Faith Journeys

02/10/2025

St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia, and is revered as the patroness of Benedictine nuns and as a symbol of piety and devotion. Born around 480 AD in Nursia, Italy, she was raised in a deeply Christian family. From an early age, Scholastica was drawn to the religious life, dedicating herself to God in a way that mirrored her brother’s own commitment to monasticism.

While Benedict founded his famous monastery at Monte Cassino, Scholastica established a convent nearby. Although their paths diverged, the siblings maintained a close spiritual bond. The two would often meet to discuss matters of faith and prayer. One such meeting, just a few days before her death in 543 AD, is marked by a miraculous event. When Scholastica expressed her desire to stay longer in conversation, Benedict, unable to remain, prayed for a way to keep her with him. A fierce storm erupted, preventing his departure, and they spent the entire night in prayer and discussion. It is said that this final meeting deepened their shared commitment to monastic life.

Scholastica died soon after this event, and Benedict, heartbroken, buried her in the same tomb where he would eventually be laid to rest. She is remembered for her deep spirituality, her dedication to the monastic way of life, and her role in supporting and sustaining the Benedictine tradition. Her feast day is celebrated on February 10.

If you’d like to learn more about the live of St. Scholastica, visit the convent she founded, or visit her grave at the Abbey of Montecassion, please contact Faith Journeys. We can build a customized itinerary to meet your needs. Call us at 877-732-4845 or email [email protected]

02/10/2025

The trip was super meaningful for everyone and having prayer time in the morning and evening was a good time to connect with each other to prepare for each day and reflect on what we experienced throughout the trip.

02/03/2025

The Equal Justice Initiative museums were not museums, but experiences. I knew much of the history, but this caused me to experience it “face to face” and my life is changed. For many of the travelers, walking over the bridge in Selma was an extremely moving experience. All of our travelers were profoundly moved by the Equal Justice Initiative museums

02/02/2025

Today marks a special day in the life of the church. The Christmas and Epiphany season is finally over (and the start of Lent is just around the corner). It is Candlemas (or the Feast of the Presentation). On this day, we remember Mary taking the infant Jesus to the Temple. In that one act, we find the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and to Simeon (giving us the words to the Nunc Demittis – or Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace) and the purification of Mary.

There are many Candlemas traditions from around that world that are still celebrated today. In France, it is tradition to eat Crepes and light all the candles in the house. In Luxembourg, groups of children roam the streets with lighted lanterns, singing traditional songs, looking to be rewarded with sweets. And in Italy, it is considered the last cold day of winter.

But, one of the greatest traditions is that of the Anglican Communion and the wonderful liturgy of The Feast of the Presentation. One can imagine a huge, dark, ancient stone Cathedral being spotted with light from hundreds of candles as a choir sings.

To help set the mood, here is a 1966 recording of Barry Rose directing the choir of Guildford Cathedral of Johannes Eccard (1553-1611) beautiful setting of “When to the Temple Mary Went”.

https://youtu.be/D5UnOTpwjr4

For more information on planning a pilgrimage to England, France, Italy or other Christian sites around the world, please contact Faith Journeys.

Guildford Cathedral Choir, directed by Barry Rose:Concert in the chapel of Charterhouse School, 21 February 1966:(The German composer and Kapellmeister Johan...

02/02/2025

Today we remember St. Brigid, or Brigid of Kildare. She is one of the three patron saints of Ireland (along with Patrick and Columba). She is thought to have been born in Dundalk, County Louth, around the year 451.

There is a story about the saint that states she was called to the deathbed of old pagan chieftain (in some version of the story, it was Brigid’s father). As she sat by the bedside of the dying man, she picked up rushes from the floor and began to weave them into a cross. As she weaved, she explained the meaning of the cross and the life of Christ. The man was so moved by her words that he asked to be baptized before he died.

Today, the simple weave and design of the St. Brigid’s Cross can be seen in religious and folk art. It is seen in Celtic jewelry from ancient times to today. People often make them from reeds, straw or grass and hang them over the doorways or windows of their home.

There are several videos on the internet showing how to make a traditional St. Brigid’s Cross. Here is one that is particularly easy to follow.

https://youtu.be/Yn_MG4HZVOo

If you’re interested in leading a pilgrimage to Ireland to learn more about St. Brigit or one of the other Celtic saints, please contact us at [email protected] or call 877-732-4845 ext. 208

Here is a little video of me demonstrating how to make a St. Brigid’s Cross which was filmed on the kitchen table this morning. I have been making them for t...

02/01/2025

Education is a core value at Faith Journeys, and we encourage everyone to take time this month to learn, reflect and celebrate Black history.

A great resource to get started is the official site of the Smithsonian
https://www.si.edu/events/black-history-month

If you are looking to journey domestically with your community with a focus on social justice, history and racial equity, Faith Journeys has curated a selection of pilgrimage sites and experiences designed to be meaningful, spiritual, and thought-provoking.

We will be showcasing these pilgrimages throughout this month so if you are interested in exploring our Social Justice and Racial Equity Pilgrimage program, please contact us at [email protected] or call877-732-4845 ext. 208.

Learn more about Black History Month

01/27/2025

January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion to remember the victims of Na**sm and to commit to preventing future genocides. As a travel company focus on faith-based group travel, we believe that shared travel can play a powerful role in fostering understanding, empathy, and a commitment to human rights. Visiting historical sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau and engaging with local communities can provide profound and personal experiences that deepen our understanding of history and the importance of fighting against hatred and discrimination.

