Fr. Leo E. Patalinghug IVDei is a priest member of the community of consecrated life, Voluntas Dei, the will of God. He’s the host for the international TV and Travel Show, “Savoring our Faith” on EWTN. Along with his evangelization ministry, he also hosts a radio show and podcast. He’s a best-selling author, an internationally acclaimed speaker and presenter for audiences of diverse backgrounds, and is the founder and creator of the international food and faith movement, “Plating Grace: Elevating Culture and Family Life One Meal at a Time.”

His non-profit group, “The Table Foundation: Harvesting the Power of Food to Do Good” created “The Olive Mass” – to celebrate and bless those in the food and hospitality industry. Fr. Leo is creating a cafe serving great food but also serving returning citizens, ex-convicts, who will receive formation and job training. His ministry has appeared on all major networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, TBN, PBS, The Cooking Channel, and even The Food Network where Fr. Leo defeated the world famous Chef in the competition, “Throw Down with Bobby Flay!”

Fr. Leo’s background makes him a true leader for pilgrimages, which he’s been doing since 1999. Having lived in Europe and in Vatican City State while studying for priesthood, he’s gained extensive knowledge of the people and places where he travels but also pastoral understanding of the needs of each traveling passenger. He’s more than a tour leader, he’s a shepherd that cares for his flock! Pilgrims who have been on other tours agree, Fr. Leo’s “style” of pilgrimage is exceptional! His trips offer a sincere and gentle approach to create an authentic and deep spiritual experience, combined with one-of-a-kind cultural and culinary excursions, mixed with “bite-sized” theology filled with practical life lessons presented in an entertaining way. Pilgrims leave refreshed, entertained, and changed for the better. Join Fr. Leo on one of his unique tours!

PILGRIMAGE OF PRAYER AND PRAISE TO THE HOLY LAND

May 18-28, 2026

We will visit Church of the Visitation and St. John’s Church, marking the birthplace of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Nativity, the sacred spot of Christ’s birth. We will visit the Church of the Pater Noster, where He taught the Lord’s Prayer, then walk along Palm Sunday Road, and stop at the Garden of Gethsemane. A visit to the Upper Room, which is held to be the site of the Last Supper and in the evening enjoy a Middle Eastern cooking demonstration. We will stop at Cana of Galilee for the renewal of Wedding Vows. We will sail the peaceful waters of the Sea of Galilee.

FOOD AND FAITH IN NORTHERN ITALY AND SWITZERLAND

August 17-27, 2026 | Rome Extension: August 27-30, 2026

From Zürich we will travel to the city of Rapperswil and learn about Swiss cheese making and have a tasting. We will drive to Lucerne, stop at the Lindt Chocolate Factory and in the evening enjoy an authentic Swiss folklore show. A day to relax in Lucerne or an optional day trip to Interlaken. We will visit the Einsiedeln Marian Shrine and have a wine tasting. Our first stop in Italy is Lake Como, then we will take a ferry to Bellaggio to visit Villa Melzi. We will visit the Oropa Sanctuary, one of the oldest Marian Shrines in the world. We will enjoy a walking tour of Milan.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS WITH A DANUBE RIVER CRUISE PILGRIMAGE

December 5-13, 2026

We will enjoy a walking tour of Vienna, including Donner Fountain, Belvedere Palace Gardens, Hofburg Palace, and the Spanish horses training site. Our cruise takes us next to Budapest, Hungary where we will enjoy a tour of both sides of the city: the Pest and the Buda. Our bus will drop us off at Vorosmarty Square to see the Christmas markets there and by the Basilica. Next on the itinerary is Bratislava, where great food awaits us at the town Christmas markets. We will visit Vienna and then Salzburg to browse through the Christmas markets beneath the medieval fortress. We have time to trace a scene from the Sound of Music, sample Mozartkugel chocolates, and visit Mozart’s birthplace.  Our last two days will take us to Munich, Ettal and Oberammergau.