Sept 22 - Day 1 - Depart KCI for an overnight flight from Kansas City to Paris.

Sept 23 - Day 2 - Arrive in PARIS, greeted by tour guide and transferred to train station Montparnasse for the TGV train to Lourdes. Arrive in LOURDES in the later afternoon and settle into hotel. (Dinner and overnight in Lourdes)

Sept 24 - Day 3 - LOURDES - Start the day with Mass at Grotto of Massabielle (right), where 150 years ago the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette. After Mass, a walking tour of the village to see the places where Bernadette and her family lived. Time will be available to visit the Healing Baths and, if desired, take a bath in the miraculous waters. In the evening, take part in the spectacular Candlelight Procession (below) joining thousands of pilgrims in praying the Rosary and singing hymns in honor of the Blessed Virgin. (Breakfast, Dinner and overnight in Lourdes)

Sanctuary of Lourdes - Yearly from March to October the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes or the Domain (as it is most commonly known) is the place of mass pilgrimages from Europe and other parts of the world. The spring water from the grotto is believed by some to possess healing properties, however there have been from the beginning skeptics of the miracles reported to have taken place in Lourdes. A common misconception is that miracles are the core of the Sanctuary of Lourdes, and the reasons for visits. Although this is probably the case for some visitors, the majority of pilgrims come as part of their Christian faith, and to help those in need.

At the time of the apparitions the grotto was on common land which was used by the villagers variously for pasturing animals, collecting firewood and as a garbage dump, and it possessed a reputation for being an unpleasant place.

The apparitions at Lourdes took place against the backdrop of a rich network of superstitious beliefs, which were common throughout the Pyrenean region in the 19th century. In the decades leading up to 1858, several children in small Pyrenean villages (on both sides of the border) claimed to see apparitions of the Virgin Mary in remote locations. Critics argue that Bernadette was simply repeating a well-tried trick to gain attention and notoriety.

Sept 25 - Day 4 - LOURDES - Day free for prayer and devotions (outdoor way of the cross, the baths, etc.) and participation in the large outdoor afternoon Procession with the Blessed Sacrament (right). (Breakfast, Dinner and overnight in Lourdes)

Sept 26 - Day 5 - After breakfast, leave LOURDES by motor coach and drive through countryside Provence, dotted with vineyards, villages and fields of sunflower and lavender to LePUY to visit the Marian Shrine of the Black Madonna at the Cathedral of St. Michel (below), which Marian Shrine received more papal visits than any other with the exception of the Italian shrines. A huge statue of Our Lady of France towers over the city of LePuy on one hill; on the other is the Cathedral of St Michel. (Dinner and overnight in LePuy area)

Sept 27 - Day 6 - After breakfast in LePUY, drive on to LaSALETTE to visit one of the most beautiful Basilicas dedicated to the Glory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who appeared here in 1846 (confirmed by Vatican in 1942) to two shepherd children and gave each of them a secret and a message calling for repentance from widespread religious apathy. The place of the apparition is marked by a miraculous well. (Dinner and overnight in LaSalette)

The shrine of La Salette is located in a high alpine pasture (right) at an altitude of about 6,000 feet, about 9 miles from the nearest town. Now easily accessible by car, bus, and taxi, the shrine operates a hospitality service with a range of accommodations. The mountain scenery around the shrine is spectacular and it is surrounded by a network of walking trails, making La Salette an ideal place for spiritual retreats and day hikes.

La Salette, a small town of 200 people about 50 miles south of Grenoble, was the site of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1846.

After five years of careful examination of the facts, the Church authorized the Cult of Our Lady of La Salette in 1851. An imposing and magnificent Minor Basilica was built at the site (left).

Sept 28 - Day 7 - After breakfast in LaSALETTE, depart for PARAY Le MONIAL, the cradle of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, since Our Blessed Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque at the Visitation Convent. Continue to ARS for Mass at the Altar of St. John Vienney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests. Drive on to NEVERS. (Dinner and overnight in Nevers)

The town of Paray le Monial is mainly known for its Romanesque church "Sacré-Coeur" (right) and as a place of pilgrimage. The Hôtel de Ville, in Renaissance style, the façade of which is adorned with a large statue of the Blessed Virgin, is also one of the historical monuments.

Sept 29 - Day 8 - After breakfast in NEVERS, visit St. Gildard’s Convent to pray and celebrate Mass at the Chapel where rests the visible and incorrupt body of St. Bernadette (left). Then depart for CHARTRES to see the famous Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary and considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture and art in the world. Arrive late afternoon in PARIS. (Dinner and overnight in Paris)

Charters (below) is a town and commune of France, prefecture (capital) of the Eure-et-Loir department. It is located 96 km southwest of Paris in central France.

The town is best known for the Cathedral of Chartres (French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres), widely considered to be the finest gothic cathedral in France. Its historical and cultural importance is recognized by its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

The Cathedral - The abbey church of St Pierre (right), dating chiefly from the 13th century, contains, besides some fine stained glass, twelve representations of the apostles in enamel, created about 1547 by Leonard Limosin. Of the other churches of Chartres also noteworthy are St Aignan (13th, 16th and 17th centuries) and St Martin-au-Val (12th century). The surrounding city financed the stained glass windows.

