWII. We will visit Warsaw, explore the lives of St. Faustina and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), see the monastery founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe and pray in the starvation bunker at Auschwitz where he died.
This will be followed by an extended focus on the life of Pope St. John Paul II, visiting his childhood home in Wadowice, the mountains he grew up exploring, as well as a number of sites in and around Krakow, considered one of the most beautiful of all European cities: the seminary he attended in secret during the Nazi occupation of Poland, the stunning cathedral in Krakow where he was ordained and later served as Bishop and then Archbishop, and more. We will also visit the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.
Please consider joing us! For those of us who are converts to the Catholic faith, or still on the journey, or who have been Catholic all our lives, this will be an amazing opportunity to share our stories and forge life-long friendships as we experience the beauty and history of our Church up close.
Marcus Grodi
Founder/President of the CHNetwork
Ken Hensley
Online Resources & Pastoral Care Team
Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson, P.A.
CHNetwork Board Member
Pilgrimage Itinerary
Day 1 – September 23: Depart USA
Depart USA for our overnight flight to Warsaw. Dinner served aloft.
Day 2 – September 24: Warsaw
Upon arrival, we will celebrate Mass at St. James Church, where Helena Kowalska (the future St. Faustina) prayed extensively, confessed all that burdened her soul, and asked for the advice of Rev. James Dąbrowski which eventually resulted in the Saint entering the convent. Following Mass, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and have the opportunity to explore the city of Warsaw before retiring for a restful overnight.
Day 3 – September 25: Warsaw
After breakfast we celebrate Mass where Helena Kowalska entered the convent. Following Mass, our group will explore the Old Town, comprised of beautiful maze-like cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture that are symbols of Poland’s successful rebuild following its destruction during World War II. We will visit the Market Square (the center of the city filled with restaurants, cafés and shops), the Barbican, defense-like structures that have been rebuilt following World War II, and the monument that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 during World War II. You will also take in the the beautifully landscaped Lazienski Park, the Frederic Chopin Statue, and the Royal Castle (the residence of the Polish monarchs). In the afternoon, visit the Stanislaw Kostka Church and view a special exhibit dedicated to Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, a great personality of the Catholic Church, killed by communists in 1984. St. John Paul II visited here to pray in front of Fr. Popieluzko’s tomb. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 – September 26: Warsaw / Niepokalanow / Swinice Warckie / Wroclaw
After breakfast, transfer to the Franciscan Monastery Niepokalanow, which was founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe. This remarkable saint was arrested by the Nazis and died in Auschwitz, Exchanging his life for the life of another prisoner. We continue on to the village of Swinice Warckie and visit the church of St. Casimir, the baptismal church of St. Faustina, in which she also received her First Confession and First Holy Communion. Continue to Wroclaw for overnight.
Day 5 – September 27: Wroclaw / Legnica
Today we visit the house of Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, (Edith Stein,1891-1942). She was a German Jew, philosopher, and an atheist from the age of 14. She studied German linguistics, history and psychology at Wroclaw University. Her story of conversion to Catholicism is fascinating. In 1933 she left Wroclaw and joined the Order of Discalced Carmelites in Cologne. In 1942 she was arrested by the Gestapo in Holland and the same year she died in the gas chamber at Auschwitz along with her sister Rosa, who was also a convert and Carmelite sister. She was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II and was proclaimed as one of Europe’s patron Saints. In Wroclaw the Steins’ family house still stands. It is currently a seat of the Edith Stein Association which organizes meetings, lectures, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, international exchanges and language courses. Depart for Legnica, to venerate the relics of the recently approved Eucharistic Miracle. Return to Wroclaw for dinner and overnight.
Download Registration Form
Day 6 – September 28: Wroclaw / Czestochowa
After breakfast, depart for the world famous Shrine of Jasna Gora, the hill-top Pauline Monastery which houses the 600 year old Miraculous Icon known as the “Black Madonna.” Pope St. John Paul II made frequent visits to this monastery throughout his life. Tradition tells us that this icon was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist, discovered by St. Helen, and later enshrined in Poland.
Day 7 – September 29: Czestochowa / Wadowice / Zakopane
We begin the day with breakfast and Mass at Jasna Gora Monastery. Following the prayerful visit to the Chapel of the Black Madonna, continue on to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (Pope St. John Paul II). While in this small city, you will have the opportunity to visit the church where this beloved Saint was baptized and attended Mass as a child. Overnight at the resort village of Zakopane. Dinner.
