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AQUINAS TRAVEL AGENCY CLOSED EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID 19.

MEXICO – 2019

MEXICO

DECEMBER 1-10, 2019

10 DAYS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 9-Day Novena of Masses at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
  • New Basilica, Old Basilica, Tepeyac Hill with Chapels
  • Santuario El Cerrito, the birthplace/home of San Juan Diego and Quetzalcotal, Tulpetlac Church (apparition site)
  • Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Mexico City.
  • Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in the City of Puebla.
  • City of Teotihuacan with Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Aztec Temple of Tlaloc.
  • Church of Our Lady of Good Remedy and other 399 churches in Cholula.
  • Iglesia of San Juan Bautista with beautiful gardens in Coyoacan.
  • Museum of Anthropology, the Chepultepec Park, Castle and Zoo.

DAY 1

Mass at home parish prior to departure.  Leave Vancouver for direct flight to Mexico City.  Arrive in the city on the same day. Sightseeing bus tour of part of Mexico City. Check in the retreat house. Rest for the day.

DAY 2

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Then walk to Criptas Guadalupanas, Basilica Antigua, Tepeyac Hill, Capilla del Cerrito, Parroquia Capuchinas, Parroquia de Indios, and Capilla del Pocito.

DAY 3

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Then drive to the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Afterwards, we visit the National Palace and the Museum of Anthropology.

DAY 4

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Then drive to City of Teotihuacan to see the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Aztec Temple of Tlaloc and Quetzalcotal, Tulpetlac Church (sight of the 5th Apparition).

DAY 5

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Long drive to Cholula with 400 churches including the Church of Our Lady of Good Remedy and the Church of Santa Maria Tonantzintla.

DAY 6

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Long drive to the City of Puebla to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Santo Domingo Church, Church of San Francisco and Santa Monica’s Religious Museum.

DAY 7

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Then drive to Coyoacan to visit the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, Jardin del Centenario and Jardin Hidalgo.

DAY 8

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Then drive to Cuautitlan to visit the Santuario El Cerrito (San Juan Diego’s birthplace/home) and the Santa Iglesia Catedral. 

DAY 9

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Then drive to the Chapultepec Park, Chapultepec Castle, and Chapultepec Zoo.

DAY 10

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  To airport for afternoon flight back to Vancouver, arriving on the same day.

It is time to say goodbye. We take with us unforgettable, holy, spiritual memories, friendship, and the love and mercy of God.  We adore God, praise Him and thank Him for His graces on each of us in this pilgrimage. We thank Our Blessed Mother for Her love and for bringing us closer to Her Son, Jesus.

NOTE

This itinerary is subject to change without notice, if necessary.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Price is only CDN $2,995.00 per person, which includes the CDN $750.00 non-refundable deposit.
  • Minimum 15 pilgrims required for this pilgrimage.  We reserve the right to cancel the trip if there are less than 15 pilgrims.
  • Bring US Dollars or your credit card.
  • Bring your passport valid for at least 6 months after departure.
  • Get a tourist visa from any or all of the countries to be visited in this pilgrimage, if it is required for your nationality.
  • Travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance and medical insurance are strongly recommended to every pilgrim.
  • All pilgrims must sign a Registration Form and a Waiver of Liability.
  • Register with full payment on or before AUGUST 1, 2019.

Price includes:

  • Return airfares from Vancouver to Mexico City.
  • Land tour by tourist bus with a driver.  We reserve the right to use an alternative vehicle, depending on the number of pilgrims.
  • Double occupancy accommodations for 9 nights in a retreat house with 3 meals daily.

Price does not include:

  • Driver’s tips for 10 days @ $5.00/day for a total of $50.00 per pilgrim.
  • Three (3) meals daily.
  • Entrance fees to sites.
  • Personal donations to churches.
  • Any expense of a personal nature.
  • Individual shopping.

CANCELLATION POLICIES

  • If you cancel on or before AUGUST 31, 2019, you will receive a full refund less the non-refundable deposit of CDN $750.00.
  • If you cancel on SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 or thereafter, your full payment will be non-refundable, non-transferable and non-creditable.
  • If we cancel this pilgrimage, you will receive 100% full refund.

NOTE

  • There will be a meeting of all the pilgrims to discuss the itinerary, travel tips, travel needs, the safety of the pilgrims, any concerns that you may have, as well as, to prepare spiritually for the pilgrimage.  Meeting place TBA.

REGISTER EARLY!

CONTACT: TERESITA NIXON

TEL:  (604) 868-2354 or (604) 940-7006

EMAIL:  info@aquinasinstitute.ca

205 – 938 HOWE STREET, VANCOUVER, BC V6Z 1N9

Posted on

AQUINAS TRAVEL AGENCY CLOSED EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID 19.

