Pilgrimages, Then and Now

Pilgrimages, Then and Now

A tourist visits a place. A pilgrim seeks an encounter—with God, with the Church, and often with a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.

Long before modern airports, guided touring, and hotel check-ins, pilgrims traveled these same roads carrying little more than prayer, determination, and hope. Some sought healing or forgiveness. Others longed to visit the places where saints lived, where the Gospel was preached, and where generations of Christians have gathered in faith. Centuries later, pilgrims are still returning.

Today's journeys may be more comfortable, but the reasons for pilgrimage remain remarkably unchanged: to deepen one's faith, walk in the footsteps of the saints, and experience the living heritage of the Catholic Church. This month, we look at three of our pilgrimages that continue to inspire travelers from around the world.

Following St. Paul Through Greece 

For early Christians, journeys connected to St. Paul often required weeks or months of travel across the Mediterranean. Pilgrims came to places like Corinth, Philippi, and Thessaloniki to stand where St. Paul preached the Gospel and helped establish some of the first Christian communities in Europe.

Today, Regina Tours' Footsteps of St. Paul pilgrimage follows many of those same routes, bringing Scripture to life through visits to Athens, Corinth, Thessaloniki, and other sites connected to St. Paul's ministry.

Rome and the Pilgrimage Roads of Italy

Pilgrims have traveled to Rome since the earliest centuries of Christianity. Home to St. Peter's Basilica, the tombs of the Apostles, and the Vatican. They come to attend a Papal Audience, as well as to pray and visit countless sacred sites. Rome remains the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church.

Regina Tours' Rome, Florence, Siena, Assisi & Milan pilgrimage connects travelers to this rich tradition while also visiting places associated with St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Catherine of Siena.

Lourdes and Fatima: Pilgrimage in the Modern Era

Though more recent pilgrimage destinations, Lourdes and Fatima quickly became places of prayer and devotion for Catholics around the world. Today, millions continue to visit these Marian shrines seeking peace, healing, and spiritual renewal.

Candlelight processions, prayer before the Grotto at Lourdes, and gatherings in Fatima's sanctuary continue traditions that unite pilgrims across generations.

For decades, Regina Tours has helped Catholic groups experience the richness of pilgrimage through journeys rooted in prayer, fellowship, and discovery at some of the world's most meaningful sacred destinations.

Regina Tours: Your Partner in Catholic Pilgrimage

For over 40 years, Regina Tours has led Catholic pilgrims on transformative journeys to sacred destinations around the world. With expert guides and thoughtfully curated itineraries, we offer more than a trip—we offer an encounter with the heart of our faith.

To learn more or to organize a pilgrimage for your parish, visit regina-tours.com.