"To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where He has revealed Himself, where His grace has shone with particular splendour and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe." -Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

     2020 is the year to encounter God on a pilgrimage of faith, trusting that the Lord wishes as ever to reveal His love to each one of us. Savouring the profound words and responding to the stirring charge issued by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI a decade ago in that brilliant quotation, I wish to invite you to join me and Deacon Hal Goldwire on a pilgrimage to Ratzinger's own homeland: the best of the Catholic Alps. In June of next year, we will visit southern Germany and Austria to see how God has inspired and blessed the Germanic peoples with the riches of the Catholic faith. In addition to taking in the beauty of creation, we will enjoy the time-honoured, once-a-decade-only production of the world-famous Oberammergau Passion play. Running for 400 years, this whole village's stunning theatrical production is a living response to a people's pledge of faith in a good God, who blesses, defends, and sustains His people. In particular, having studied him extensively and wishing to share his legacy, I am happy that we will walk in the footsteps of Joseph Ratzinger, that shy, but brilliant, German boy who grew to become one of the world's greatest theologians and the 264th Successor of St Peter in our lifetime. While travel to Germany is never inexpensive and participation in the Passion play costs over $1,000 each, what is so brilliant about this pilgrimage is the good it also does for others. As it has been organized by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, pilgrims' costs also directly benefit the good of the suffering minority Christians in the Holy Land--a cause dear to both Deacon Hal and me.  If you wish to see the beauty of the Alps but the still greater beauty of the Catholic faith come alive in the heart of a good people in this storied corner of the world, I invite you to join Deacon Hal and me in an adventure of faith. 

Your Pilgrimage/Study Program Includes: •  Round-trip economy class airfare USA (Declared Airport) - Declared Destination  R/T •  Assistance, upon arrival. •  Accommodations in first class Hotel in twin-bedded rooms, with private facilities, throughout the pilgrimage: •  Buffet breakfast and dinner daily •  All sightseeing including overseas arrival and departure transfers, in a  private, deluxe motor coach. • Services of a professional, government-licensed, Catholic tour manager guide as per attached program. •  Entrance fees to all sites including as per program. •  Coordination of daily LiturgiesItems not included: •Passport and visa costs, if any. •U.S. Passport must be valid at least six (6) months subsequent to return date. •Items of a personal nature (hotel extras, laundry, phone calls. etc.) •Meals not specified in the program. •Items not specifically mentioned above.   •Travel Protection is not included but is recommended. •Tips forLunches  

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION Deposit: A deposit is required at the time of booking; this deposit will be defined on the Pilgrimage brochure. Please see our cancellation policy. Full Payment All reservations 90 days prior to the date of departure Late Payment: If there is any outstanding balance by the Final Payment Due date listed on your invoice, all travel services will be subject to automatic cancellation. Form of Payment: US Dollar check, wire transfer, major credit cards. Final payment will be processed upon Submission of a completed Latin Patriarchate Pilgrimages USA Reservation Form. All payments made within 30 days of departure must be in the form of a credit card. There is a $50 fee for returned checks. Cancellation: Once a partial or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Email your cancellation to LeAnn@lpjp.orgincluding your invoice number, full name and date of travel. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 48hours, call 410-897-2538 to ensure your information was received. Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received. Refunds made to credit card purchases are subject to a 3.5% fee imposed by credit card companies. Once the flight has been ticketed; anyone canceling after this date will lose the cost of the flight. Usually 8-12 weeks before departure. If the flight has not been ticketed, the cancellation 

policy is as stated below There is a $50.00 administrative fee when you cancel.  150 days or more prior to departure $1500

75 –149 days prior to departure 50% of total trip  

0 – 74 days prior to departure  NO REFUND

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Round trip from USA (Declared Airport) to Declared Destination, Flight itinerary and carrier may be subject to change. Airfare is subject to increases prior to date of travel. By sending your deposit together with your completed reservation form before the deposit deadline. Airfare will be guaranteed against future fare increases excluding tax increases or fuel surcharges. Tax and fuel surcharge estimation is based on increases imposed by airlines is subject to increase prior to ticketing (approximately 30 days prior to departure). Airlines will provide a block of seats for the group. Individual requests for seating preferences can be made at time of check-in only. If you are a member of the frequent flyer or affiliate ‘program, please bring your account card to the airport on the day of departure to receive proper mileage credit. L.P. Pilgrimages cannot submit seating preferences or frequent flyer information as we cannot guarantee that any or all requests will be honored. 

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Due to bus space. One checked bag and one carry -on bag per person are permitted. Standard airline baggage policies usually allow checked baggage up to 62 total inches and 50 pounds and carry-on baggage up to 45 total inches and 40 pounds. However, Policies may vary from the time of printing of this brochure. Contact your airline directly before departure for current baggage dimension allowances. For luggage exceeding the allowed limits, excess baggage fees will apply at check-in. Our final documents will contain current information applicable to your designated airline.  