HOLY LAND AND JORDAN PILGRIMAGE- 2020

HOLY LAND AND JORDAN PILGRIMAGE

MARCH 19-31, 2020

13 DAYS

DAY 1

VANCOUVER/TEL AVIV – Depart from Vancouver to Tel Aviv with stopover in Toronto. Overnight on the plane.

DAY 2

ARRIVAL IN TEL AVIV – Arrive in Holy Land. Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport. The pilgrimage group will be welcomed by a Diesenhaus’ representative. Transfer to your hotel. A welcome dinner. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

DAY 3

TEL AVIV/CAESAREA/ACRE/GALILEE – After breakfast, drive North to Caesarea Maritima. Visit the Roman Theater, the Herod’s Palace, the Palace of the Roman Procurator (Apostles 23: 23 and Apostles 26: 23 – Paul; Apostles 10: 20-48 – Peter and Cornelius), the Amphitheater, the Crusaders’ City and Harbor. Proceed to Mount Carmel to visit the Monastery of the Muhraka, where Elijah fought with the Baal priests. From the roofs of this Monastery, we have a beautiful view of the Jezreel Plain. Through the Druze villages, Daliyat el Carmel and Usifiya, we proceed to Haifa with a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Continue to the Church of Stella Maris (a Carmelite Monastery) with the cave of the Prophet Elijah. Proceed to Acre to visit the old city with the city walls, the Knights’ Halls and the Harbor. Through the Galilee proceed to Nazareth for your overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4

BANYAS/GOLAN HEIGHTS/TABGHA – After breakfast, drive to the Mount of Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 7), where we shall visit the heptagonal church that was built by the Italian architect Berluzzi, and to gain a panoramic vista of the Sea of Galilee. Here we can celebrate Mass. Proceed to Banyas, the ancient Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16: 13-20), one of the main sources of the Jordan River. Through the Golan Heights, drive to Capernaum, the town of Jesus, where he lived in the house of Peter performing from there his miracles and healings (Matthew 4: 13, Matthew 8: 14-15). Proceed to Tabgha, where we shall visit the Church of the Loaves and the Fishes (Matthew 14: 14-34) and the Church of Mensa Christi, where Jesus elected Peter as His Representative on Earth (John 21). We continue to the Baptismal Site at the Jordan River to renew our baptismal vows, then return to Nazareth for the balance of the day. Dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5

SEA OF GALILEE/GINNOSAR/CANA/NAZARETH – After breakfast, a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on the water (Matthew 14: 22-23). The ride will end at Ginnosar, where we shall visit the Ancient Boat from the time of Jesus that was found nearby. We depart to Cana, site of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding feast (John 2: 1-11 and John 4: 46-54). Here we celebrate Mass and invite couples to renew their marriage vows. Proceed to Nazareth, visiting the Church of Annunciation (Luke 26: 28) and Mary’s well located in the Greek Orthodox Church. Proceed to Nazareth for your overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 6

MOUNT TABOR/MEGIDDO/JAFFA/JERUSALEM – After breakfast, drive to Mount Tabor, the site of Transfiguration, visiting the Catholic Church (Matthew 17: 1-8) and celebrate Mass here. From the rooftop of the church we can enjoy a beautiful view of the Lower Galilee and the Plain of Jezreel. Through the town of Afula, drive to Megiddo, known also as Armageddon – the place where the last battle of mankind is due to take place (the Apocalypse of St. John) – (Via Maris) that connected the old Egypt to Mesopotamia. Proceed through the Hills of Judea to Jerusalem. Overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7

JERUSALEM – NEW CITY/BETHLEHEM – Drive to the Israel Museum. Visit the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the second temple period. Proceed for a tour at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Continue to visit Mount Hertzel cemetery and Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust.

Drive to the outskirts of Bethlehem to visit a monastery of Mar Saba also known as the monastery of St. Sabas. Mar Saba was founded by St. Sabas in 478 as an Anchorite colony of monks. We leave Mar Saba for Bethlehem, celebrating Mass at Shepherds’ Field, then visit the Church of the Nativity, St. Jerome’s Chapel, and St. Catherine’s Church. Returning, we stop in Ein Karem where we visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation. Return to the hotel.

DAY 8

DEAD SEA/MASADA/QUMRAN – After breakfast, drive to the Mount of Olives to observe the holy city. A short walk will take us to the Church of Dominus Flevit (Luke 19: 41-44) for the visit and proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26: 36-58), to see the old olive trees and visit the Basilica of the Agony. Drive to the Church of Gethsemane for a morning Mass.

Proceed to the Good Samaritan Inn (Luke 8: 25-37) to the mountain fortress of Masada, stronghold of the Jews in the war against the Romans. Ascend to the fortress by cable car to visit the palaces of Herod the Great with its Roman baths and pools. Descend for a possible “dip” and “float” in the salty water of the Dead Sea, the world’s lowest place. Time permitting, on the way back to Jerusalem, stop in Qumran – the city of the Essens – where the Dead Sea scrolls were found in a cave by a shepherd. Overnight in Jerusalem.