Day 8 – September 30: Zakopane / Krakow
After breakfast, take a cable car ride to the nearby mountaintop. At the top, you will truly experience God’s magnificent Glory when you look out at the magnificent panoramic view. Continue to the Jaszczorowka Chapel. This architecturally distinct chapel was visited many times by the young, Karol Wojtyla. As a young boy, Karol often used the walking paths surrounding the chapel for much prayer and reflection. We will then tour the colorful Krupowki Street for an opportunity to do some shopping at the local bazaar before transferring to Krakow for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 – October 1: Krakow / Auschwitz
After breakfast, explore Krakow’s Market Square as the sound of the silver trumpet from St. Mary’s Tower fills the air. The captivating beauty of this square is largely due to the fact that has remained unchanged for almost 700 years. We will make our way to Wawel Hill, to visit the beautiful Cathedral and Coronation Chapel. These are among the most important sites in Poland, as the Cathedral has been the coronation site of the Polish monarchs and has held numerous pieces of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicist and Modern art. Also at this site, you will have the opportunity to pray at the tomb of the patron saint of Poland, St. Stanislaus. We will then transfer to Auschwitz, a notorious WWII, Nazi concentration camp. The darkness and sorrow overtakes the atmosphere, as there were numerous unspeakable atrocities that occurred at this site. View the cell that imprisoned the Christ-like, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and visit the Martyrdom Museum. Dinner and overnight in Krakow.
Day 10 – October 2: Krakow / Divine Mercy / Lagiewniki
After breakfast depart for our excursion to Lagiewniki, the capital of the Divine Mercy. Through the mediation of St. Faustina, Christ passed on the message of Divine Mercy at Lagiewniki. While here, you will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy that contains images of the Merciful Jesus, relics of St. Faustina, as well as, the Saint’s convent chapel and her tomb. Visit and celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Divinity, visited by Pope St. John Paul II in 2002. Opportunity to pray by a relic of St. John Paul II before returning to Krakow for your dinner and overnight
Day 11 – October 3: Krakow / Wieliczka
After breakfast drive to Wieliczka to see the oldest salt mine in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a unique place where many generations of Polish miners created an underground world of decorated chapels, including the famous Blessed Kings Chapel, plus other galleries and workings made of salt. Return to Krakow to enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight.
Day 12 – October 4: Krakow / USA
Transfer to the Krakow airport for return flight home.
NOTES: While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to pending schedule confirmations, and/or, due to changes beyond our control. All Mass times and locations listed are subject to confirmation.
Total Cost including airfare from JFK:
$ 4,709 per person, discounted for Cash/Check payment, based on 40 participants, & double occupancy. We gladly accept credit cards for the full price of $ 4,897.00 per person, based on 40 participants, & double occupancy.
**For those pilgrims who wish to arrange their own international airfare, we have a LAND ONLY price of $3,749.00 per person, discounted for Cash/Check payment, based on 40 participants, & double occupancy. Or $3898.00 per person Full Price with Credit Card. Please discuss this option with Maggie McDaniel before booking your international air!!!! maggie@catholicfaithjourneys.com or 419-290-8782
Included
Round trip air from New York (JFK) to Rome (FCO)
10 Nights accommodations (double occupancy)
Breakfast / Dinner daily
English speaking tour escort/guides throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers to and from all international airports for those on group air
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Private Mass arrangements daily (All locations noted pending confirmation)
RW minivan to San Damiano
City tax
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)
Not Included
Optional travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Transportation to JFK airport
Lunches & beverages w/meals
All tips to tour escorts, guides and drivers.
Items of personal nature
Baggage fees imposed by airlines
Any items not specifically mentioned
Limited single rooms available for an additional cost of $1,250 per person (cash or check discount) or $1,300 (full price credit card)
For additional information about the content of the tour, you may contact Ken Hensley at kenh@chnetwork.org. For additional information about flights, schedules, payment, amenities/accessibility, and other logistical issues, you may contact Maggie McDaniel at maggie@catholicfaithjourneys.com or 419-290-8782.
Not Included
Optional travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Transportation to JFK airport
Lunches & beverages w/meals
All tips to tour escorts, guides and drivers.
Items of personal nature
Baggage fees imposed by airlines
Any items not specifically mentioned
Limited single rooms available for an additional cost of $1,250 per person (cash or check discount) or $1,300 (full price credit card)
For additional information about the content of the tour, you may contact Ken Hensley at kenh@chnetwork.org. For additional information about flights, schedules, payment, amenities/accessibility, and other logistical issues, you may contact Maggie McDaniel at maggie@catholicfaithjourneys.com or 419-290-8782.
Download Registration Form
