Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr

Carmona, Seville, Spain

It
57 reviews
Mar 10 - 17, 2024
Group size: 12 - 22
Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr
Carmona, Seville, Spain

57 reviews

Mar 10 - 17, 2024
Group size: 12 - 22

About this trip

Come with us on this unique Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat to renew your spirit during Lent. Not only will you pilgrimage through Southern Spain, a beautiful land where the Catholic Church's rich 2,000-year history comes alive during Lent, but also you will partake in a Lenten retreat led by Father Charles T. Murr, a well-known Catholic priest who is a best-selling author, philosopher, theologian, trained psychologist and pastor of souls. 


(Go to Urbi et Orbi Communications' YouTube channel to get a sense of Father Murr's love of Christ, intellect, joy and great sense of humor.  Click here for a playlist of his videos.)


For the entirety of our Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat, you will spend seven (7) nights in Carmona, Spain at the Convento Madre de Dios de Carmona, a convent hotel that has been home to Dominican nuns since 1515. In this convent, Father Murr will lead our retreat and celebrate Mass.  During our days together, we also will journey to some of the most beautiful towns in all of Andalusia, Spain:

Carmona is a town where you will feel, breathe and experience its true essence as you walk along the streets. At each turn, you will be transported to a different period - from the city's Neolithic origins, to Julius Caesar’s revolt in Rome in 69 B.C., to the Christian-Muslim struggle after the Muslim invasion in the 700s. 


Córdoba was once the premier city of the Western World, the greatest metropolis west of Constantinople, and the seat of Europe's first university.  All agree that it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world!


Ronda is one of the most beautiful (and visited!) villages in Andalusia. This village, located on a rocky promontory offers magnificent panoramas over the whole valley. Divided in 2 by the Guadalevin river, it’s famous for the Puente Nuevo, the bridge linking the 2 sides of the 100m deep El Tajo Canyon.


Setenil de las Bodegas  is a very unusual village to see and discover. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. It is atypical because many of the houses are troglodyte. They are built from caves or under rocky overhangs. It seems that this little village made up of natural caves, has been inhabited for more than six thousand years. Its particular geography made Setenil a strong place and particularly difficult to conquer. It took 7 sieges of the city before the Catholic kings were victorious and took Setenil. The last, victorious attack took place on 21 September 1484. The city fell into the hands of the Catholic kings following an assault by troops led by Rodrigo Ponce de León, Duke of Cadiz. Legend has it that the name Setenil comes from the translation of the Latin words “Septem Nihil” which means “seven times nothing”. The full name, on the other hand, dates from the 15th century. This was the period when new Christians settled here. In addition to preserving the olive and almond fields, they introduced vines. The caves that were used to preserve the wine naturally gave the name of “Bodegas”.


Seville was founded as a Roman city and is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is bursting with antique charm. The Alcazar palace complex is a stunning collage of architectural styles, and the Cathedral is famed for its beauty and its status as the burial site of Christopher Columbus.


The people, the history, and the traditions of these towns will give richness, beauty and context to the talks of our retreat.  


This Lenten Retreat led by Father Murr will be a profound spiritual journey.  Father Murr's steadfast faith, his wide learning, and his unfailing humor will make this retreat engaging, spirit-filled and Christ-centered. 


Experience this once-in-a-lifetime Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat and grow closer to Christ as we prepare our hearts for the joy of the Risen Christ on Easter morning. 



Optional Add-On: 3 nights in Madrid 


March 17, 2024 - March 20, 2024 — 3 Nights at a 4 star hotel in the heart of Madrid


Damian Migallo will be your tour guide and will be with you the entire time during your stay in  Madrid. Damian will also be the guide on the Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Fr. Murr (and with you for the entire retreat).  He lives in Madrid and speaks fluent Spanish.  


The following are some highlights of your days in Madrid:  

* The Cathedral of the Almudena and adjoining Royal Palace

* The Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande

* The San Isidro Museum

* Plaza Mayor

* The Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel, Plaza de la Villa and Mercado de San Miguel

* Puerta del Sol, Calle Preciados, Callao and Gran Via (landmarks, restaurant and shopping area)

* El Prado Art Gallery and the Retiro Park


The advantage of this small group with Damian as your private guide is that as time allows, places you see or things you do can be added to meet your interests. Be aware that there will be walking involved on this add-on to Madrid.