DAY 9

JERUSALEM – OLD CITY/CHAGALL WINDOWS – After breakfast, drive to Mount Zion to visit the Room of the Last Supper (Cenacle) and the Tomb of King David. Walking through the Jewish Quarter, we reach the Wailing Wall – the holiest place for the Jews – and the Dung Gate. Drive through the New City of Jerusalem to Ein Kerem to visit the Church of St. John (Luke 1: 1-25)

From there proceed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital to visit the magnificent Chagall Windows.

Drive to the Lion’s Gate, we shall walk into the Old City to visit the Church of St. Anne and the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-15). Proceed through the Via Dolorosa walking along the Stations of the Cross from the remains of the Antonia to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here we can celebrate Mass. Ascend the Mount of Olives to visit the Chapel of the Ascension (Luke 24: 50-53), the Church of the Pater Noster (Luke 11: 1-4) and have a wonderful panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem, with the Temple Mount. Overnight in Jerusalem. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10

SH. HUSSEIN BRIDGE or ALLENBY BRIDGE/JERASH/AMMAN – Drive from Jerusalem to the border. After border crossing procedures to enter Jordan, drive to Jerash – City of the Decapolis, located about 45 Kms north of Amman in the fertile heights of Gilead. Visit Roman city with colonnaded streets, the ancient heater, the baths, the hill top temple, the triumphal arch, etc. Then, drive to Amman for a city tour of the Jordanian Capital. Overnight in Amman.

DAY 11

AMMAN/MADABA/MT NEBO/SHOBAK/PETRA – After breakfast, drive to Madaba to see the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land and ruins of historical sites. Continue about 10Km to Mount Nebo, from where Moses viewed the Promised Land. From there you will see the Jordan Valley, Jericho, Dead Sea etc. Visit the remains of the Byzantine church with a mosaic floor. Proceed via the crusaders castle – Shobak, to Wadi Mussa, the modern village of Petra for overnight.

DAY 12

AMMAN/ALLENBY BRIDGE/TEL AVIV – After breakfast, leave the hotel and drive to Allenby Bridge. Cross the Jordan River and drive back to Tel Aviv.

DAY 13

TEL AVIV/VANCOUVER – Departure transfer from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport. Flight back to Vancouver arriving the same day.

It is time to say goodbye. We take with us unforgettable, holy, spiritual memories, friendship, and the love and mercy of God.  We adore God, praise Him and thank Him for His graces on each of us in this pilgrimage. We thank Our Blessed Mother for Her love and for bringing us closer to Her Son, Jesus.

NOTE

This itinerary is subject to change without notice, if necessary.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Price of this pilgrimage – TBA
  • Make a non-refundable deposit of CDN $1,500.00 per person to join the group.
  • Register with full payment on or before December 18, 2019.
  • Minimum 15 pilgrims required for this pilgrimage as agreed with the tour operator.
  • We reserve the right to cancel the trip if there are less than 15 pilgrims.
  • Bring US Dollars or your credit card.
  • Bring your passport valid for at least 6 months after departure.
  • If required for your nationality, get a tourist visa from Israel and/or Jordan.
  • We strongly recommend travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance and medical insurance to every pilgrim.
  • All pilgrims must sign a Registration Form and a Waiver of Liability.

Price includes:

  • Return economy airfares from Vancouver to Tel Aviv.
  • Meeting/assistance upon arrival at Ben Guion Airport by the tour representative.
  • Porterage at airport. Porterage at hotels.
  • Double occupancy for 11 nights in a hotel.
  • Daily breakfast and dinner at the relevant hotels.
  • 10 full days air-conditioned deluxe bus.
  • Transfers upon departure.
  • English speaking tour guide.
  • Tips for the tour guide for 12 days.
  • Tips for the bus driver for 12 days.
  • Entrance fees based on itinerary.

Price does not include:

  • A single accommodation supplement will be CDN $1,100.00 extra charge.
  • Tips to restaurants/hotels.
  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Border tax/visa fees.
  • Personal donations to churches.
  • Optional excursions/activities/evening outings.
  • Any expense of a personal nature.
  • Individual shopping.
  • Anything else not mentioned under “Price Includes”.

CANCELLATION POLICIES

  • If you cancel on or before December 18, 2019, you will receive a full refund less the non-refundable deposit of CDN $1,500.00.
  • If you cancel on December 18, 2019 or thereafter, your full payment will be non-refundable, non-transferable and non-creditable.
  • If we cancel this pilgrimage, you will receive 100% full refund of your payment.

NOTE

  • There will be a meeting of all the pilgrims to discuss the itinerary, travel tips, travel needs, the safety of the pilgrims, any concerns that you may have, as well as, to prepare spiritually for the pilgrimage.  Meeting place: 419 – 938 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1N9. Date and time: TBA

REGISTER EARLY!