Let us use the power of travel to learn from the past, to build bridges of understanding, and to create a future where such horrors never repeat.

01/25/2025

The Conversion of St. Paul depicts the moment when Paul receives a vision that changes his life. He became one of the leaders of the first generation of Christians.

Today, there are two churches dedicated to St. Paul in Rome

One being St. Paul Outside the Wall, one of the four major Papal Basilicas of Rome. It was consecrated in the 4th Century and was built over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus. Recent archaeological research at the site has discovered a white marble sarcophagus buried beneath the altar that contains the bones dating from the 1st or end century, suggesting they are indeed the remains of the Apostle Paul.

The other is St. Paul’s Within the Walls, The American Church in Rome and part of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. It was the first Protestant church to be built in Rome and was completed in 1880. It is known for beautiful mosaics and houses the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center.

01/22/2025

The arc of the trip was wonderful. We all learned so much about the places we visited, and about the Reformation. It was deeply enriching. Faith Journeys is the finest tour company we’ve worked with. They go the extra mile in meeting our needs. They are always attentive, friendly and helpful.

01/20/2025

Today we celebrate the birthday and remember the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Dr. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 9, 1968. This year will mark the 55th anniversary of that tragic day at the Lorraine Motel, in Memphis, TN. Today there are still opportunities to learn more about this great man, his life, and his philosophy. Some recommended sites include:

- Dr. and Mrs. King’s Crypt and The Eternal Flame, Atlanta, GA
- Freedom Hall, Atlanta, GA
- Dr. King’s Birth Home, Atlanta, GA
- Ebenezer Baptist Church – Heritage Sanctuary, Atlanta, GA
- Morehouse College MLK, JR Collection-National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, GA
- National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, TN
- Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Montgomery, AL
- Dexter Parsonage Museum, Montgomery, AL
- A.G. Gaston Motel, Birmingham, AL
- Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham, AL
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham, AL
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Washington, DC

01/16/2025

Exploring the ancient Roman Catacombs was an incredibly moving experience. Walking through those narrow tunnels, I felt a profound connection to the lives of those who had be laid to rest nearly 2000 years ago. It was a tangible reminder of shared faith and belonging that transcends time and space.

01/15/2025

The 2025 Jubilee is expected to attract millions of pilgrims to Rome, offering them opportunities for prayer, reflection, and participation in various religious events throughout the year.

Following the opening at St. Peter's Basilica, Holy Doors at other major basilicas in Rome have since been opened:
• December 29, 2024: St. John Lateran Basilica
• January 1, 2025: Basilica of Saint Mary Major
• January 5, 2025: Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The Jubilee Year will feature a series of events and celebrations aimed at fostering hope and unity among the faithful worldwide. Pilgrims are encouraged to engage in acts of mercy, seek reconciliation, and deepen their faith throughout this holy period.

It isn’t too late to plan your pilgrimage to Italy for the 2025 Jubilee, but time is running out. Please, contact us today to see how Faith Journeys can help your community be part of this special celebration.

01/12/2025

Today, the church remembers Aelred of Rievaulx. Born in 1110 in Hexham, Northumberland, Aelred was a prominent 12th-century Cistercian monk, abbot, and theologian. After spending time at the Scottish court, he renounced worldly life and joined the Cistercian monastery at Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire in 1134.

During his tenure, Aelred transformed Rievaulx into a thriving monastic community with over 600 monks at its peak. His writings, including The Mirror of Charity and Spiritual Friendship, offer profound reflections on Christian love, community, and the pursuit of holiness.

Today, pilgrims can wander through the ruins of the abbey to discover the architectural beauty of the site and to learn about its rich history. Many are drawn to the peaceful ambiance of the site, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection.

01/10/2025

The concept of a Jubilee year originates in the Bible (Leviticus 25). It was a time for social and spiritual reset in ancient Israel, marked by acts of forgiveness, debt cancellation, and the restoration of land. While the specific practices may differ, the core message of the Jubilee Year resonates deeply with Christian values

Inspired by the biblical concept of Jubilee and this Year of Hope, we encourage you to embark on a journey of personal and spiritual transformation through travel.

Find Hope in New Experiences by discovering new cultures, connect with nature, and step outside your comfort zone. Spread Hope by supporting local communities and contribute to sustainable tourism initiatives. Rediscover Hope by finding inspiration and renewal in the beauty of the world and the resilience of the human spirit.

Let us help you plan a travel experience that brings you and your community hope and joy during this Year of Hope.

01/10/2025

The Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, and the Garden Tomb were undoubtedly highlights for our 2020 tour. However, it was our devotional times at these sacred sites that truly resonated with our travelers, creating deeply personal and memorable experiences.

01/07/2025

Happy Orthodox Christmas to all who celebrate! ✨ May this day be filled with joy, peace, and the spirit of the season.

01/06/2025

Epiphany: A time for new beginnings and unexpected discoveries. ✨ May your journeys lead you to unexpected wonders. ✈️

01/06/2025

Twelve drummers drumming fading away? 🥁 Epiphany is tomorrow! 💫 Celebrate the arrival of the Magi and the revelation of Jesus.

Feeling called to deepen your faith? ✨ A pilgrimage alongside your faith community is a life changing experience.

Follow the "star" and come and see and discover a renewed sense of wonder.