Tour No LDE0703

Mon, July 3^rd: New York/Paris - Depart Newark Airport on your overnight flight to Paris. Dinner served in flight.

Tue, July 4^th: Paris/Toulouse/Lourdes - Upon arrival in Toulouse, we are transferred to our hotel. This afternoon join the Blessing of the Sick. This evening join the Candlelight Procession. (B,D)

Wed, July 5^th: Lourdes - After breakfast, we have a walking tour of the Sanctuary including the Grotto and the Basilica.  This afternoon we have a walking tour of Lourdes.  We visit the birthplace of St. Bernadette and the Church where she was baptized. (B,D)

Thu, July 6^th  & Fri July 7^th: Lourdes - Free days for private devotion. Visit the baths, make the Way of the Cross, participate in the Candlelight  Procession and the Blessing of the Sick. (B,D)

Sat, July 8^th: Lourdes/Paris - This morning we take the TGV train to Paris. Upon arrival, we visit the Convent of the Daughters of Charity on Rue du Bac in Paris. At this Convent the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed two of the greatest treasures of the world, the Miraculous Medal and the Green Scapular. These gifts were revealed to two nuns chosen to spread these devotions and graces throughout the world. The first treasure, the Miraculous Medal, was given to St. Catherine Laboure on July 18, 1830. The gift of the Green Scapular was revealed to the novice Justine Bisqueyburu on January 28, 1840. Next we go to Montmartre to visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Located on the top of Montmartre hill, the world-famous Byzantine structure offers a sweeping view of Paris. The basilica rests on the site where the first bishop of Paris, St. Denis, was beheaded. It is said that he picked up his head and carried it 2 miles to the spot where the Abbey Church of St. Denis now stands. After our visit, we have dinner at “La Mere Catherine.” (B,D)

Sun, July 9^th: Paris/Nevers/Paris - Morning departure to Nevers to see the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette. On July 4, 1866, Bernadette joined the Sisters of Charity in Nevers. She never spoke of the grotto unless ordered to by her superiors. Taking the religious name, Marie-Bernard, she suffered from recurring bouts of sickness and ill health. The little child of Lourdes accepted her life with perfect resignation and submission. She died on April 16, 1879 just after three o'clock. In agony she stretched out her arms like the crucified Jesus and whispered, "I am thirsty." Sister Marie-Bernard made the sign of the cross for the last time. With no strength left, her head bowed to the right and she gently gave her soul back to God. Her hands clasped a crucifix as two tears rolled down her cheeks. In 1925 her incorrupt body was ceremoniously transferred to the chapel of St. Gildard, where it now rests in a glass reliquary. (B,D)

Mon July 10^th: Paris/USA - Morning departure to Paris airport for our return flight to the USA. (B)

*Terms & Conditions: Cancellation made by passengers. Of the $500.00 deposit, $200.00 is non-refundable in case of cancellation. 70 days to 46 days a $500.00 penalty is imposed. 45 days to 16 days a $500.00 penalty PLUS any penalty imposed by the airlines and hotels. 15 days or less may result in loss of entire cost, depending on what we can recover. Once travel has commenced, no refunds for unused portions can be made.