CONTACT: TERESITA NIXON

TEL:  (604) 868-2354 or (604) 940-7006

EMAIL:  INFO@AQUINASINSTITUTE.CA

WWW.AQUINASHOLYLANDTOURS.CA

WWW.AQUINASPILGRIMAGES.CA

205 – 938 HOWE STREET, VANCOUVER, BC V6Z 1N9

Posted on

AQUINAS TRAVEL AGENCY CLOSED EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID 19.

HOLY LAND – 2019

HOLY LAND

DECEMBER 1-10, 2019

10 DAYS

DAY 1

VANCOUVER/TEL AVIV – Depart from Vancouver to Tel Aviv with stopover in Toronto. Overnight on the plane.

DAY 2

ARRIVAL IN TEL AVIV – Arrive in Holy Land. Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport. The pilgrimage group will be welcomed by a Diesenhaus’ representative. Transfer to your hotel. A welcome dinner. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

DAY 3

TEL AVIV/CAESAREA/ACRE/GALILEE – After breakfast, drive North to Caesarea Maritima. Visit the Roman Theater, the Herod’s Palace, the Palace of the Roman Procurator (Apostles 23: 23 and Apostles 26: 23 – Paul; Apostles 10: 20-48 – Peter and Cornelius), the Amphitheater, the Crusaders’ City and Harbor. Proceed to Mount Carmel to visit the Monastery of the Muhraka, where Elijah fought with the Baal priests. From the roofs of this Monastery, we have a beautiful view of the Jezreel Plain. Through the Druze villages, Daliyat el Carmel and Usifiya, we proceed to Haifa with a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Continue to the Church of Stella Maris (a Carmelite Monastery) with the cave of the Prophet Elijah. Proceed to Acre to visit the old city with the city walls, the Knights’ Halls and the Harbor. Through the Galilee proceed to Nazareth for your overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4

BANYAS/GOLAN HEIGHTS/TABGHA – After breakfast, drive to the Mount of Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 7), where we shall visit the heptagonal church that was built by the Italian architect Berluzzi, and to gain a panoramic vista of the Sea of Galilee. Here we can celebrate Mass. Proceed to Banyas, the ancient Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16: 13-20), one of the main sources of the Jordan River. Through the Golan Heights, drive to Capernaum, the town of Jesus, where he lived in the house of Peter performing from there his miracles and healings (Matthew 4: 13, Matthew 8: 14-15). Proceed to Tabgha, where we shall visit the Church of the Loaves and the Fishes (Matthew 14: 14-34) and the Church of Mensa Christi, where Jesus elected Peter as His Representative on Earth (John 21). We continue to the Baptismal Site at the Jordan River to renew our baptismal vows, then return to Nazareth for the balance of the day. Dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5

SEA OF GALILEE/GINNOSAR/CANA/NAZARETH – After breakfast, a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on the water (Matthew 14: 22-23). The ride will end at Ginnosar, where we shall visit the Ancient Boat from the time of Jesus that was found nearby. We depart to Cana, site of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding feast (John 2: 1-11 and John 4: 46-54). Here we celebrate Mass and invite couples to renew their marriage vows. Proceed to Nazareth, visiting the Church of Annunciation (Luke 26: 28) and Mary’s well located in the Greek Orthodox Church. Proceed to Nazareth for your overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 6

MOUNT TABOR/MEGIDDO/JAFFA/JERUSALEM – After breakfast, drive to Mount Tabor, the site of Transfiguration, visiting the Catholic Church (Matthew 17: 1-8) and celebrate Mass here. From the rooftop of the church we can enjoy a beautiful view of the Lower Galilee and the Plain of Jezreel. Through the town of Afula, drive to Megiddo, known also as Armageddon – the place where the last battle of mankind is due to take place (the Apocalypse of St. John) – (Via Maris) that connected the old Egypt to Mesopotamia. Proceed through the Hills of Judea to Jerusalem. Overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7

JERUSALEM – NEW CITY/BETHLEHEM – Drive to the Israel Museum. Visit the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the second temple period. Proceed for a tour at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Continue to visit Mount Hertzel cemetery and Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust.

Drive to the outskirts of Bethlehem to visit a monastery of Mar Saba also known as the monastery of St. Sabas. Mar Saba was founded by St. Sabas in 478 as an Anchorite colony of monks. We leave Mar Saba for Bethlehem, celebrating Mass at Shepherds’ Field, then visit the Church of the Nativity, St. Jerome’s Chapel, and St. Catherine’s Church. Returning, we stop in Ein Karem where we visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation. Return to the hotel.

DAY 8

DEAD SEA/MASADA/QUMRAN – After breakfast, drive to the Mount of Olives to observe the holy city. A short walk will take us to the Church of Dominus Flevit (Luke 19: 41-44) for the visit and proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26: 36-58), to see the old olive trees and visit the Basilica of the Agony. Drive to the Church of Gethsemane for a morning Mass.

