Germany

Our 175th Jubilee Pilgrimage begins with an overnight flight to Frankfurt (FRA). Our spiritual focus will include an onboard rosary, reflection on pilgrimage, detachment, and trust in God’s Providence. Meals and beverages will be served in flight.

DAY 2 (10/16) FRANKFURT | BONN

We arrive in Frankfurt, clear customs, and meet our Nativity Pilgrimage Tour Guide. We begin with a scenic drive to Bonn (1.5–2 hours) and check into our hotels. In the afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely walking orientation of Old Town and the Rhine promenade, followed by Mass at Bonn Minster (Basilica of St. Martin). We end with a welcome dinner and a reflection on Catholicism in the Rhineland.

DAY 3 (10/17) BONN

This morning, we explore Bonn Minster (interior, crypt, if open) with time for personal prayer and reflection on the early Christian roots and missionary saints of the region. In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic excursion to nearby Cologne to visit Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) with a guided tour focusing on its role as a pilgrimage site and the Shrine of the Three Kings. Next, we enjoy some leisure time before returning to Bonn for dinner. This evening offers an Optional Rhine stroll and night prayer.

DAY 4 (10/18) BONN | DERNBACH

This morning, our Poor Handmaids’ focus begins with a scenic journey to Dernbach (1.5 hours). In Dernbach, we check into the Resonance Chamber Monastery Retreat Center and share an afternoon introductory session on St. Katharina Kasper and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. We will reflect on their charism, history, and global mission. This evening, we celebrate Mass with the Sisters and have time for quiet reflection and journaling.

DAY 5 (10/19) DERNBACH

Today, we explore St. Katharina Kasper sites, including a visit to the Motherhouse of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, a tour of the chapel, relics, and exhibits on St. Katharina’s life and the early sisters. Next, we walk through key local sites, including the birthplace of St. Katharina and early service locations for the poor and sick (as available). This afternoon, we will enjoy a presentation from a Sister on the Order’s charism through service, humility, and trust in God. Our day ends with an evening group sharing on vocation, service, and implications for parish life back home.

DAY 6 (10/20) DERNBACH

This morning, we’ll visit St. Lawrence Church and take part in a regional pilgrimage to Limburg an der Lahn, where we will explore Limburg Cathedral (St. George’s Cathedral). The guided tour of the cathedral will highlight its Romanesque architecture and its role in the diocese, which includes Dernbach. Here we will pause for Mass and private prayer. (schedule pending). We’ll return via scenic route with an impromptu stop in a small village church for quiet reflection. Tonight, we will enjoy our final evening with the sisters, including shared prayer, community testimony, and a blessing for all pilgrims.

DAY 7 (10/21) DERNBACH | RHINE VALLEY | KOBLENZ | FRANKFURT

Today, we depart for a short visit to Koblenz to encounter Deutsches Eck, the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, and a local church visit. This afternoon, we journey to Frankfurt and check into our city-center hotel with free time to explore Frankfurt’s old town, Römerberg, and Main riverfront.

DAY 8 (10/22) FRANKFURT

After morning Mass, we will enjoy a day of leisure with time for church visits, local shops, and sampling German cuisine. This afternoon, we close our pilgrimage with a River Cruise and scenic views of Frankfurt. Tonight, we share a farewell dinner and reflections on our pilgrimage.

DAY 9 (10/23) RETURN TO CHICAGO

After breakfast, we transfer to Frankfurt Airport for our return to Chicago. This has been a week that will last a lifetime. Celebrating the 175th Jubilee of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ has drawn us closer to our Lord and the Church. We return to our parishes and family with renewed passion to share the Good News as missionary disciples of Jesus!