Exploring Our Ignatian Heritage: An Anniversary Pilgrimage to Spain and Rome June 23 July 3, 2014 Father Philip Judge, S.J. invites you to join him and fellow alumni on a pilgrimage in celebration of the Regis Centennial. Come and explore the heritage of the early Jesuits in Spain and Rome the heritage that grounded Fr. David Hearn and our Foundress as they brought an Ignatian educational vision to life on 84 th Street. 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 power and culture), religious conflict (with Reformers and Muslims), and economic pressures. The institutions they founded remain relevant and vibrant even in our own day. In places of great historical and religious significance, such as Loyola, Xavier, Montserrat, Manresa, and Rome we will have a chance to learn about Ignatius life and gain an appreciation for our role as those entrusted to preserve that heritage in our lives and here at Regis. Our program includes guided visits to historical/religious sites, liturgies at inspiring historical chapels and churches, and enough leisure to explore sites on our itinerary at your own pace. Come and join us on a special journey to discover the heritage that continues to animate Regis! 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 Monday, June 23 Departure from JFK for Bilbao, Spain. Dinner and breakfast will be served on the flights. Tuesday, June 24 Arrival Bilbao. Our group will be met by our local tour manager who will assist with our arrival and transfer by private motorcoach to Loyola. We will also stop at the Guggenheim Museum complex to see the building and, depending on time, spend a little time on the grounds. We continue then to Loyola and check into our hotel. We will enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, followed by a welcome liturgy and orientation. Overnight in Loyola. Bilbao is located in the Spanish region of Bizkaia (Biscay) in the Basque country. Its 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. Bilbao is our point of departure for our pilgrimage a great place to get our bearings and adjust to the local culture. Wednesday, June 25 Breakfast. Guided visit to the Castle with Mass at the Chapel of Conversion. Visit St. Sebastian (site of Ignatius' baptism) and the hospital where he convalesced. Lunch at Hotel Arrupe and some free time. Afternoon visit to Our Lady of Arantzazu. Return to Loyola for dinner/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 Breakfast. This morning we travel to Xavier with a guided visit to the Castle, and celebrate Mass. We continue then to Zaragosa - with a wine tasting/luncheon near Olite. On arrival in Zaragosa, we will have some free time with the possibility to walk to Our Lady of Pilar - one of the sites Ignatius visited en route to Montserrat. Dinner and overnight in Zaragosa. We will have an opportunity to meet this evening for discussion. 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. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar was built on the site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the apostle St. James the Greater before her glorious assumption into heaven. She comforted him and gave him a column of jasper with a small wooden statue of herself and asked that the church and altar be built here in her honor and named Our Lady of the Pillar.
Friday, June 27 Breakfast. This morning we travel to Montserrat and check into our hotel. We will have some free time to enjoy the grounds. Late this afternoon/early evening, we will visit the Basilica and celebrate Mass in the chapel behind the Black Madonna. Evening prayer at the abbey followed by dinner and overnight in Montserrat. We will have an opportunity to meet this evening for discussion. 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 Breakfast. This morning we travel to Manresa. We will visit the Cave of St. Ignatius with liturgy. We continue then to Barcelona. There we will visit The Gothic Quarter including the Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar and Sacred Heart. Later in the day we visit Sagrada Familia. The evening will be free for participants to get dinner on their own. Overnight in Barcelona. 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. 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. Sunday, June 29 Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Rome. En route to the city, we will visit the Catacombs and St. Paul Outside the Walls (with Mass). We then check into the hotel for an evening at leisure. St. Paul Outside the Walls is built over the burial site of St. Paul and near the location of his martyrdom. The original basilica, burned in 1823 but rebuilt according to the original 4th century plan, allows visitors to experience the magnificence of monumental Roman structures. The church boasts beautiful mosaics and a graceful medieval cloister. St. Paul Outside the Walls is on the traditional 7-Church walk, a lenten tradition of walking to important historical religious sites. St. Ignatius made this walk and it was here that five of Ignatius companions made solemn vows in 1541. A visit of the Catacombs follows a venerable Christian custom of visiting the graves of early martyrs and popes. In the Catacombs (underground burial chambers dug in the volcanic soil along the Via Appia Antica) there are several clusters of underground tunnels (St. Callistus, S. Domitilla, S. Sebastiano and others) that
