The power of Place defines almost everything we do. Some of life’s most cherished memories are often inextricably tied to the places and spaces that we occupy, whether at home or abroad. And yet, there is something exhilarating about exploration. About blazing new trails, about claiming newfound spaces, and about discovering new appreciation for places once gone overlooked. Why does serenity meet us at the water’s edge, as the sun peeks over the horizon and the cool air whispers in our ear? What draws us to explore, discover, create, and seek beauty? At Verso Ministries, we believe that we are all wired for discovering worlds beyond our own. We desire to celebrate the sacredness of both sidewalks and seas as we seek God’s beauty in all things through Catholic spiritual pilgrimage.
Reimagining Pilgrimage
At Verso, we are casting a new vision of pilgrimage. With Verso, how you travel is just as important as where you travel. Our belief that every space is sacred space deeply informs our pilgrimage locations.
For us, growing closer to God happens just as frequently in the hills as it does in holy places. Not limited to holy sites, our pilgrimages are all about recognizing the unique value of a holistic approach to both spiritual engagement and travel. No longer do you have to choose one over the other. Rather, the best pilgrimages involve celebrating the inherent sacredness of every place your journey leads you. By traveling with us, our hope is that you’ll not only gain new insight about pilgrimage, but that you will leave with a spiritual focus like never before.
Discover a More Holistic View of Travel
At Verso Ministries, we believe that great trips should engage every part of our humanity—body, mind and soul. As a whole person, your experience of Catholic spiritual pilgrimage begins before you ever step foot out of your own home, and doesn’t end when you pull back into the driveway. Because every stage of your pilgrimage experience matters to us, our team is committed to providing you with spiritual and practical tools to help you most fully experience every facet of your trip. We are excited to share some of the ways that traveling with Verso for a Catholic spiritual pilgrimage is unique.
Personal, Holistic Preparation
Traveling with Verso means helping you engage every part of your being as you anticipate your adventure abroad.
Before embarking on your trip, you’ll get regular email correspondence from our team detailing your trip. You can also expect to receive e-retreat emails which will help you to prepare your mind, body and soul for your pilgrimage. Traveling abroad is a monumental step which is why you’ll also have the opportunity to attend our pre-trip webinar in case you have any lingering questions you may have regarding your pilgrimage.
Whether you have questions about travel accommodations or techniques for preparing spiritually, we are there for you and will walk with you each step of the way making sure that the stresses of travel logistics never diminish the fullness of your experience. In addition to our best tips and tricks for packing—including a detailed packing list—we will also ensure that you get a step by step plan of how each day will unfold so you can plan ahead. Wherever you go, you can count on us to take care of the details so you don’t have to.
Every Experience Counts
Your experience is at the forefront of our minds. That’s why we always make sure to travel at a contemplative pace to ensure that your time at each location is marked with richness and depth.
Every encounter during your pilgrimage is a unique opportunity to grow your knowledge of God’s work in your life. As you travel to new places, savor new delicacies, and reflect on the richness of fellowship, you will not only embark on devotional experiences of a lifetime, but you will also find yourself engaging in spiritual pilgrimage in a way that breathes new life into your faith.
It’s why we prioritize equipping you with travel details, big and small, so you can adequately prepare for each step of the journey. As soon as you arrive at your destination, you’ll receive a trip booklet which will provide you with a greater understanding of the historical background of your pilgrimage destination. We’ll also equip you with a complete trip itinerary and prayer resources so that you’ll always be able to make the most out of each step of your pilgrimage. From fellowship with other pilgrims to journaling in silent solitude, we assure that each step of your pilgrimage is taken care of with the utmost care.
We have no doubt that you’ll enjoy our unique connection with local guides as they will allow you to more fully engage with each location. With the aid of their local expertise, your trip will be marked with a greater historical, cultural, and spiritual understanding to help enhance your experience of Catholic spiritual pilgrimage.
Foster Lifelong Growth
Whether this is your first or fifth time traveling with Verso, we believe that each experience will serve as a catalyst for lifelong growth. In this way, you will be met with opportunities for transformation both during and after your trip. We want to walk with you through each of these experiences. That is why, at Verso, we’re not just a travel agency or pilgrimage company—we’re a community. By traveling with us, you’ll experience new forms of fellowship like never before.
You’ll find that with Verso, opportunities for growth extend far beyond the duration of your travel. Upon your return home, we provide several opportunities that’ll allow you to stay engaged. In addition to follow-up emails, you’ll have full access to our Verso blog as well as your specific trip’s Facebook group so that you can remain connected with the Verso community. After each trip, we will ensure that you are provided with the best reflection materials so that you can process all that God revealed to you while abroad.
Answering God’s Calling
Our main hope is that upon your return home, your life is enriched with a heightened awareness of God’s presence in your life. Catholic spiritual pilgrimages are a great way to remind us of God’s voice, and we know that God will continue meeting you in the day-to-day life you return to. So how will you respond to God’s call? We encourage you to ask what’s next. We are confident that God is always actively working in the lives of his people and we are excited to see how he continues to work through you.
With all of the details taken care of, the dreaming is up to you. So, where will you choose to experience his fullness? Maybe you’ll find God’s fullness at the Vatican or you’ll be met with His presence while walking the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem. Wherever you envision your inspiration, we want to help you get there.
Adventure with Us
So, come with us, and reimagine the spiritual in your travel. We’re convinced that you will find the meaning of your trip extending far beyond the duration of the pilgrimage itself. These will be memories cherished, revisited, and shared with others. They will have a lasting impact on your relationship with God, with yourself, and with others, and we look forward to seeing how your faith will grow during each new trip with Verso.
Perhaps, you may even find your adventure changing how you view what you once considered ordinary. Will you find new richness in your fellowship with others? How will you celebrate in new ways the grand constancy of the setting sun? We have no doubt that a trip with Verso will lead you to experience new dimensions of God’s fullness through your pursuit of pilgrimage.
Join us out into the world beyond. Your adventure awaits.