Proceed to the Good Samaritan Inn (Luke 8: 25-37) to the mountain fortress of Masada, stronghold of the Jews in the war against the Romans. Ascend to the fortress by cable car to visit the palaces of Herod the Great with its Roman baths and pools. Descend for a possible “dip” and “float” in the salty water of the Dead Sea, the world’s lowest place. Time permitting, on the way back to Jerusalem, stop in Qumran – the city of the Essens – where the Dead Sea scrolls were found in a cave by a shepherd. Overnight in Jerusalem.

DAY 9

JERUSALEM – OLD CITY/CHAGALL WINDOWS – After breakfast, drive to Mount Zion to visit the Room of the Last Supper (Cenacle) and the Tomb of King David. Walking through the Jewish Quarter, we reach the Wailing Wall – the holiest place for the Jews – and the Dung Gate. Drive through the New City of Jerusalem to Ein Kerem to visit the Church of St. John (Luke 1: 1-25)

From there proceed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital to visit the magnificent Chagall Windows.

Drive to the Lion’s Gate, we shall walk into the Old City to visit the Church of St. Anne and the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-15). Proceed through the Via Dolorosa walking along the Stations of the Cross from the remains of the Antonia to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here we can celebrate Mass. Ascend the Mount of Olives to visit the Chapel of the Ascension (Luke 24: 50-53), the Church of the Pater Noster (Luke 11: 1-4) and have a wonderful panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem, with the Temple Mount. Overnight in Jerusalem. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10

TEL AVIV/VANCOUVER – Departure transfer from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport. Flight back to Vancouver arriving the same day.

It is time to say goodbye. We take with us unforgettable, holy, spiritual memories, friendship, and the love and mercy of God.  We adore God, praise Him and thank Him for His graces on each of us in this pilgrimage. We thank Our Blessed Mother for Her love and for bringing us closer to Her Son, Jesus.

NOTE

This itinerary is subject to change without notice, if necessary.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Land Tour Price is only CDN $2,875.00 per person, which includes the CDN $750.00 non-refundable deposit. Air is extra.
  • You will receive a $50.00 discount when you register and fully pay on or before JULY 31, 2019.
  • Minimum 15 pilgrims required for this pilgrimage.  We reserve the right to cancel the trip if there are less than 15 pilgrims.
  • Bring US Dollars or your credit card.
  • Bring your passport valid for at least 6 months after departure.
  • Get a tourist visa from any or all of the countries to be visited in this pilgrimage, if it is required for your nationality.
  • Travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance and medical insurance are strongly recommended to every pilgrim.
  • All pilgrims must sign a Registration Form and a Waiver of Liability.
  • Register with full payment on or before August 1, 2019.

Price includes:

  • Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Ben Guion Airport by a Diesenhaus Unitours representative.
  • Porterage at airport. Porterage at hotels.
  • Double occupancy for 8 nights in a hotel.
  • Daily breakfast and dinner at the relevant hotels.
  • 7 full days air-conditioned deluxe bus.
  • Transfers upon departure.
  • English speaking tour guide.
  • Tips for the tour guide for 9 days.
  • Tips for the bus driver for 9 days.
  • Entrance fees based on itinerary.

Price does not include:

  • Return airfares from Vancouver to Tel Aviv. Note that economy return airfares may cost from CDN $750.00 to CDN $1,250.00 depending on the month of travel and ticket sales. Use your Airmiles to buy your return airfares. Meet the group at Ben Guion Airport.
  • A single supplement for hotel accommodations will be available for CDN $850.00 extra charge.
  • Tips to restaurants/hotels.
  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
    Border tax/Visa fees.
  • Personal donations to churches.
  • Optional excursions/activities/evening outings.
    Any expense of a personal nature.
  • Individual shopping.
  • Anything else not mentioned under “Price Includes”.

CANCELLATION POLICIES

  • If you cancel on or before AUGUST 31, 2019, you will receive a full refund less the non-refundable deposit of CDN $750.00.
  • If you cancel on SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 or thereafter, your full payment will be non-refundable, non-transferable and non-creditable.
  • If we cancel this pilgrimage, you will receive 100% full refund.

NOTE

  • There will be a meeting of all the pilgrims to discuss the itinerary, travel tips, travel needs, the safety of the pilgrims, any concerns that you may have, as well as, to prepare spiritually for the pilgrimage.  Meeting place TBA.

REGISTER EARLY!

CONTACT: TERESITA NIXON

TEL:  (604) 868-2354 or (604) 940-7006

EMAIL:  info@aquinasinstitute.ca

205 – 938 HOWE STREET, VANCOUVER, BC V6Z 1N9

Posted on

AQUINAS TRAVEL AGENCY CLOSED EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID 19.

