Hello Fellow Travelers from the Past, Present, and Possible Future! It is my happy duty to officially announce another Art and Faith Tour with yours truly, Bro. Mickey McGrath. From April 22-28, 2018, we will be traveling around Northern California for a California Mission tour. We will begin in beautiful Carmel at the Mission of St. Charles Borromeo which was founded in 1770. This sacred space has become even more special in recent years - as you saint-watchers already know- because it was founded by Fr. Junipero Serra, the Franciscan missionary canonized by Pope Francis during his visit to the United States. We will conclude our tour of historic mission churches with the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, better known as Mission Dolores, in downtown San Francisco. It was founded in 1776, the very same year during which another event of historic importance was happening on the east coast! St. Junipero also founded this mission, which is the oldest building in San Francisco. In between, we will visit other historic mission churches from centuries ago, and stop for a tour of the Cathedral of Christ Our Light in Oakland, a spectacular modern design which the association of international architects has voted one of the most important buildings in the world. And don t forget the fabulous WINE COUNTRY- in need of our tourist support more than ever after the recent deadly fires. I am excited that we will be witnessing some of the history of sacred spaces in the United States. As always on our art and faith tours, each morning will begin with a slide presentation related to the theme of the day. Topics will include brief looks at the history of western church architecture; Spanish-American art styles; and the Church and Native American culture and spirituality. And, of course, on top of all that educational and spiritual inspiration, you are guaranteed lovely hotel settings, great food, and lots of fun- all essential ingredients for a trip filled with many happy memories. David Geen will fill you in with the essential details; I just handle the fun stuff. Peace and blessings, Bro. Mickey
presents Bro. Mickey McGrath's Art of the Spirit: The Missions of Northern California including the Wine Country April 22nd 28th, 2018 Join world-renowned artist and spiritual leader, Bro. Mickey McGrath OSFS, on a grace-filled pilgrimage along the Northern California Mission Trail, exploring the breathtaking beauty of California s coastline while journeying in the footsteps of America s newly-canonized Franciscan missionary, Saint Junipero Serra. This unique and customized pilgrimage has been specifically crafted, striving for a balance of learning, reflection, inspiration, spectacular scenery, beautiful villages, and iconic California locations. Come along with us to enrich your faith and create lifelong memories. The California missions represented the final expansion of the Spanish Empire. From 1769 to 1823. Spanish soldiers and Franciscan priests built a total of 21 Missions and 5 Presidios (military forts) stretching north from Mexico, along the Pacific coast through the territory that was then known as Alta California. The majority of these missions are in Southern California, which makes those in Northern California even more special. Over this short period little more than 50 years the Spanish brought a new culture to California, spreading European religion and agricultural practices. The Franciscans built and lived in these historical structures to cultivate relationships with Native Americans and to promote Christianity. The settlements around the missions became the seeds of modern California s major cities. The trail connecting the missions, El Camino Real, became California s first highway, and its route is closely followed by modern Highway 101. The designs of the missions still influence California architecture. In a very real sense, California as we know it today would not exist without the foundation of the missions.
We will explore the most important missions of Northern California, focusing on Native American spirituality, Franciscan tradition, and the life of Serra as an inspiration for missionary discipleship today. Some have described the way of the California Missions as the new American Camino. Why is this pilgrimage so special? Each morning we gather to anticipate the day's new discoveries through Br. Mickey's artistic expressions. With Br. Mickey as our mentor in art and spirituality, and especially with his ever-exuberant smile and contagious laughter, ours will be a journey of joy, beauty, and discovery. During this trip, there will also be plenty of free time for drawing, painting, photography, contemplation, and personal exploration. W e change hotels only once, staying in characteristic hotels with welcoming hospitality located in the centers of both Monterey and San Francisco. In addition, we savor carefully selected dining experiences: breakfast is included each day and at least lunch or dinner each day (with wine) is also included. You will not go hungry or thirsty! Travel throughout Northern California is by luxury motorcoach. Every aspect of our journey is exceptional, experiencing this striking landscape in a truly remarkable way. Stunning scenery will inspire, spiritual moments will abound, and artistic and natural beauty will preside. While Br. Mickey leads us with his artistic and spiritual insights, our dedicated personal guide for this remarkable journey is none other than Andrew Galvan. Andy is the curator of Mission Dolores in San Francisco, overseeing the mission chapel, which is the oldest Roman Catholic church in use in California; the impressive mission museum; and the adjacent tree-shaded cemetery where Alfred Hitchcock directed Kim Novak and James Stewart in a scene from "Vertigo." Andy is the