Today: Our pilgrimage begins by boarding the bus to see a few Painted Churches on our way to San Antonio. We first stop at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, TX to view and then to St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina, TX. The last stop of our trip is what is known as the “Queen of the Painted Churches,” St. Mary’s Church in High Hill. St. Marys is home to an astonishing wooden alter and life-sized biblical figure that draws pilgrims from all across the country. We continue on to San Antonio where we check in to our hotel and have a group dinner on the famous Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio.

Evening: Overnight and dinner at your hotel.

Today: We start the morning by visiting both the replica Grotto of Lourdes and Hill of Tepeyac built by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to show Our Lady in both the Old and New World. We have ample time here to pray and ask for Our Lady’s intercession. We then stop for lunch before proceeding to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. Here we are able to learn more about and connect with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” while admiring the beautiful depression-era architecture. After leaving this minor basilica, we move to the San Fernando Cathedral. Founded by 15 immigrant families in 1731, it is one of the oldest still-functioning Church building in Texas. We have to opportunity to explore the rich history of the cathedral on a tour as well as have the opportunity to celebrate Mass. The end of our second day sees us right in the middle of Historic Downtown San Antonio, where we have dinner and the rest of the evening free for leisure.

Evening: Overnight and dinner at your hotel.

Today: We will explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the State of Texas. First, we learn why every Texan will always “Remember The Alamo” by visiting the most famous and oldest mission in San Antonio. The Alamo is home to many artifacts and the beautiful Alamo Gardens right in the heart of Historic Downtown San Antonio. After leaving the Alamo we travel to Mission Concepción, named after the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, it is the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States. Next, we move onto Mission San José, the largest mission in San Antonio. Recently renovated we take a step back in time and get a glimpse of life in Spanish Colonial Texas. The beautiful flying buttresses and famous Rose Window serve as the beautiful backdrop for Mass. We then visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano, which houses the famous Serra Chapel. The Serra Chapel celebrates the Eucharist daily since the 1780s and is the only chapel still standing where St. Serra celebrated Mass. We can enjoy the nature trail that begins at the Mission and leads to the river. Our last stop of the day is the southernmost mission, Mission Espada, whose original aqueduct and dam are still functional. Run by Franciscan Missionaries, they integrate Native and Catholic traditions. Dinner at a local area restaurant.

Evening: Overnight and dinner at your hotel.

Today: We begin with a checkout of our hotel where we have a free morning to explore the famous Market Square and enjoy a Texas lunch. After lunch, we begin to head home with one more stop along the way to visit one more Painted Church, Sts. Cyril & Methodius in Shiner TX. If opened, we will take a tour of the Spotzel Brewery, home of the famous Shiner Beer. We then hop on the bus for the last time as we drive back home.