OREGON AND WASHINGTON – 2019

OREGON AND WASHINGTON

DECEMBER 6-7-8, 2019

3 DAYS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Washington
  • St. George’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Washington
  • National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows in Oregon
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Oregon
  • Mount Angel Abbey with Benedictine Monks in Oregon
  • Queen of Angels Monastery with Benedictine Nuns in Oregon
  • 2 Nights with 5 meals at the Guesthouse of Mount Angel Abbey
  • Shopping at Tacoma Mall and Woodburn Store Outlets in Oregon

DAY 1

Have a good breakfast at your home or bring your own breakfast.

Pick up pilgrims at 6:30 AM beside Holy Name Church on West 33rd Street and Cambie Street in Vancouver.

After passing the Canada-US border, we pray and meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and sing songs joyfully.  At midday, we pray the Angelus.  Stopover to buy your own lunch and to shop at the Tacoma Mall.

We proceed to Olympia, Washington to visit the Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help on the outside grounds.  We pray to Our Blessed Mother and ask for her intercession. 

The Shrine of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help, Olympia, Washington, is the shrine of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix, which serves Byzantine Catholics in the Western United States.  Byzantine Catholics are in communion with our Holy Father Francis, Pope of Rome. However, they worship in the ancient Byzantine liturgical tradition which is descended from Constantinople.  The story of the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help involves a journey from the Mediterranean island of Crete to Rome.

Source:  https://www.olph-shrine.org/#!

Afterwards, we walk to St. George’s Byzantine Catholic Church that is located on the same grounds. 

What is the Byzantine Catholic Church? The Byzantine Catholic Church is one of many churches that make up the one, holy catholic and apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ. The one Church is made up of Eastern and Western Catholic traditions. The Eastern tradition originates in ancient sees of Antioch, Alexandria and Constantinople while the Western tradition originates in the ancient see of Rome.

Eastern and Western Christians expressed the same basic truths of their Catholic faith in unique ways and worshiped differently. All Catholics share three important things (cf. Acts 2:42): Apostolic Faith; Apostolic Worship (the Sacred Mysteries/Sacraments) and Apostolic Leadership (Bishops in Unity with Each Other and the Pope of Rome, the Successor of St. Peter).

Source: https://www.stgeorgeolympia.org/ourfaith

At St. George’s Byzantine Catholic Church, we visit the Blessed Sacrament and sing praises, pray and ask Jesus for special favors.

  • Sing “O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine.  All praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment Thine.  Be every moment Thine.”
  • Pray five (5) times the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be in honor of the (5) wounds of Jesus.
  • Sing . “O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine.  All praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment Thine.  Be every moment Thine.”
  • Ask Jesus for three (3) special favors.

Before leaving the church, we receive the blessings of the pastor, subject to his available presence.

We then drive to Portland, Oregon.  We pray and meditate on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet on the way. 

We check in at Guesthouse & Retreat Center of Mount Angel Abbey. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in the evening at the Abbey Church. We join the monks in saying the Vespers before supper and the Compline after supper. A special Mass for our group will be offered by Fr. Pius Harding, OSB, the Abbey Guest Master, at 8:00 pm in the Chapel of the Guesthouse. Kindly give your Mass offering during the offertory. (S)

See https://www.mountangelabbey.org/.

DAY 2

After breakfast, we drive to the Grotto, an internationally known Catholic shrine with beautiful botanical gardens.

This is the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother managed by the Order of Servants of Mary aka Servites.  They lead a community life in the tradition of the mendicant orders.  The Servite Order was founded in 1233 AD when a group of cloth merchants of Florence, Italy, left their city, families and professions to retire outside the city on a mountain known as Monte Senario for a life of poverty and penance. These men are known as the Seven Holy Founders; they were canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. 

Source:  https://thegrotto.org/

At the Chapel of Mary, we visit the Blessed Sacrament, pray and meditate.  Confession is available and we encourage everyone to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We participate in the Healing Mass of St. Peregrine with choir music liturgy, blessing of the sick and veneration of St. Peregrine’s relic.

Buy your own lunch in an all-you-can eat restaurant with Chinese, Japanese and American foods.  

After lunch, we return to the Grotto. We make the Stations of the Cross. Those wishing to see the beautiful, botanical Grotto gardens may buy their own tokens at the Gift Shop or the Conference Center.  The gardens are in the plaza level and in the upper level of the Grotto.  We will shop last minute at the Gift Shop prior to leaving the Grotto. We continue our shopping at Woodburn Store Outlets.

On the way back to Mount Angel Abbey, we visit the Queen of Angels Monastery, the home of the Benedictine Sisters, that is located in historic Mount Angel, Oregon. The grounds include a chapel, grotto, meeting space, library, gift shop, and hospitality center. 

For the past 137 years, the Benedictine Sisters have lived a life dedicated to daily prayer, community, service and hospitality according to the 1500-year-old Rule of St. Benedict. The Benedictine Sisters are the founders of the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center, St. Joseph Shelter, and Mission Benedict.  Today, their ministries include private retreats, spiritual direction and hospitality.