boast some of the earliest Christian art and inscriptions providing an impressive window into early Christian beliefs and practices. Monday, June 30 Breakfast. We will have a guided visit to the Ignatian sites today, including the apartments of St. Ignatius (with Mass there), the Gesu, San Ignazio, and Collegio Romano. Later we will visit the Jesuit Curia. This evening we will enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant in Rome. Overnight in Rome. The early Jesuits were an important force in the reform of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century. They were active in founding and running Roman charitable and educational institutions. These early Jesuit sites are located in the very center of what is today the historic district and heart of Rome. The Apartments of St. Ignatius adjoin the Gesu the main Jesuit church of Rome. This site was deliberately chosen by Ignatius because of its location along the processional route from St. John Lateran (the official church of the Pope in Rome) and St. Peter s Basilica and the Vatican. It was also a developing area of Rome as the Popes sought to rebuild the city. It was also adjacent to the Jewish Quarter and figured into Ignatius desire to play a prominent role in the dissemination of the Gospel in the center of urban life. Several structures were occupied until this current complex where Ignatius led the early life and activity of the Order and eventually died. St. Ignatius wanted to build a large church in the area near his residence and even commissioned Michelangelo to design one. Neighbors opposed him but Pope Paul III finally gave approval for the structure in 1568. The church reflects the so-called Jesuit style of religious architecture - severe and solemn. It was a cross between Renaissance and Baroque art. The layout of the church emphasized the importance of preaching and made it possible for those attending services to witness the sacraments and hear the sermon. In the Chapel of Ignatius, the remains of St. Ignatius are buried. The Collegio Romano was first founded as a school of Grammar, Humanity and Christian Doctrine in 1551. It grew quickly and changed locations until Pius IV obtained the palazzo of Marchesa Vittoria della Tolfa to house the growing number of students in 1560. The current structure is a public school but is joined to the magnificent church of San Ignazio a structure built to serve the needs of the nearly 2000 students in the early 17th century. Within the Collegio Romano are preserved rooms occupied by Aloysius Gonzaga and other early Jesuits. The Jesuit Curia is the headquarters for the Society of Jesus. We will have an opportunity to gain an appreciation for the global work of the Order, meet with leaders, and tour the facilities. Tuesday, July 1 Breakfast. We will celebrate Mass this morning at St. Peter's Basilica. We will then visit La Storta. We return to Rome for some free time. Options will be made available to participants - such as a guided visit to the Vatican Museums or the Forum/Colosseum. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Rome. The current St. Peter's Basilica was begun in the early 1500s to replace the ancient basilica begun in 324 under Constantine. Constantine chose the site outside the main part of Rome because it was a cemetery containing the tomb of St. Peter. St. Peter was martyred during a persecution of Christians following the great fire of Rome in 64. There was a circus or arena in this area - and Christians were killed in the arena (including St. Peter). Over the years, pilgrims came to the cemetery to celebrate the martyrdom of Peter. Constantine created a large platform on the steep hillside by filling in Roman Mausolea as foundations. St. Peter's Basilica was one of the primary pilgrimage destinations for Christians for centuries. Pope Julius II decided the old structure was too unstable and began the work to build a new larger structure. The building of the current St. Peter's took 125 years and involved the work of great artists such as Bramante, Sangallo, Michelangelo and Bernini. For many decades the old St. Peter's was encircled by the construction of the new building. Eventually the old was dismantled. There was much controversy surrounding the design of the dome. Bramante's original design was more in keeping with the shape of the dome of the Pantheon - a lower profile. Michelangelo designed a more elevated dome - one that would be more visible and create a punctuation mark in the urban landscape. Bernini finished the structure with his magnificent baldachino and arched colonnade and square. During the 1940s, archaeologists excavated under the basilica after a workman punctured a hole and found a Roman mausoleum. The archaeologists discovered an extensive Roman cemetery and ultimately the tomb of St. Peter. This was important confirmation of the original purpose for the basilica and its longstanding role as monument to St. Peter. The basilica is the largest Christian church in the world. Its dimensions are larger than life and create the sensation of entering a whole other world
