God is Restoring All Things

A Pilgrimage to France

July 18 - 27, 2021

About

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for this pilgrimage is now closed as the trip is being rescheduled for summer 2022. Dates and more information to be announced soon. Join Benet Academy and Verso Ministries on a pilgrimage of faith, beauty, and healing. From Lourdes to magnificent French cathedrals the faith of the saints to the world’s best food, France is a trip no Catholic would want to miss. With so much to do there, Verso has designed a pilgrimage that’s as intentional as it is infused with rich experiences.

Trip Details

Group Type

Benet Academy Students and Families, 15-45 pilgrims

Activity Level

Moderate

Length

10 days, 9 nights

Accommodations

Standard

Cost

As low as

$4,027

Deposit:

$500

What's Included

Dedicated pilgrimage director, supplemented by local guides
Custom booklet for each pilgrim
Catholic chaplain
Daily Mass
Private transportation on motor coach & Pau-Paris airfare
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
Standard accommodations
Breakfast daily at hotel, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, including wine at dinners
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), and meals
Audio headsets

Itinerary

July 18
Depart U.S.
  • Depart U.S. (flights not included in the package)
July 19
Toulouse, Lourdes
  • Arrive Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and transfer to the Church of the Jacobins to venerate St. Thomas Aquinas’ tomb and for the Opening Mass
  • Continue to Lourdes for the Welcome dinner in local restaurant
  • Overnight in Lourdes
  • Accommodations: Mercure Lourdes Imperial Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Dinner
July 20
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Celebrate Mass at local church (pending availability)
  • Discover the Shrine on a walking tour, including the St. Bernadette’s and Miracles museums, and external views of Chapel of Reconciliation, the Basilica, the Grotto, and Baths
  • Spend the afternoon at the Sanctuary and take time to participate in prayers at the Grotto, walk the Way of the Cross, visit the healing baths, or receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
  • Evening group reflection and dinner
  • Participate in the nightly Rosary and the Torchlight Procession at the Shrine
  • Overnight in Lourdes
  • Accommodations: Mercure Lourdes Imperial Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
July 21
Lourdes, The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Morning Mass in local church (pending availability)
  • Explore the city, including shops, Boly Mill (birthplace of St. Bernadette) and the “Cachot” (St. Bernadette’s family home)
  • Free afternoon to take part in a variety of devotional practices at the Shrine
  • Evening group reflection and dinner
  • Participate in the nightly Rosary and Torchlight Procession at the Shrine
  • Overnight in Lourdes
  • Accommodations: Mercure Lourdes Imperial Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
July 22
Pau, Paris, Bayeux
  • Depart Lourdes and fly from Pau to Paris
  • Transfer to Bayeux, along the way enjoy the scenic view and tastes of region with a cheese tasting at the Graindorge E Fromagerie, a cheese factory in Livarot
  • Mass at Bayuex Cathedral (pending availability)
  • Overnight in Bayeux
  • Accommodations: Grand Hôtel du Luxembourg or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
July 23
Normandy, American Cemetery, Bayeux
  • Morning Mass in local church (pending availability)
  • All day discovering Normandy with guided tour and free time
  • Overnight in Bayeux
  • Accommodations: Grand Hôtel du Luxembourg or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
July 24
Lisieux, Paris, Seine River
  • Transfer to Paris
  • En-route stop at Lisieux including Basilica of St. Thérèse with Mass, Les Buissonets, Carmelite Convent
  • Panoramic tour of Paris
  • Dinner cruise on the Seine River
  • Overnight in Paris
  • Accommodations: Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
July 25
Paris
  • All day visiting pilgrimage churches including Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, Sainte Chapelle, Miraculous Medal Chapel, St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart of Montmartre, including welcome by one of the Benedictine sisters, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and Mass (pending availability)
  • Overnight in Paris
  • Accommodations: Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
July 26
Paris
  • Choose your adventure – free day
  • Closing evening Mass at local church (pending) and Farewell dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Paris
  • Accommodations: Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
July 27
Departure
  • Depart Paris (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast
(extension)July 27
Nevers, Paray-le-Monial
  • Transfer to Nevers to visit where St. Bernadette was born
  • Continue to Paray-le-Monial to the Shrine of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoqu, home of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for personal prayer and Mass
  • Overnight in Paray-le-Monial
  • Accommodations: Hôtel des 3 pigeons or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
(extension)July 28
Ars-Sur-Formans, Annecy, Geneva
  • Morning transfer through the scenic French countryside to Ars-Sur-Formans to visit the shrine of St. John Vianney and celebrate Mass
  • Transfer to Geneva with en route stop at Annecy to pray at the Basilica of the Visitation and venerate the relics of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal
  • Overnight in Geneva
  • Accommodations: Novotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
(extension)July 29
Departure
  • Depart Geneva (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Led by

ChaplainGroup Leader
Rev. Michael Groth
Lisle, IL

Fr. Michael Groth was born and raised in Bourbonnais, IL where he attended Catholic schools. A 2011 graduate of Bishop McNamara Catholic High School, Fr. Michael attended St. John Vianney College Seminary on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Completing his time in seminary, he recently graduated from Mundelein Seminary. Having been ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on June 20, 2020, Fr. Michael is assigned as parochial vicar at SS. Peter and Paul in Naperville, IL and associate chaplain at Benet Academy in Lisle, IL. Traveling, encountering the saints and going on pilgrimages is something he enjoys. Fr. Michael studied in Rome for five months, including several weeks in France, where he studied Church art history. He is excited to return to France with the Benet community.