See https://www.benedictine-srs.org/.

We return to the Mount Angel Abbey for Vespers, supper, Compline and sweet dreams during the night. (B,S)

DAY 3

After breakfast and check out, we participate at the Sunday Mass at Mount Angel Abbey with the monks and the faithful. The Mass is sung by the monks and accompanied by a Benedictine nun playing the organ. We have lunch prior to departure. (B, L)

We drive to the Woodburn Premium Outlets, where you will have time for shopping tax free goods.

We visit St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon.  We visit the Blessed Sacrament.

Opened in 1926, the cathedral has the Romanesque style with some Byzantine features and covers an area of 12,000 square feet.  Statues of the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Mother were brought in by the Benedictine monks of Mount Angel. The Stations of the Cross and the Povey Brothers dome above the altar date from 1926. 

Source:  http://www.maryscathedral.com/

On the way home, we pray and meditate on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. We sing hymns joyfully.

It is time to say goodbye. We take with us unforgettable, holy, spiritual memories, friendship, and the love and mercy of God.  We adore God, praise Him and thank Him for His graces on each of us in this pilgrimage. We thank Our Blessed Mother for Her love and for bringing us closer to Her Son, Jesus.

Drop off pilgrims at beside Holy Name Church on West 33rd Avenue and Cambie Street.

NOTE

This itinerary is subject to change without notice, if necessary.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Price of this pilgrimage – CDN $495.00 per person.
  • Register with full payment by check or cash only. Receipt will be given for your payment.
  • Minimum 15 pilgrims required.
  • We reserve the right to cancel the trip if there are less than 15 pilgrims.
  • Bring your passport valid for six (6) months after departure.
  • If required for your nationality, get a tourist visa from the United States.
  • Bring US dollars or your credit card.
  • We strongly recommend travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance and medical insurance to every pilgrim.
  • Every pilgrim must sign a Registration Form and a Waiver of Liability.

Price includes:

  • Car, van or tourist bus for transportation, depending on the number of pilgrims.
  • Two-night accommodations with double occupancy.
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary.

Price does not include:

  • A single accommodation supplement is available at extra charge.
  • Entrance fees to the Grotto gardens.
  • Tips to driver.
  • Tips to waiters in restaurants/retreat house.
  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Border tax/visa fees.
  • Personal donations to churches.
  • Optional excursions/activities/evening outings.
  • Any expense of a personal nature.
  • Individual shopping.
  • Anything else not mentioned under “Price Includes”.

CANCELLATION POLICIES

  • Your full payment is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-creditable.
  • If we cancel, you will receive 100% full refund.

REGISTER EARLY!

CONTACT: TERESITA NIXON

TEL:  (604) 868-2354 or (604) 940-7006

EMAIL:  INFO@AQUINASINSTITUTE.CA

205 – 938 HOWE STREET, VANCOUVER, BC V6Z 1N9

Posted on

AQUINAS TRAVEL AGENCY CLOSED EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID 19.

PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND FRANCE – 2019

PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND FRANCE

OCTOBER 17-31, 2019

15 DAYS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sites of the Apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima.
  • Cathedral of St. James at end of Camino de Santiago.
  • The Black Madonna in Montserrat.
  • Cathedral of the Holy Family in Barcelona.
  • Our Lady’s Apparition in Lourdes.
  • Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar in Zaragoza.
  • Be inspired by St. Anthony of Padua; Sts. Francisco and Jacinta and Sr. Lucia; St. James the Apostle; St. Bernadette; Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross; and St. Ignatius of Loyola.

DAY 1

VANCOUVER/MADRID – Start our pilgrimage with participation at Mass in your own parish.  Depart from Vancouver to Madrid.  Relax and enjoy the long flight.

DAY 2

MADRID ALL DAY – Arrive in Madrid in the morning.  Mass at Santa Iglesia Catedral De Santa Maria La Real De La Almuneda.  Sightseeing bus tour of the city including the Royal Palace, the Buen Retiro Park, the Plaza Mayor, the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande.  Overnight in Madrid.

DAY 3

MADRID/AVILA/ALBA DE TORMES/SALAMANCA – Early morning departure for Avila, home of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross.  Mass at the Cathedral of Avila.  Incarnacion Convent, La Santa Monasterio and  the Convento de San Jose.  Carmelite Monastery in Alba de Tormes.  Tour of the historic city of Salamanca.  Overnight in Avila.

DAY 4

SALAMANCA/LISBON/FATIMA – Arrive in Lisbon.  Sightseeing bus tour of the city of Lisbon.  Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Major de Lisboa, where St. Anthony of Padua was born and baptized.   Proceed to Fatima and Mass at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions.  Overnight in Fatima.

