In the Footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola June 24 July 1, 2014 St. Louis University High School (St. Louis), Regis Jesuit High School (Aurora, CO), and De Smet Jesuit High School (St. Louis) invite you to join an exciting and inspiring pilgrimage to one of the most beautiful regions of Spain. These schools draw from a rich heritage that goes back to 16th century Spain when a visionary young man, Ignatius of Loyola, responded to God s call. We will visit places that shaped Ignatius life and spirituality and gain an appreciation for the historical and cultural context that gave birth to the Society of Jesus. Ignatius and his early companions faced a complex moment in history brought about by the printing press (quick dissemination of information), discovery of new worlds (displacing traditional centers of culture and power), religious conflict (with Reformers and Muslims), and economic pressures. The institutions they founded particularly educational ones - remain relevant and vibrant even in our own day. In places of great historical and religious significance such as Loyola, Xavier, Montserrat, Manresa and Barcelona we will have a chance to learn about Ignatius life, explore the rich historical context of his life in northeast Spain, and consider our role in advancing that mission in our contemporary world. We are all members of a global community that is increasingly interdependent. The future of our world depends on our cultivating a spirit of hospitality, respect, understanding and compassion for one another. Enlightenment comes in many forms, but we believe that there are few life experiences more moving than exploring other cultures, meeting people of diverse backgrounds, and becoming a citizen of the world leading and inspiring respectful and compassionate ways of life.
Our Program Tuesday, June 24 Participants will make their own way to Bilbao and to the designated hotel. This evening we will have a Welcome reception and dinner at a nearby restaurant. Overnight in Bilbao. Bilbao is located in the Spanish region of Bizkaia (Biscay) in the Basque country. It's Spain biggest port and sixth largest city. For many, Bilbao is synonymous with its spectacular Guggenheim Museum which opened in 1997 signaling the dawn of a new era for this heavily industrialized city which previously held little interest for the international traveler. These days thousands of visitors flock to the city with the sole purpose of seeing the Guggenheim which, in the view of many, has as much artistic merit as the many masterpieces housed within it. Wednesday, June 25 Theme: Birthplace and Conversion of St. Ignatius Breakfast. This morning we travel to Loyola, where we will take a guided visit to the Castle (his birthplace) and celebrate Mass at Conversion Chapel. We then check into hotel Arrupe and have some time to enjoy the grounds. We will eat lunch at a restaurant across the street from the sanctuary. This afternoon we visit Our Lady of Arantzazu - one of the places Ignatius visited. We return to Loyola for dinner and overnight. Surrounded by mountain scenery, Loyola is the birthplace of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits. He was born in 1491, died in 1556, and was canonized in 1622. The Sanctuary here is a testament to the life and work of Ignatius. In the 1700s, the Jesuits built a structure here around the original family manor. The basilica is the work of Italian architect Fontana. Santa Casa, with its 15th century tower on the site of the former Loyola manor house, displays rooms in which the saint was born and in which he convalesced. The Casa Santa (Holy House) is an old medieval tower house where St. Ignatius was born and grew up. The lower half is a fortress. The upper half is a nicely appointed manorial household. Pilgrims are able to walk through the house and its various levels concluding with a visit to the Conversion Chapel the place where Ignatius convalesced and read spiritual writings on the life of Christ and the Saints that led to his profound conversion. Throughout the region there are several shrines that Ignatius visited including Our Lady of Olatz (near the sanctuary of Loyola), La Antigua Hermitage in Zumarraga and, perhaps most importantly, Our Lady of Arantzazu. Ignatius visited Arantazazu on his journey to Barcelona. The Sanctuary of Arantzazu was established after the Virgin appeared to a local shepherd in 1469 (a hermitage was first established). Today a modern church surrounds an historic statue of the Virgin. It is a popular destination for local pilgrims and hikers as it is perched high in the mountains. Thursday, June 26 Theme: Ignatius' Early Companion and Great Missionary - St. Francis Xavier Breakfast. This morning we will visit St. Sebastian (church where he was baptized), the Hospital, and Our Lady of Olatz, all in Azpeitia. We will celebrate Mass at Our Lady of Olatz. We then travel to Xavier and take a guided visit to Xavier Castle. Dinner and overnight in Xavier. Azpeitia is the name of the village associated with St. Ignatius birth. It is likely that he was baptized here at the parish church of St. Sebastian. When he returned from Paris, rather than staying at the Castle in Loyola, Ignatius stayed in the