The Journey of Pope John Paul II - Poland Journey through
the country of Pope John Paul II's birth, meet with the people, visit and
experience the places, historical events and politics that shaped his life. Come
to know, in a deeply personal way, the man behind the miter, whose charisma,
influence and abiding strength is the recognized by people the world over.
Day 1 New York, NY
We depart for Krakow and enjoy breakfast and dinner on board our overnight
flight.
Day 2 Krakow
Our escort greets and guides us to our hotel to freshen up and rest. In the
evening, we gather for an introductory biography of Pope John Paul II's life in
Poland to lay a foundation for the many sites we visit during our stay. We
celebrate Mass at the Franciscan Church, where Karol Wojtyla had "his own" bench
and came to pray as a student. (D)
Day 3 Krakow
We visit the famous salt mines of Wieliczka exploring the subterranean world
of labyrinth passages, giant caverns, underground lakes and chapels with
sculptures in the crystalline salt. In Wadowice, Pope John Paul II's birthplace,
we pay tribute to his early life with stops at his home, schools and the church,
where he was baptized. Returning to Krakow, time permitting, we see his
University, Tyniecka Street home and the family tomb at Rakowiecki. (B, D)
Day 4 Krakow
We celebrate Mass in the chapel at St. Faustina's Shrine of Divine Mercy. Our
Krakow tour begins with the Barbican - a medieval fortress, Market Square -
Europe's largest medieval square, Cloth Hall, the twin towers of Gothic St.
Mary's Basilica, Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill. This afternoon we
tour St. Florians, where the Pope was assistant pastor and served as students'
chaplain. Then to the Cathedral of Wawel, site of his ordination as Bishop on
September 28, 1958. (B, D)
Day 5 Zakopane
En route to Zakopane, we visit the Peace and Dialogue Center in Auschwitz.
Here we explore the Pope's experiences during WWII, his ecumenism toward the
Jewish people, his mighty stand on social justice and determination to canonize
Edith Stein, a convert from Judaism, who died in Auschwitz. Our daily mass
follows the lecture at the International Dialogue Center. This evening we enjoy
a local folklore show and dinner in Zakopane. (B, D)
Day 6 Zakopane
We climb aboard cable cars to the nearby mountaintop of Gubalowka for a
thrilling panoramic view of Zakopane. The Pope hiked the many wooded trails in
the Tatras, some of which we experience as we learn first-hand about his love of
the outdoors, excellent athletic ability and love of theater and poetry. Our
Mass follows the lecture at Antalowka Church. (B, D)
Day 7 Warsaw
Returning to Warsaw, we stop in Czestochowa - situated at the foot of Jasna
Gora Monastery, the spiritual capital of Poland. The city's blend of religious,
spiritual and artistic traditions creates its unique atmosphere. Pilgrims have
come to Jasna Gora Pauline Monastery to find consolation and express their
gratitude to God since 1382 when Prince Ladislaus II of Opole invited Pauline
monks from Hungary to Poland. The Monastery's miraculous picture of Our Lady was
crowned with papal diadems in 1717 and in the 20th-century was called the "Black
Madonna" due to its discoloration from candles lit in supplication. More than
five million pilgrims visit annually. (Only Fatima hosts more visitors.) We
explore the treasures of Jasna Gora led by one of the Pauline monks and
celebrate Mass in the Monastery. (B, D)
Day 8 Warsaw
We celebrate Mass at the Church of Holy Cross, where the heart of Frederic
Chopin is buried. Our Warsaw tour features Old Town, Market Square, the massive
Ghetto monument, Chopin statue and Royal Castle. We visit the tomb of Fr. Jerzy
Popieluszko whose murder during the reign of Communism could not defeat the
faith of the Polish people, as he was later beatified by the Pope for his
service to the church. We enjoy our final dinner together. (B, D)
Day 9 New York, NY
We say farewell to Poland as we board our flight home. (B)