For Catholics seeking to deepen their faith and connect with the roots of the Church, a pilgrimage offers a transformative journey. Whether tracing the footsteps of saints, visiting Marian apparitions, or walking sacred trails, these experiences leave an indelible spiritual impact. When you create a plan for a Catholic pilgrimage to any one of these amazing locations, you will unquestionably see and feel a change in your spiritual life and develop a deeper understanding of your faith. These are in no particular order.
1. The Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is one of the most iconic pilgrimages in the modern vernacular. Popular movies, books, blogs, and YouTube channels highlight the many “ways” to Santiago de Compostela. Catholic tradition holds that the remains of St. James are laid to rest in this stunning cathedral. Select International ensures that pilgrims encounter breathtaking landscapes, ancient churches, and a profound sense of community along the way. Because the Camino is so popular, it is an excellent trip to take with friends of varying traditions, as many of the trips are ecumenical.
2. The Vatican / Rome
No Catholic pilgrimage list is complete without mentioning the heart of the Catholic Church—Vatican City. Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, attending a Mass, and admiring Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel are transformative experiences. Pilgrims often feel a deep connection to their faith as they walk through the Holy See, the center of Catholicism for centuries.
3. Lourdes
Lourdes is one of the most popular Marian pilgrimage sites in the world. In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous at the Grotto of Massabielle. Today, millions of pilgrims flock to Lourdes annually to pray, bathe in the miraculous waters, and attend candlelight processions. Many leave feeling spiritually and physically healed. Many Select International Tours trips to Lourdes will also include other Marian sites, such as…
4. Fatima
In 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, delivering messages of peace and repentance. Fatima has since become a significant pilgrimage site, attracting millions each year. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, with its massive basilica and sacred grounds, is the focal point of devotion. Visitors often feel inspired by the messages of hope and conversion associated with this holy site.
5. The Holy Land
Okay, we said these were in no particular order, but this one should be first on your list. A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a journey to the very origins of Christianity. Visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee allows pilgrims to walk where Jesus lived, preached, and performed miracles. Key sites include the Church of the Nativity, the Mount of Olives, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This pilgrimage offers a profound connection to the life and ministry of Christ and the Apostles who spread the Gospel following Jesus’ ascension.
6. Assisi
The birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare, Assisi, is a serene town nestled in the hills of Umbria. Pilgrims can experience the Basilica of St. Francis, adorned with stunning frescoes depicting his life, and the Basilica of St. Clare, where her incorrupt body is enshrined. Many pilgrims will also visit Blessed Carlo Acutis’ tomb. in 2025, he will be canonized as a Saint! Assisi’s peaceful atmosphere inspires visitors to embrace simplicity and a deeper connection with God.
7. Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is the most visited Catholic shrine in the world. In 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego, leaving her miraculous image on his tilma. Pilgrims visit to honor this apparition and to seek Mary’s intercession. The vibrant cultural expressions of faith, including traditional dances and songs, add to the spiritual richness of this pilgrimage.
8. Mont-Saint-Michel
This iconic island abbey off the coast of Normandy is a stunning site of Catholic heritage. Pilgrims have traveled to Mont-Saint-Michel for centuries to honor St. Michael the Archangel. The abbey’s towering architecture, surrounded by tidal waters, creates a breathtaking spiritual ambiance. Masses held in the abbey are particularly moving for visitors.
9. Knock Shrine
In 1879, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared in the small Irish village of Knock. Today, the Knock Shrine is a peaceful place of prayer and reflection, attracting pilgrims from around the world. The Apparition Chapel and the Basilica of Our Lady of Knock are must-visit spots, offering a tranquil setting to deepen one’s faith.
10. Shrine of Divine Mercy
Located in Krakow, Poland, the Shrine of Divine Mercy is dedicated to St. Faustina Kowalska, who received visions of Jesus emphasizing His divine mercy. Pilgrims visit the chapel to pray before the original image of Divine Mercy and the tomb of St. Faustina. The annual Feast of Divine Mercy draws thousands of pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal and a reminder of God’s infinite love. The nearby Have No Fear John Paul II Centre is another popular stop on a pilgrimage here.
Book Your Pilgrimage Today
Embarking on a Catholic pilgrimage is more than just visiting sacred places; it is a journey of faith, prayer, and transformation. Each destination offers unique opportunities to deepen one’s relationship with God and experience the Catholic faith in a way you may not have thought was possible. Whether you’re drawn to the Marian apparitions of Lourdes and Fatima, the historic sites of the Holy Land, or the spiritual serenity of Assisi, these pilgrimages are life-changing experiences every devout traveler should consider.
Which of these journeys speaks to your heart? Begin planning your pilgrimage today, and let the path lead you closer to God. Select International Tours offers pilgrimage to all these locations and many more. If you don’t see a pilgrimage site that you want to visit in the list of trips, give us a call and we can build a custom trip for your group!