Hospital of Magdalene. While here, he preached at St. Sebastian and at the hermitage of Our Lady of Elosiaga. Near Azpeitia lies the Hermitage of Olatz that includes an image of the Virgin Mary to which Ignatius was particularly devoted. Our Lady of Olatz is a small chapel on a hillside not far from Ignatius home. Inigo spent time praying at Santa Maria de Olatz as a boy and youth. We will celebrate a welcome liturgy there this evening, gaining an appreciation for the devotion St. Ignatius had and entering the spirit of his journey. Xavier Castle is the birthplace of St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis was one of the great Jesuit missionaries. Here at the restored castle and chapel/sanctuary, we will have an opportunity to consider St. Francis heritage, the position of his family, and the influences that inspired him in his journey. The Castle of Javier/Xavier was first built in the 10th century. In the 14th century, the enclosure was reinforced and buildings enlarged to become a veritable castle. St. Francis Xavier was born here in
1506. There is a spot in the more recent basilica that marks the place of his birth. The remote and mountainous setting of the Castle make this a nice place for retreat and prayer. Friday, June 27 Theme: The Camino di San Iganzio - en route to Montserrat. Breakfast. This morning we begin travel to Montserrat. If time and interest permit, we will stop at a couple of the towns along the Camino Ignaciano. We will enjoy a lunch and wine tasting enroute between Zaragosa and Poblet/Montblanc, and take a guided visit to the abbey of Poblet. We continue to Montserrat, with Mass and a visit to the Basilica on arrival. Dinner and overnight in Montserrat. Poblet is a beautiful Cistercian monastery that was built to foster the Christian repopulation of the area after the defeat of the Muslims. Although not an Ignatian site, it helps participants gain an appreciation for the religious heritage of the region and understand the spiritual backdrop of Ignatius world. It might be interesting in Jesuit pilgrimages to compare and contrast the monastic orders with the kind of order the Jesuits formed one that was not monastic but rather an order that developed pastoral institutions (such as schools) in urban settings. Montserrat is a mountain range about 40 miles northwest of Barcelona. Here you can find the Benedictine monastery which has served pilgrims and visitors for almost 1000 years. More than 80 monks still live here and follow the 6th century Benedictine Rule. We will get a chance to view the Black Madonna. The Montserrat Virgin was found in a cave on top of the mountain in the 800 s. It was a site of pilgrimage and a monastery was founded there several hundred years later. The large monastery was one of five hermitages on the mountain and became very prominent in the 13th and 14th centuries. Pope Julius II was one of its abbots. During the 19th century, the monastery was sacked by the French and, thus, the current buildings reflect later rebuilding. Here Ignatius laid down his sword before the Madonna and left behind his old life. Saturday, June 28 Theme: The Spiritual Exercises Breakfast. This morning we will visit Manresa to celebrate Mass at the Cave of St. Ignatius and spend time there. We will have some free time afterwards to walk down to the river or explore the town. We return to Montserrat for the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Montserrat. Manresa is a site where Ignatius arrived on March 25 1522 from Montserrat. He spent 10 months in Manresa when he was scheduled only to remain a couple of days on his way to Barcelona. The site includes the cave where Ignatius made his retreat and began writing the Spiritual Exercises. Sunday, June 29 Theme: Ignatius Continues His Journey Onward Breakfast. We will celebrate morning Mass at Montserrat. We then travel to Barcelona for a day at leisure. Overnight in Barcelona. Dating back to 218 BC, Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya. It is a progressive, industrial, middle-class city that has developed into a cosmopolitan and popular European destination - favored by both commercial and tourist interests. Barcelona's individual and eclectic spirit is exemplified in the rich modern architecture - particularly that of Gaudi. His famous church, The Sagrada Familia, begun in 1883, continues to amaze visitors with its whimsical shapes. The historic Gothic Quarter includes a beautiful 13th and 14th century Romanesque cathedral. A walking tour through this district evokes important historical perspectives of medieval Barcelona. The area was built on ancient Roman foundations and includes traces of various civilizations that have influenced Barcelona - including Jewish and Arab. Beautiful medieval and Renaissance churches and convents grace this historical district as well. Barcelona has many world-class museums - many located on Montjuic (mountain of the Jews) that commands spectacular views of the city. Barcelona's location as a port and crossroads of the Mediterranean makes it a great destination for studying cultural history. A stroll along the Rambla - a long pedestrian area of shops and cafes - enables visitors to savor Catalonian hospitality and charm!