SIGHTSEEING AND ENTRANCE FEES: All sightseeing as per itinerary aboard a private motor/coach with the services of a professional, licensed, Catholic English-speaking guide. Entrance fees to all sights are included. TRANSFER AND PORTERAGE: Round trip private transfers from/to hotel. Porterage of one piece of luggage at hotels throughout your tour. Westrongly suggest that you travel with one suitcase and one carry-on. MEALS: Buffet breakfast and dinner daily. Beverages (coffee, tea, mineral water) are not included at set menu dinners. 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: All participants must have a valid passport. U.S. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months, subsequent to the group’s return date. Special entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens may apply. Please consult the appropriate Consulate for current requirements. It is solely the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that all documents needed are completed and current. L.P. Pilgrimages will not be held responsible for lack of current and valid entry documents. TRAVELER HEALTH ADVISORY: All passengers must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel and that such traveling will not endanger themselves or others as pilgrimages entail a lot of walking, Climbing up/down Stairs, etc. Any passenger, who is physically challenged, must submit a certificate from his medical doctor stating that he is capable of taking part in this pilgrimage without assistance. If special assistance is required, the passenger must travel with a companion willing and capable of providing any necessary assistance. 

TRAVEL PROTECTION: We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, go to or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 10-0293 agent code LPP. 

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N (U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY) 

DISCLAIMER OF RESPONSIBILITY: L.P. Pilgrimages Ltd is only acting as intermediary and agent for the suppliers identified on this, or any accompanying documents, in selling services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by L.P. Pilgrimages Ltd (such as air carriage, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, meals. tours. cruises. etc.). L.P. Pilgrimages Ltd  shall not be responsible for breach of contract. Bank ruptcy or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay, or injury to any traveler, travel companions or group member. Unless the term “guaranteed” is specifically written on the ticket, invoice or reservation itinerary. L.P. Pilgrimages Ltd does not guarantee any supplier’s rates, bookings or reservations. L.P. Pilgrimages Ltd shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest mechanical or construction difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions,abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions omissions, or conditions outside of L.P. Pilgrimages control. By embarking upon the trip, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved with such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above terms and conditions and an agreement on the traveler’s part so convey the contents of this declaimer to your travel companions and group members. I/we agree to indemnify the Organizer for any costs 

Today: Depart for Germany with complimentary meals and beverages served onboard your international flight.

Arrival in Vienna where you are greeted by your English-speaking Tour Manager who will be with your group during the entire trip. We are transferred to the center of Vienna for a walking tour of the city.

Celebrate Mass at St. Stephen Cathedral and settle into the hotel. Overnight in Vienna for two nights. Overnight: Vienna

This morning we enjoy a guided visit of the Schönbrunn Palace, the magnificent reminder of Imperial Vienna. Following a panoramic city tour we drive to Melk Abbey for a guided visit of the Abbey, the Treasury and the Library. Mass will be celebrated in the beautiful baroque church.

We return to Vienna in the afternoon for some leisure time. (B, D)

Overnight: Dinner and overnight in Vienna

We depart Vienna and drive across the spectacular forested mountains to the pilgrimage center in Austria dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Mariazell which dates to the 14th century. The Chapel of Grace is considered the national shrine of Austria. Miracles are attributed to its statue of the Virgin, giving rise to fame that has spread all over Europe.

Following lunch we continue towards Salzburg. Our in-route stop will be in Austria’s Lake District at St. Michael’s Church in Mondsee, where the famous wedding scene in movie “The Sound of Music” was filmed. Arrive Salzburg for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Salzburg

Celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Maria Plain. The 17th century hilltop shrine overlooking Salzburg has a painting of the Virgin Mary that miraculously survived a bakery fire. The shrine became a Minor Basilica in 1952 and was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1983. We have a walking tour of the charming city of music and Mozart. We see the Basilica and stroll along the Getreidegasse, to see the house where Mozart was born, and take in many familiar sights from the Sound of Music film. We explore the religious heritage of this town, including Nonnberg, believed to be the oldest nunnery in existence, founded by St. Rupert in the 8th century, plus the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, also founded by St. Rupert.

Tonight we enjoy a festive dinner concert in a baroque festival hall, with classical music from Mozart and his time performed by the Amadeus Consort Orchestra.

Overnight: Salzburg

This morning we make a visit to the hillside town of Berchtesgaden. East of Berchtesgaden is the little village of Obersalzberg, the site of Hitler’s Berghof (mountain retreat). This ‘Eagle’s Nest’ retreat was built as a teahouse and given to Hitler by the NSDAP party as a 50th birthday present. The Eagle’s Nest remained unscathed from the bombing of the Allied Forces during WWII. Since 1952 it has been open to the public as a mountain top restaurant with a spectacular view. The three-part tour includes the construction and use of the Eagle’s Nest (a unique mountaintop conference center), a driving and educational tour of the Obersalzberg area, and a visit to a portion of the museum known as Dokumentation Obersalzberg, giving us access to the underground bunker system.

After all that Nazi stuff we relax and enjoy our life on a 2 hour cruise at the Königssee. It’s Germany’s third deepest lake, formed by glaciers, and in midst the most wonderful nature of the Bavarian Alps, a thin fjord-like lake that hooks itself around the Watzmann, Germany’s second highest mountain. Lake Königssee is known throughout the world for its emerald green water and unique mountainlandscape.