Cost for Madrid Add-On

$1,250 for double occupancy (Choose "2" when booking this options)

$1,550 for single occupancy.  

Included

3 nights in a four star hotel

3 breakfasts

Train ticket from Seville to Madrid

private guide the entire time in Madrid

Not Included

3 lunches 

3 dinners dinner 

Departure transfer to the Madrid airport

Why Choose ITV Pilgrimages?

With 30 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. 


Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Our itineraries include both world-renowned and little-known places, and every detail has been arranged to create a truly unique experience; we do not have cookie-cutter pilgrimages! 


Our aim in this unique Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat is to have your journey with us be a peaceful, enjoyable, unforgettable experience, one that enriches your life and deepens your faith. Although we will visit many very famous places of cultural and artistic significance, our journey is primarily a pilgrimage, not a tour. The spiritual dimension – the search for a deeper understanding of God and a better appreciation of the history and life of the Church – is central. This is why the pace of our pilgrimage will be slow and peaceful, not hurried. There will be time to reflect and to pray.


We work hard to ensure that every pilgrimage is a moving experience, an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim.

Register By Mail

If you prefer to register by mail, please call our U.S. Office +1.202.536.4555 or email [email protected]

Discount Codes

Call our office for information about any additional discount codes – U.S. Office at +1 202.536.4555.

What’s included

  • Meals
    Seven (7) breakfasts, four (4) lunches, and five (5) dinners are included. On your own meals: two (2) lunches, and two (2) dinners.
  • Private Motor Coach
    Private motor coach bus and all group transfers are included.
  • Taxes and Fees
    All local taxes are included.
  • Entrance Fees
    All entrance fees are included.
  • Arrival Group Transfer
    There will be a group transfer from Seville Airport (SVQ) to the hotel.
  • Departure Group Transfer
    There will be a group transfer to Seville Airport (SVQ) from the hotel.

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Airfare to and from Spain
  • Gratuities
    Gratuities payable to the bus driver.
  • Individual Transfers
    Airport transfers for participants not arriving or departing within specified time frames to participate in the group transfers.
  • Meals
    Meals not specifically identified: two (2) lunches, and two (2) dinners.
  • Other Personal Expenses
    Other personal expenses including, but not limited to, laundry services, minibar in hotel rooms, et cetera.

Available Packages

Land Only: Double Room

Price is per person for double room occupancy (2 people per room). Airfare is not included.
If you are paying for both participants who are in the double room,  select "2" as the quantity to be able to add both names in the reservation. 

$3,500
Deposit: $750
Land Only: Single Room

Price is per person for a single occupancy room. Airfare is not included. 

$3,900
Deposit: $750

Available Add-Ons

Madrid Add-On (Double Occupancy)
$1,250

Price is per person for double room occupancy (2 people per room).   Select "2" when booking to pay for both participants. 

Madrid Add-On (Single Occupancy)
$1,550

Price is per person for a single occupancy room.



Itinerary

Day 1: Sunday, March 10
Carmona: Welcome Dinner and Mass with Father Murr

We will transfer from the Seville airport to Carmona, Spain where we will stay in the Convento Madres de Dios. This convent provides a unique atmosphere as it is located in the heart of old Carmona , just off the Plaza San Fernando. 


Carmona is a town where you will feel, breathe and experience its true essence as you walk along the streets. At each turn, you will be transported to a different period - from the city's Neolithic origins, to Julius Caesar’s revolt in Rome in 69 B.C., to the Christian-Muslim struggle after the Muslim invasion in the 700s. This charming, small walled city, will be our home for the next 7 nights. 


After settling into our rooms, we will gather for a welcome Sunday Mass and dinner.


Overnight in Carmona. Dinner is included.

Your Organizer


It
Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages
57 reviews
With more than 30 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Every detail has been arranged to create a unique experience; an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim.