Monday, June 30 Theme: The Historical and Cultural Palette of Barcelona Breakfast. This morning we visit the Sagrada Familia (with Mass) and Sacred Heart- to see Ignatius' sword and learn about the Jesuits' ministry in this area. In the afternoon we will take a guided visit to the Gothic Quarter - including the Cathedral, excavations under the Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar. This evening we will enjoy a Farewell dinner at a typical restaurant with Paella. Overnight in Barcelona. Barcelona's individual and eclectic spirit is exemplified in the rich modern architecture - particularly that of Gaudi. His famous church, The Sagrada Familia, begun in 1883, continues to amaze visitors with its whimsical shapes. Gaudi became involved in the project later and totally redesigned it with a vision for a modern and soaring project. Designs for the project can be viewed in the museum under the church. The basilica was dedicated formally only in 2010 and is still 10-20 years away from completion. The interior includes soaring pillars, stain glass, and uniquely shaped capitals, giving it an organic and moving look. Visitors can ascend to viewing platforms in one of the towers enjoying panoramic views of Barcelona below. Entering the Sagrada Familia parallels visits to other world-class religious structures and underscores the manner in which religious architecture evokes movement of the soul and spirit. Sacred Heart (Sagrat Cor) is a beautiful church built by the Jesuits to hold the sword that Ignatius gave up at Montserrat to Our Lady in 1522 as a token of his conversion. The sword was preserved at the monastery until 1907 when it was given to the Jesuits who placed it in Sagrat Cor. The historic Gothic Quarter of Barcelona includes a beautiful 13th and 14th century Romanesque cathedral. A walking tour through this district evokes important historical perspectives of medieval Barcelona. The area was built on ancient Roman foundations and includes traces of various civilizations that have influenced Barcelona - including Jewish and Arab. We will concentrate on the sites connected with the Ignatius in Barcelona and in the Gothic Quarter and their significance for helping us gain an appreciation for Ignatius life and choices at this time. Tuesday, July 1 Theme: We go forth as pilgrims transformed Breakfast. One group transfer to the airport will be provided this morning.. Inclusive Features Superior three star hotel accommodations in twinbedded rooms with private baths as follows: o Bilbao~ 1 night o Loyola~ 1 night o Xavier ~ 1 night o Montserrat ~ 2 nights o Barcelona ~ 2 nights Continental buffet breakfast served daily in the hotels. One Welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Bilbao. One lunch at a local restaurant in Loyola. One wine tasting and luncheon near Poblet. Four dinners served at the hotels. One farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Barcelona. Services of a professional tour manager in Spain. Transportation via private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach with English speaking assistance. Privately guided sightseeing with government-licensed expert local guides as per itinerary. Luggage, porterage, road and local taxes.. Land Only Program Prices: (excludes all air transportation and airport transfers) $2835.00 per person based on double occupancy $ 450.00 supplement for single room occupancy All prices listed are discounted for payment by check. When paying with a credit card you will be charged the standard base price which is 5% higher. Travel Insurance Premiums: $ 170.00 Deluxe Group Travel Insurance Plan (will provide 100% reimbursement if cancellation is for a covered reason, will provide 0% if reason is not covered.) $ 260.00 Deluxe Plan with Cancel for Any Reason (will provide 100% reimbursement if cancellation is for a covered reason, will provide 75% if reason is not covered.) The Group Deluxe Insurance plan is optional. If you wish to purchase the plan, the premium must be paid with your initial deposit on the same check. The policy can be found on the Travel
Resource Center for your program under the Group Deluxe Insurance Plan link. Please note that the travel insurance covers the cost of the Land Only program. It does not cover the cost of your airfare. If you wish to purchase insurance for your airfare, please visit the Travel Insurance link on the Travel Resource Center and follow the links under Individual Plans. A separate insurance plan called Airline Ticket Protector is offered. Illume recommends that you purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of the investment you will make. Travel insurance provides peace of mind and protection against the unexpected. Please read the illume Conditions and Clauses attached to the Program Registration Application to review the charges that will apply in the event that you cancel your program participation. Illume offers several options to travel insurance. To learn more click on the Travel Insurance link provided on the Travel Resource Center for your program: www.travelillume.com/trc/fmt The prices are based on availability of services at the time registration material is received; currency exchange rates in effect July 2013, and on 2013 land and air tariffs and are subject to change. All services are provided subject to Illume s Conditions and Clauses. Or Don Albert (at De Smet Jesuit) 233 North New Ballas, St. Louis, MO 63141 dalbert@desmet.org (314) 567-3500 ex 269 Checks can be made payable to illume. A second non-refundable deposit of $1200 due not later than: December 15, 2013 Balance of payment due not later than: March 26, 2014 Note: Any changes to the program will be outlined in the final documents which you will receive one month prior to departure. If changes are made that affect the program price, you will receive an invoice or a credit accordingly. Program No. 14.10240 The program prices will be reviewed before the invoices for the final payment are mailed, and will reflect the prices current in 2014. Program Registration: Complete the Registration Application. Forward with your $ 800.00 deposit per person (and insurance premium if applicable) no later than September 15, 2013 to: Matt Sciuto (at St. Louis University High School) 4970 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 msciuto@sluh.org (314) 531-0330 Or Gretchen Kessler (at Regis Jesuit High School) 6300 S. Lewiston Way, Aurora, CO 80016 gkessler@regisjesuit.com (303) 269-8100