We’ll cruise silently across the lake on electric-powered boats and hear the famed Königssee echo. We continue on to the peninsula of St. Bartholomew with the unmistakable red onion domes atop its ancient pilgrimage church where we celebrate Mass.

Dinner & Overnight in Hotel: Salzburg

We continue our pilgrimage with the Passion Play in our hearts as we celebrate the Virgin Mary and the life and ministry of Pope Benedict. The Shrine of Our Lady of Altötting has been mentioned in Europe side-by-side with other great places of pilgrimage – such as Lourdes, Fatima and Czestochowa( we celebrate mass at the shrine). The ongoing miracles are manifested by countless conversions and a return to renewed faith of the pilgrims. Over 2000 votive paintings, that cover the outside walls of the chapel, speak of the trust in the intercessions of the Black Madonna of Altötting. In November 1980, Pope John Paul II visited the Shrine. Starting at the pilgrimage center of Altötting in the morning, we will first visit the Gnadenkapelle (Chapel of Grace), an octagonal chapel which keeps a much-venerated statue of the Virgin Mary. One of the most visited shrines in Germany it welcomes more than 1 million pilgrims a year. The tradition of Bavaria calls for the heart of the deceased king to be placed in an urn and kept at the chapel at Altötting. The heart of King Ludwig, the builder of Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee, lies in this chapel, along with those of his grandfathers and father. We continue our pilgrimage to the twin-towered Stiftskirche (Abbey church) with its treasury; to the Jerusalem Panorama of Christ's Crucifixion, the Pilgrimage and Local Heritage Museum as well as a diorama show.

In the afternoon we drive to near-by Marktl am Inn ("Little Market on the Inn River"), the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI. We visit his birth house which now has a little museum and his baptistery.

Dinner & Overnight: Altötting / vicinity

Following breakfast we will depart to explore King Ludwig II of Bavaria's majestic castle, Neuschwanstein Castle. Neuschwanstein is more beautiful than the lower castle of Hohenschwangau, also located in Schwangau. Enjoy lunch on own before we continue on to the Ettal. When approaching Ettal you will see The majestic dome of the Ettal Basilica . The huge dome is the symbol of the sanctuary of "Our Lady in Charity". The monastery was built around the church. After Mass we will continue to Oberammergau. The beautiful village of Oberammergau, is home of the famous Passion Play of the life of Christ. The play dates back to 1633 when the plague, the "Black Death", took a severe toll of lives in the small village. In their distress, the inhabitants turned to God and vowed that if the pestilence was taken from them, they would perform a play every year, depicting the suffering and death of the Savior. Their plea was heard and there were no further plague victims in Oberammergau. The first performance of the Passion play took place in 1634 in the village cemetery. As the Passion Play gained popularity more performances were implemented and in 1680 is was the start of the first ten-year to host the Passion Play. Dinner and overnight.

Celebrate Mass at local church. Enjoy some time to explore Oberammergau’s colorful frescos known as "Luftlmalereien" on house facades and to visit wood carving shops with amazing array of nativity scenesand religious figures. Following lunch, we will make our way to the world famous theatre to attend the performance of a lifetime, the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play. The sleepy village springs to life every ten years to put on a play that draws the world upon it! We, too, will become part of mission of the Passion of Christ, the greatest story ever told. We all share His message of faith and love! The Oberammergau Passion Play tells the story of the Passion of Christ, beginning with His entry into Jerusalem, followed by His trial, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. The play is held in a beautiful open air theatre that is praised for its superb acoustics. There are 2,000 actors (and live animals), they include local wood carvers, hotel owners, students, teachers, children, all of them interrupt their schedules to become actors, singers, orchestra members and stagehands. Requirements are strict: all actors must be born in Oberammergau, or have lived there 20 years, or be married to a villager and a resident for 10 years. All natural makeup, such as men let their hair and beards grow a year before the play. Female roles are limited to single women under age 35.

The Play is approximately five and a half hours long and is performed in two acts. 
Act I : 2:30pm - 5:00pm 

Intermission: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm; enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 
Act II: 8:00pm - 10:30pm

After breakfast, we will leave Oberammergau behind and drive north to Munich (city of the monks), the capital of Bavaria. Upon arrival, your local guide will take you on a guided tour which will include: Our first place to visit is Nymphenburg Palace, visit the twin-towered Frauenkirche where we will celebrate Mass today. The Frauenkirche; the Church of Our Lady, is the most familiar landmark of old Munich. Step foot on Marienplatz with its world famous "Glockenspiel". Continue on to view the town hall, and the magnificent boulevard Feldherrenhalle Ludwigsstrasse Siegestor, created by King Ludwig I in the middle of the 19th century. Pass by the Residenz, the palace of the kings of Bavaria, and the Hofgarten. Enjoy some free time for lunch, shopping or perhaps enjoy a stein of bier at the famous Munich Hoffbrau. Dinner and overnight.

We are transferred to nearby Munich airport for our homebound flights.