Reviews

It was a quality experience; seeing amazing places, meeting wonderful people, and hearing amazing insight from Robert Moynihan. Having the wonderful opportunity to see Pope Leo, not once, but 3 times in 2 days was simply unforgettable! I have an amazing set of pictures to remember the trip. That being said; a few suggestions to consider for future pilgrimages. At times, coordination and communication was lacking, esp. when we were in Rome. Although they have their drawbacks, I would strongly suggest the use of mobile receivers; ie: the receiver you hang around your neck and use with one or two earpieces. Esp. in environments where there are many other people and the group is spread out (ex. St Peter's), those are the only reliable way to communicate with everyone. Also, use of a small bus for a group of this size is a mistake. I understand that large buses are unable to travel in some of the areas we visited; in that case, obtain two buses. My wife and I did the back seat for one day and that experience was simply horrible. I realize that this was not a "tourist" trip, but I was sorely disappointed that we did not visit the Sistine Chapel, and would have liked to see some of the historical sites in Rome. They add context to the spiritual experience. Our fellow pilgrims were amazing people, and we hope to stay in touch with them in the future.
By Ronald W for Italy: Journey Towards the Face of Christ 2025 on Jun 14, 2025
Everything about the trip was wonderful. Fellow pilgrims were great. Accommodations were terrific. Food was great.
By Jeffrey D for Italy: Journey Towards the Face of Christ 2025 on Jun 12, 2025
Fr. Blount's mercy pilgrimage to Medjugorje and retreat on Badija Island was truly a lifetime experience I will never forget! So many memories and friendships were made. I especially appreciated the one-on-one time with both Fr. Blount and Dr. Christine Mugridge. We had great food and accommodations. I hope to go on another Inside the Vatican pilgrimage in the future!
By Elaine B for Fr. Blount's May Mercy Pilgrimage: Medjugorje & Retreat Badija Island on Jun 10, 2025
Great team that worked around the clock to keep the trip wonderfully smooth and pleasant for everybody. With 40+ people many planes and boat transfers everything went great! A delightful enriching spiritual experience for the novice or experienced prayer warrior.
By Phillip V for Fr. Blount's May Mercy Pilgrimage: Medjugorje & Retreat Badija Island on Jun 10, 2025
We had a wonderful time. Everything went according to plan. Lots to do and see and yet much relaxing free time.
By Laurice M for Fr. Blount's May Mercy Pilgrimage: Medjugorje & Retreat Badija Island on Jun 09, 2025
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References

I just returned from the amazing pilgrimage in Italy! It truly was a “Journey Toward the Face of Christ” in the heart of Italy! Whether visiting the sacred sites in Assisi; Lanciano and the Eucharistic Miracle; the Holy Face relic in Manoppello; or in an outdoor procession with the Benedictine Monks in Norcia; or in the face of Pope Leo XIV at Mass and in the Vatican Gardens, I kept saying to myself “it doesn’t get better than this!” Dr Moynihan, Deb and Brankica planned for and provided every opportunity for us to experience the best! We were blest with their knowledge and kindness. We had plenty of opportunity to pray. The accommodations were very comfortable, the food delicious, and the fellowship flowed! I am already looking forward to my next pilgrimage with them! Thank you for sharing your gifts and God bless you!
By M Patricia L on 10 Jun, 2025
This was a most holy pilgrimage, I can’t even believe all the sacred things we experienced and touched, not to mention the places and saints we encountered. God blessed our travels the whole time. I’m still in awe as I look back and think to myself, “Oh yeah, we did that too, and how special was that!” For my husband and myself it was the trip of a lifetime, and it will never be forgotten. Thank you Robert, Deb and Brankiva!!! Cheryl
By Cheryl L on 08 Jun, 2025
The trip was great! The Vatican Pilgrimages staff that accompanied us were great! Thank you Deborah Tomlinson! You are so professional and kind. There was any need that a person had that you couldn't help with. The accommodations were great, remembering this was a pilgrimage and not a vacation. We stayed at 2 different locations and the rooms were very comfortable and the food was excellent. Plenty of time for attending Mass and Talks, yet time for reflexing alone or with new found prayer friends. Just a few days into the pilgrimage, everyone became friends. So many "like minded" prayerful people. It was suggested we get to our meeting site a day or two earlier so we could get acclimated to the time change, and that worked out great! Julie and I spent 2 days in Split see the sites and just relaxing together. The guide were had was extremely knowledgeable. Plus, we can be proud that we have contributed to the restoration of the Franciscan Monastery! Transportation must be mentioned also, it was great!
By Michael M on 05 Jun, 2025
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