Rev. Michael Groth
Lisle, IL

Fr. Michael Groth was born and raised in Bourbonnais, IL where he attended Catholic schools. A 2011 graduate of Bishop McNamara Catholic High School, Fr. Michael attended St. John Vianney College Seminary on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Completing his time in seminary, he recently graduated from Mundelein Seminary. Having been ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on June 20, 2020, Fr. Michael is assigned as parochial vicar at SS. Peter and Paul in Naperville, IL and associate chaplain at Benet Academy in Lisle, IL. Traveling, encountering the saints and going on pilgrimages is something he enjoys. Fr. Michael studied in Rome for five months, including several weeks in France, where he studied Church art history. He is excited to return to France with the Benet community.

Pricing

As low as

$4,027

Package Cost (without savings)

$4,327

Trip Savings

Early bird (first 20 pilgrims to register)
Save $200/person
Pay balance by check
Save $100/person

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$890/person
Travel protection
Travel protection quote emailed after booking*
Individually arranged flights with LUXE Travel
Published fare +$40/person
Optional extension (July 27 - 29)
$1,541/person
Extension single room supplement (limited availability)
$281/person

Optional

“As low as” price includes savings for early bird and pay balance by check.
Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

*Travel protection price is calculated based on the traveler’s age, state of residence, length of trip, and total trip cost.

Rates assume a minimum of 15 full-paying pilgrims.

  • Airfare (available as optional add-on), except for estimated Pau-Paris flight
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Meals while traveling, as well as 4 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Drinks at meals, other than wine at dinners
  • Recommended travel protection (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Designated arrival and departures times

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: July 19, 2021
    • Arrival time: By 2:00 p.m.
    • Arrival airport: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
    • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims arriving by 2:00 p.m. will be transferred in one group to the Church of the Jacobins in Toulouse.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: July 27, 2021
    • Departure time: Anytime on July 27
    • Departure airport: Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG)
    • Departure transfer: Pilgrims departing on July 27 will be transferred to the airport in groups according to departure time.
  • Extension departure information
    • If you have elected to add on the Extension package, please arrange your departing flight plan according to the following information.
      • Depart on: July 29, 2021
      • Departure time: Anytime on July 29
      • Departure airport: Genève Aéroport (GVA)
      • Departure transfer: Pilgrims departing on July 29 will be transferred to the airport in groups according to departure time.

 

Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Private transfer information and pricing can be found in the Additional Information section below.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Want help arranging your flights?

  • If you would like assistance booking your flights, we are happy to offer the services of our travel partner, LUXE Travel. To get started, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or (574) 383-9396 and we will connect you with a LUXE Travel agent.
  • Please note: In addition to the published ticket price, there is a $40 /person ticketing fee for this service.

Standard Accommodations

  • Lourdes: Mercure Lourdes Imperial Hotel or similar
  • Bayeux: Grand Hôtel du Luxembourg or similar
  • Paris: Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche or similar

 

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Private transfer from Toulouse airport to Lourdes hotel/city center – $497 per transfer (up to 8 pax)
  • Private transfer from Pau airport to Lourdes hotel/city center – $238 per transfer (up to 8 pax)
  • Private transfer from Tarbes airport to Lourdes hotel/city center – $137 per transfer (up to 8 pax)
  • Private transfer from Paris hotel to Paris airport – $186 per transfer (up to 8 pax)
  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designating times at the designated airport, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times and locations are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Arriving early or staying late? Pre-stay and post-stay options

 

Additional services

  • Half-day tour of Paris (4 hours)
    • Without transportation – $258/group
    • With transportation – $569/group (up to 3 pax)
  • Full-day tour of Paris (10 hours)
    • Without transportation – $497/group
    • With transportation – $857/group (up to 3 pax)
  • Please note: Tips, meals, and entrance fees are not included in price
  • Need to book additional services? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Optional Extension
July 27-29, 2021 (3 days / 2 nights)

Price: $1,541/person in double occupancy room
Rates assume a minimum of 2 full-paying pilgrims; pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms.

Single room supplement: $281/person
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Standard Accommodations:
Paray-le-Monial: Hôtel des 3 pigeons or similar
Geneva : Novotel or similar

 

Extension includes:

  • Professional English-speaking local guide(s)
  • Private transportation
  • All tickets and activities for included activities listed on itinerary
  • Standard accommodations
  • Breakfast and lunch daily

Extension does not include:

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Dinners
  • Drinks at meals
  • Gratuities for guide(s), driver(s), and meals
  • Recommended travel protection (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

 

Curious how this extension will affect your flight arrangements?

  • Please see the Flight Information section above for more information about flight arrangements.


Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Private transfer from Geneva hotel to Geneva airport – $173 per transfer (up to 3 pax)
  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designating times at the designated airport, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times and locations are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Staying late? Post-stay options

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
Final balance due 120 days prior to departure – Final balance

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Final package price is estimated. Prices are based on the current (as of February 2020) exchange rate of 1 Euro to $1.20 USD. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect the final pilgrimage pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

 

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims and fees will be charged per person per booking.

Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here.

  • Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free Cancellation*
  • 91 days or more from departure: Deposit is retained
  • 90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

*Free cancellation (if deposit is made more than 180 days prior to departure)

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted.

FAQ

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Not only does registering guarantee you a spot on the pilgrimage before the departure fills up, but if you are one of the first 20 pilgrims to register you will receive the early bird discount. Also, there is no risk for 14-days after you register should you then have to cancel (must register 180 days or more prior to departure). So let’s say you register for a pilgrimage, but then realize you can no longer attend, as long as you cancel your pilgrimage within 14-days of registering and registered more than 180 days prior to the departure, then we will fully refund your deposit no questions asked. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest. Plus, the sooner you register the sooner your journey begins. Register today!

There is no risk! Your deposit will be fully refunded as long as you cancel within 14-days of registering and you have registered more than 180 days or more prior to departure. With no risk, why wait? Get registered today!

Registration closes when the pilgrimage reaches the maximum number of pilgrims. If the pilgrimage is filled when you register, you will be added to our waiting list, and contacted in the event that space on the pilgrimage becomes available. Don’t miss your chance, register now and begin your journey.

We recommend that all pilgrims consider purchasing travel protection. We partner with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer travel protection. 

According to TII, travel protection helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help.

Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation from TII. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call TII. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396. We are happy to help!

Including optional add-ons with your pilgrimage can really add to your experience whether it is one of the optional extension or arranging an extra night stay beforehand so you are rested when the pilgrimage begins. If you would to add on any optional arrangements, as listed above, please email us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.

A pilgrimage, at its simplest, is a trip of faith. Which means a pilgrimage can be anything from a walk around your city to an encounter of Jesus in the Holy Land. For Catholics, it’s a trip of faith that people have been taking for hundreds or even thousands of years, many times in the same exact places you can visit today. It’s an opportunity to experience the spots God has made his presence known most in time and space, whether that’s where Jesus walked, where Mary appeared, or where the saints have lived and worked.

At Verso, we believe in crafting pilgrimages that offer you a view of God’s world and his work in it that you can’t get anywhere else. We believe everything from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims are ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We also believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, it’s how you prepare from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. Which means it’s our intention to shepherd you through the entire process — before, during, and after — so you can have the best, most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts, we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. Our goal is to make sure you’re physically, logistically, and spiritually ready for your pilgrimage. You’ll receive essential emails that will walk you through the process and give you ways to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. A pre-trip webinar will make sure you are in touch with the Verso leader of the trip, can get trip-specific info, and can ask questions. We’ll send you a pilgrim kit that contains a comprehensive booklet for your trip along with some Verso swag (such as a bag, pen, and sticker) that you can bring along with you on your pilgrimage. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email if you have any questions or special needs.

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Activity Level

Easy
This trip’s activity level is easy. It’s recommended that travelers be in good health to enjoy this itinerary and be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include half or full-day itineraries with 1-3 hours of leisurely walking per day on smooth or slightly inclined terrain. The pace is more relaxed, with opportunities to rest throughout the day.

Moderate
This trip’s activity level is moderate. Travelers must be in good health and be in good physical condition to enjoy this itinerary. Travelers must be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries of 3-5 hours of walking at a normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and hills. The pace is faster and more demanding, with some breaks throughout the day.

Difficult
This trip’s activity level is difficult. Travelers must be in good health and physically fit to enjoy this itinerary. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries with up to 5-7 hours of walking at normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and steep hills. The pace is vigorous and demanding, with little down time each day.

Accommodation Level

Simple
For the duration of your trip, enjoy a range of lodging accommodations — from quaint guesthouses to simple-styled hotels. Discover a newfound appreciation for each of these locations which often have a unique character of their own. With your private bathroom and sleeping quarters, these locations will provide you with a clean, comfortable, and cozy place to settle into during your journey.

Standard
Venues at this level will provide you with the best accommodations at a reasonable cost. Not only will you have access to modern amenities and services, but special care is taken to ensure hotels are located in close proximity to the area’s local attractions. Expect your stay at this level to provide you with an added feeling of comfortability and convenience as you experience your pilgrimage.

Premium
Your stay at the premium level will ensure that your travel involves the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and luxurious stays that a destination has to offer. You’ll find that traveling at this level will afford you the opportunity to optimize your experience at each spot. From fine dining to scenic views, anticipate that your pilgrimage will provide you with breathtaking experiences no other location could provide.

How will I know what my stay will be like?
Each of our pilgrimage locations come with their own unique accommodations. From simple to luxurious, you can know that the care and satisfaction of each pilgrim is our greatest priority. While specific amenities will vary, we are sure that each of these handpicked locations will leave you rested, rejuvenated, and ready for each day.

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