DAY 5

SANTAREM/FATIMA – Mass at the Church of St. Stephen and Shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem.  Return to Fatima and Tour of the Sanctuary of Fatima and the Hamlet of Aljustrel, home of the 3 children of Fatima. Rosary in the Chapel of the Apparitions and Procession in honor of Our Lady of Fatima.  Overnight in Fatima.

DAY 6

FATIMA ALL DAY – Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima.  Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra ending in the Chapel of Calvary.  Community recitation of the rosary and private meditation.  Shopping for religious articles.  Overnight in Fatma.

DAY 7

BRAGA/SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – Fatima to Braga and then, Santiago de Compostela.  Bom Jesus du Monte Sanctuary in Braga.  Arrive at Santiago de Compostela in Spain.  Mass at the Cathedral of St. James.  Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

DAY 8

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA ALL DAY – Tour and Mass at the Cathedral of St. James, the terminus of the Camino de Santiago.  Overnight Santiago de Compostela.

DAY 9

BURGOS – Santiago de Compostela to Burgos.  Mass at the French Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary.  Chapel of Condestable and the tomb of El Cid.  Overnight Burgos.

DAY 10

SAN IGNACIO DE LOYOLA/LOURDES, FRANCE – Travel through the Basque region enroute to Lourdes.  Mass at the Sanctuary Shrine and Basilica of Loyola.  Drive through the Pyrenees Mountains to Lourdes, France.  Overnight in Lourdes.

DAY 11

LOURDES ALL DAY – Mass in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Walking tour to the Grotto and the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and the home of St. Bernadette.  Option to bathe in the healing waters.  Overnight in Lourdes.

DAY 12

LOURDES/CARCASSONE/BARCELONA, SPAIN –  Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Leave France for Spain.  The medieval city of Carcassonne in France, enroute to Barcelona, the beautiful capital of Catalunya in Spain.   Overnight in Barcelona.

DAY 13

BARCELONA ALL DAY – Mass at the Church of the Holy Family.  Sightseeing bus tour of the city.  Travel through the countryside to the Benedictine Abbey at Montserrat.   Our Lady of Montserrat (Black Madonna).  Overnight in Barcelona.

DAY 14

BARCELONA/ZARAGOZA/MADRID – Leave Barcelona for Zaragoza.  Mass at the Cathedral of Zaragoza.  Monasterio de Piedra.  Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar.  Arrive and overnight in Madrid.

DAY 15

MADRID AIRPORT – Attend Mass  before driving to the Madrid airport.  Flight back home to Vancouver arriving same day.

It is time to say goodbye. We take with us unforgettable, holy, spiritual memories, friendship, and the love and mercy of God.  We adore God, praise Him and thank Him for His graces on each of us in this pilgrimage. We thank Our Blessed Mother for Her love and for bringing us closer to Her Son, Jesus.

NOTE

This itinerary is subject to change without notice, if necessary.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Price is only CDN $4,750.00 per person, which includes the CDN $750.00 non-refundable deposit.
  • Minimum 15 pilgrims required for this pilgrimage.  We reserve the right to cancel the trip if there are less than 15 pilgrims.
  • Bring US Dollars or your credit card.
  • Bring your passport valid for at least 6 months after departure.
  • Get a tourist visa from any or all of the countries to be visited in this pilgrimage, if it is required for your nationality.
  • Travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance and medical insurance are strongly recommended to every pilgrim.
  • All pilgrims must sign a Registration Form and a Waiver of Liability.
  • Register with full payment on or before August 1, 2019.

Price includes:

  • Return airfares from Vancouver to Madrid.
  • Land tour by tourist bus with a driver.  We reserve the right to use an alternative vehicle, depending on the number of pilgrims.
  • Double occupancy accommodations for 13 nights in a monastery, convent or hotel with free breakfast daily.  Supper may be served free in a monastery or convent, subject to availability.

Price does not include:

  • Driver’s tips for 14 days @ $5.00/day for a total of $70.00 per pilgrim.
  • Lunches daily.  Suppers not included in monasteries, convents or hotels.
  • Entrance fees to sites.
  • Personal donations to churches.
  • Any expense of a personal nature.
  • Individual shopping.

CANCELLATION POLICIES

  • If you cancel on or before AUGUST 31, 2019, you will receive a full refund less the non-refundable deposit of CDN $750.00.
  • If you cancel on SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 or thereafter, your full payment will be non-refundable, non-transferable and non-creditable.
  • If we cancel this pilgrimage, you will receive 100% full refund.

NOTE

  • There will be a meeting of all the pilgrims to discuss the itinerary, travel tips, travel needs, the safety of the pilgrims, any concerns that you may have, as well as, to prepare spiritually for the pilgrimage.  Meeting place TBA.

REGISTER EARLY!

CONTACT: TERESITA NIXON

TEL:  (604) 868-2354 or (604) 940-7006

EMAIL:  info@aquinasinstitute.ca

205 – 938 HOWE STREET, VANCOUVER, BC V6Z 1N9