as one walks through the doors and front portico. Michelangelo's famous "Pieta'" is housed in a small chapel on the right as one enters. Many important paintings from the original St. Peter's have been preserved in the new through mosaic reproductions. The building centers around the crypt surrounding St. Peter's tomb and the papal altar over it. On the lower level numerous popes are buried in the crypt. St. Peter's Square serves as an important site for Papal ceremonies, audiences, and liturgies. Bernini's colonnade creates arms welcoming pilgrims from around the world. La Storta is a little town right outside of Rome. This is the place where St. Ignatius had one of his most profound spiritual experiences. During prayer, he had a vision of Jesus carrying the cross instructing him to serve the Lord. Wednesday, July 2 Breakfast. We will have a group meeting this morning and then attend the Papal Audience. The afternoon will be at leisure. Late this afternoon we will visit St. Mary Major and San Andrea al Quirinale (with Mass at one of these sites). Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Rome center. Overnight Rome. The beautiful basilica of St. Mary Major was built in the 5th century after the Council of Ephesus to honor Mary. It has been embellished, but retains much of its original with some of the oldest mosaics in Christianity narrating Biblical stories on the side walls. It was here that St. Ignatius celebrated his first Mass as a priest believing that his altar was above a piece of wood from Jesus crib. S. Andrea Al Quirinale was the site of a former Jesuit novitiate. In the late 17th century, they commissioned a church on this site and through their new found influence, were able to engage the papal architect, Bernini. The side altars celebrate the visionary pioneers of the order from the 16th century including Francis Xavier and Ignatius Loyola. One chapel is dedicated to St. Kostka, a polish nobleman who walked over 600 miles to join the novitiate on this site against his family s wishes. Other famous Jesuits who attended the novitiate here include Aquaviva, Cottam, and Gonzaga. Canisius once preached here, and Bellarmine died here. This church is an architectural gem and is still staffed by Jesuits. Thursday, July 3 Breakfast. We transfer to the airport for our return to JFK.. Inclusive Features Roundtrip air transportation via regularly scheduled flights between JFK~Bilbao and Rome~JFK. Hotel accommodations in twin-bedded rooms with private baths as follows: o Loyola ~ 2 nights o Zaragosa ~ 1 night o Montserrat ~ 1 night o Barcelona ~ 1 night o Rome ~ 4 nights Continental buffet breakfast served daily in the hotels. One lunch at Hotel Arrupe. One luncheon and wine tasting near Olite. Four dinners at the hotels in Spain. One dinner including beverages at a local restaurant in Rome. One Farewell dinner including beverages at a local restaurant in Rome. Services of a professional tour manager throughout Spain and Rome. 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.. Program Prices $4300.00 per person based on double occupancy + $ 675.00 additional - airline taxes, airport fees, security fees, fuel surcharges (estimate as of September 13, 2013) $630.00 supplement for single room occupancy Please note: Single rooms for single use are limited to 10% of the total number of rooms reserved. Thereafter, double rooms for single use will be secured at a supplemental cost of approximately 150%. Alternatively, if you have selected double occupancy but no roommate is available due to uneven numbers or if your roommate should cancel you will be in a single room and responsible for the single room supplement.
Land Only Program Prices: (Excludes all air transatlantic transportation and airport transfers. The flight from Barcelona to Rome is included in the Land Only Program.) $3800.00 per person based on double occupancy + $ 55.00 additional Barcelona to Rome flight airline taxes, airport fees, security fees, fuel surcharges (estimate as of September 13, 2013) $ 630.00 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: $ 320.00 Deluxe Group Travel Insurance Plan (will provide 100% reimbursement if cancellation is for a covered reason, will provide 0% if reason is not covered.) $ 445.00 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. 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: September 2013, and on 2013 land and air tariffs and are subject to change. All services are provided subject to Illume s Conditions and Clauses. 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 November 15, 2013 to: Mr. Vincent Catapano Regis High School 55 East 84th St. New York, NY 10028 646-657-2112 vcatapano@regis.org Checks can be made payable to illume. A second non-refundable deposit of $1800 due not later than: January 25, 2014 Balance of payment due not later than: March 25, 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. Please contact Mr.Catapano with any questions. Program No. 14.10255 www.travelillume.com/trc/qjc The prices are based on availability of services at the time registration material is received; currency exchange rates in effect