Sept 30 - Day 9 - After breakfast in PARIS, visit Rue de Bac to celebrate Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in the Convent where lies the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. Following this a city tour including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul, the Champs Elysee, the Concorde Place and other highlights of the "City of Lights". The tour ends at the majestic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Montmarte, the artist section of the city. Rest of the day at leisure. (Dinner and overnight in Paris)

Oct 1 - Day 10- After breakfast in PARIS, travel northwest to Lisieux, home of St. Therese (left), whom St. Pope Pius X called "the greatest saint of modern times". Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity come alive when visiting the Basilica Cathedral (right) of St. Peter, the Les Buissonets, her family home. On display are relics, clothing, and personal objects belonging to "the little flower". View of the statue depicting the Virgin Mary who smiled at St. Therese during an ecstasy before curing her illness. Celebrate Mass at the Carmelite Convent where she lived her religious life as a Carmelite Sister and where her body rests and can be viewed. Return to Paris. (Dinner and overnight in Paris)

Notre-Dame (right) is the masterpiece of the mature French Gothic style and a repository of such outstanding art treasures that it surely counts as one of the greatest expressions of European civilization.

Pont Alexandre III (left). With a single metal arch 107 meters long and 40 wide, this bridge, among the most beautiful in Paris, joins the Esplanade des Invalides to the Champs Elysee. Built between 1896 and 1900, it bears the name of Czar Alexander III, whose son Nicholas II laid the first stone in 1896. The bridge was built to celebrate the event of the Russo-French alliance. The bridge is embellished with rich decoration consisting of floral wreaths, lamps supported by putti and allegories of marine geniuses.

The Arc de Triomphe (right). At the end of the Champs Elysee we reach the Place Charles De Gaulle, spacious, round, planted with trees and 120 meters in diameter, from which radiate off twelve great thoroughfares, thus giving the idea and the image of a huge star (Etiole). Already existing at the end of the 18^th century, it was given its definitive layout in 1854 by Baron Haussmann. In the middle of the square stands the Arc de Triomphe.

The Palais de Chaillot (left) was built to a design by the architects Carlu, Boileau and Azema in the area where the 19^th century Trocadero building had been constructed, on the occasion of the World Fair of 1937. This building consists of two pavilions separated by a terrace, extended by two immense curved wings of 195 meters each, which are the setting for a spectacular jewel consisting of gardens, terraces, avenues and a great pond, sloping towards the Seine.

The Eiffel Tower (right). In Paris there are countless names loaded with glory, which represent the city throughout the world. Yet none competes with that of the Eiffel Tower. In little more than 100 years, this fascinating mass of iron weighing seven thousand tons has brought every other symbol of the Ville Lumiere prostrate to its feet as though in the presence of a queen. It was built by the engineer Gustave Eiffel on the occasion of the World Fair of 1889.

The Sacre-Coeur (left). Following the defeat of 1870, some Catholics, as a sign of faith in the destinies of the Church, vowed to erect on the hill of Monometer a church consecrated to the Heart of Christ. The architect Paul Abadie was commissioned to design the church, whose construction begun in 1876, finished in 1914 thanks to a national subscription, which raised 40 million francs. The church was consecrated in 1919 and since then has welcomed an uninterrupted flow of the faithful and tourists. Besides, its lofty white mass, built in a curious style, which is a mixture of Romanesque and Byzantine, is now an integral part of the Parisian landscape.

Oct 2 - Day 11- After breakfast in PARIS, motor coach to the airport for return flight to Kansas City.

Those who would like to stay for an extra two nights have the option of extending their stay in Paris for two nights and may wish to visit Rouen, the city of St. Joan of Arc, or Giverny, home of Painter Monet, or the Palace of Versailles. The tours are optional for individual passengers and can be booked once you are in Paris. Extra two nights hotel with daily breakfast and airport transfers: $495.00 per person. Also the extra trips during those 2 days to places outside of Paris would have their own costs.

Anyone interested in this Trip may contact Fr. Hake at either:

St. Patrick’s Church or Chancery Office

P. O. Box 327 P. O. Box 980

Lincoln, KS 67455 Salina, KS 67401-0980

or

Chancery Office

P.O. Box 980

Salina, KS 67401-0980

785-827-8746

chancery@salinadiocese.org

The trip is being arranged through Marienna and/or Edita at:

Select International, 85 Park Ave., Flemington, NJ 08822

Tel: 908-237-9262; Fax: 908-237-9263: Toll: 1-800-842-4842

Email: sales@select-intl.com; www.selectinternationaltours.com

Since this is the 150^th Anniversary of the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, Pope Benedict XVI has declared a Holy Year with special indulgences for those who make a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Our 11 day trip will begin on September 22 with a direct flight from Kansas City to Paris and we will return from Paris on a direct flight back to Kansas City on October 2, 2008. The cost will be about $3,000.00 per person or a bit more, depending on the number who join the pilgrimage.

Note: The above price is based on the current air price of $ 720.00 and is subject to change up until the time of air deposit.

In addition to the estimated $3,000.00, there is an airport tax of $ 380.00 (subject to change based airport tax at time of final payment/ ticketing).

Trip cancellation/travel accident insurance……….$ 168.00 (Optional)

Insurance: Within 90 days of departure cancellation charges are very high. Select International works with group rates, whereby most airline tickets and land arrangements are non-refundable once they receive final payment. The Select International group insurance policy is administered by Travel Guard Insurance and was designed especially for the protection of Select International passengers. Insurance premium should be enclosed with the initial deposit. Insurance is wise and very strongly recommended.

• Air transportation, economy class on a regular scheduled air carrier from Kansas City to Paris back to Kansas City
• Services of an English speaking guide throughout the trip beginning and ending at the airport
• Accommodations in three star hotels based on double occupancy. All rooms with private bath facilities.
• TGV train Lourdes to Paris 2^nd class tickets
• Buffet breakfast daily and three-course dinners as per itinerary (excluding beverages)
• Land transportation by private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
• Comprehensive sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
• Baggage handling is included at hotels where provided (one piece per client)
• Select International portfolio
• Planning and scheduling of daily Mass upon request

Tipping of bus driver, guides, waiters at meals, etc. will be personal.

(Additional information is available from Msgr. Hake or Select International - phones and addresses above.)