first Alta California Mission Indian descendant to oversee a California mission, and an expert on the entire California Mission system. Andy brings unparalleled knowledge and guidance to our journey. In order to maximize our experience, space is limited to 24 people, so please mail your registration and deposit soon. I hope you will be a part of this life-transforming pilgrimage. Mission visits: - San Carlos Borromeo. Founded: June 3, 1770 by Fr. Junipero Serra. It's nickname is the Father of the Missions, as Fr. Serra made this mission the headquarters of the California Mission system (from 1770 to 1803), and it also became the first capital of the Alta California territory. San Carlos Borromeo is often considered the most beautiful of all the California Missions. The main chapel is the burial site of Saint Junipero Serra, founder of the California Mission system. - San Juan Bautista. Founded: June 24, 1797 by Fr. Fermin Lasuen. Widely known for its exceptional choir, this mission is nicknamed the Mission of Music. San Juan Bautista is the largest church in the mission chain, and its two side naves are unique. - San Francisco de Asís. Founded: June 26, 1776 by Fr. Junipero Serra. Nicknamed Mission Dolores (Mission of the Sorrows) because of its original location in the nearby Valley of Sorrows. Ironically, the adobe church weathered the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 with little damage. The mission is the oldest intact building in the city of San Francisco, and the only completely intact chapel remaining among the 21 missions. Mission Dolores still plays an important role in the civic and cultural life of San Francisco, and was granted basilica status in 1952 by Pope Pius XII. - San Francisco de Solano. Founded: July 4, 1823 by Fr. Jose Altimira. Nicknamed Mission Sonoma because of its location adjacent to Sonoma's Mexican-style town square, the largest in California, and the heart of downtown Sonoma.
This seven-day, six-night adventure includes these magnificent highlights: - Two nights' stay at the Victorian Inn, a boutique hotel in Monterey, just blocks from the shops and restaurants of Cannery Row. (www.victorianinn.com) Relax in oversized guestrooms, some with inroom marble fireplaces, and private patios, balconies or window seats where you can soak up ocean breezes. - Four nights' stay at the Pier 2620 Hotel near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, in the heart of one of The Bay Area's most popular destinations, and within easy walking distance of many of the city's major sights. With urban sleek, stylish and innovative rooms, expect an authentically San Francisco experience unlike any other. (www.pier2620hotel.com) - Each morning Br. Mickey will begin with prayer and a presentation of art and stories relating to the day. - Private dedicated full-time service of expert guide and Mission Dolores curator Andrew Galvan, sharing his wealth of knowledge and personal experience. - Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. After the former cathedral was destroyed in the 1989 earthquake, this new cathedral takes its place as a landmark edifice and home parish of the Diocese of Oakland. One of Br. Mickey's favorite cathedrals, its ultra-modern design is unique and inspiring. - Visit the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francisco. Not to be confused with the mission church of San Francisco de Asís, commonly known as Mission Dolores, and founded by Saint Junipero Serra in 1776, this church was consecrated as St. Francis Parish in 1851 in response to the influx of residents due to the California Gold Rush which began in 1849. - In nearby Sonoma county, visit and tasting at a winery with direct connections to the California Missions. - Ample free time to explore the many sights and sounds of San Francisco, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. - Explore Monterey. Immortalized by John Steinbeck, Monterey is home to Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, plus countless other shops and galleries. - Discover beautiful Carmel, a town as well known for its shopping as it is for its most famous former civil servant, the Honorable Mayor Clint Eastwood. This quaint combination of art galleries, boutiques, hotels, shops, fine restaurants and whimsically styled homes evokes a storybook ambiance. - Follow 17-Mile Drive in picturesque Pebble Beach, one of the most scenic drives in the world. - Dining together is one of the most special parts of our experience; at least two meals each day, including wine and beer, are included throughout our adventure.
Brother Mickey McGrath's Art of the Spirit The Missions of Northern California April 22 nd 28 th, 2018 Name(s) Address City State ZIP Phone Cell Phone E-Mail $3,300 per person double occupancy Single Supplement is $700 Deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve your place. Personal checks accepted. Please return this form with the $500 per person, payable to: PO Box 131 62 Wall Street Douglas, MI 49406 MasterCard and Visa accepted with a 3% per person surcharge added to the final payment. Final payment is due by February 21, 2018 (60 days prior) This tour includes all hotels, ground transportation, tour guide, activities, meals, and drinks/wines as outlined in the program. Please note that this trip begins and ends at the San Francisco SFO airport. Air is NOT included to and from San Francisco. CANCELLATION: If canceled up to 60 days prior, there is a $500 cancellation fee. If canceled between 60 30 days prior, the penalty is 50% of the total cost of the trip. The trip is non-refundable if canceled within 30 days of departure. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information and reservations, please contact: David Geen (269) 857-1700 david@villasandvines.com www.villasandvines.com