Shrines of Poland with Father Gerald O’Reilly and Deacon Conrad Wojnar

Our pilgrimage begins as we depart for our overnight flight to Warsaw, Poland.  Join us for Mass and a farewell dinner at St. Stephen Protomartyr Church, just two miles from O’Hare Airport, where you may leave your vehicle for the duration of the trip, or meet us at the airport, if you are flying out of Chicago. Dinner and breakfast will be served during the flight.  

Upon arriving at Warsaw International Airport, we are greeted by our professional English-speaking tour escort. This afternoon, Mass is celebrated at a local church before checking into our hotel. This evening, we gather for dinner and fellowship at the hotel. Overnight in Warsaw.

After breakfast, we’ll explore Warsaw’s Old Town, a symbol of resilience with its charming Market Square, Barbican, and the Warsaw Ghetto Monument. We’ll stroll through Royal Lazienki Park, home to Chopin’s statue, then visit the Royal Castle. We’ll end the day at the Shrine of St. Faustina for Mass before dinner and an overnight stay in Warsaw.

After breakfast and check-out, we begin our journey to Czestochowa. We make a stop in Niepokalanow to visit the Niepokalanow Sanctuary, the home of Maximilian Kolbe. Celebrate Mass at the Sanctuary. We will also visit Swinice Warckie, where St. Faustina was baptized, received her first confession, and First Holy Communion. Lunch on your own before continuing to Czestochowa. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Czestochowa.

After breakfast, visit the Jasna Gora Monastery, home to the Black Madonna of Czestochowa. Celebrate Mass at the Shrine. Following lunch on your own, drive to Zakopane and visit the Jaszczurówka Chapel, which was visited by young Karol Wojtyla. Check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight in Zakopane.

After breakfast, take a cable car up Mt. Gubalowka for breathtaking views of the Tatras and a hike down the trail, recalling Pope John Paul II’s frequent walks through these mountains. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Fatima before continuing to Krakow. Celebrate Mass at St. Stanislaus Church. After checking into the hotel, enjoy dinner and overnight in Krakow.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a sightseeing tour of Krakow, including Wawel Hill, Wawel Castle, and the Wawel Cathedral. Visit the Archdiocesan Museum and the Pope’s window. Stroll along Grodzka street and explore the Market Square, visiting St. Mary’s Church. Celebrate Mass at St. Mary’s Church. Lunch on your own followed by free time for leisure activities. Dinner and overnight in Krakow.

After breakfast, drive to Auschwitz for a guided visit of the concentration camp, including the cell of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Continue to Wadowice, the hometown of John Paul II, and visit his childhood home and the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Visit Kalwaria Zebrzydowska before returning to Krakow for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki. Celebrate Mass at the Divine Mercy Shrine before enjoying some personal time for prayers, devotions, or shopping. After lunch on your own, we drive to Wieliczka to explore the famous Salt Mines. Return to Krakow for dinner and overnight.

With a renewed sense of pilgrimage, an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, and many new friends, the pilgrimage comes to a close today.