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 Pilgrimages@InsideTheVatican.com
Discount Codes
Call our office for information about any additional discount codes – U.S. Office at +1 202.536.4555.
What’s included
- MealsSeven (7) breakfasts, four (4) lunches, and five (5) dinners are included. On your own meals: two (2) lunches, and two (2) dinners.
- Private Motor CoachPrivate motor coach bus and all group transfers are included.
- Taxes and FeesAll local taxes are included.
- Entrance FeesAll entrance fees are included.
- Arrival Group TransferThere will be a group transfer from Seville Airport (SVQ) to the hotel.
- Departure Group TransferThere will be a group transfer to Seville Airport (SVQ) from the hotel.
What’s not included
- AirfareAirfare to and from Spain
- GratuitiesGratuities payable to the bus driver.
- Individual TransfersAirport transfers for participants not arriving or departing within specified time frames to participate in the group transfers.
- MealsMeals not specifically identified: two (2) lunches, and two (2) dinners.
- Other Personal ExpensesOther personal expenses including, but not limited to, laundry services, minibar in hotel rooms, et cetera.
Available Packages
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.
Price is per person for a single occupancy room. Airfare is not included.
Available options
Itinerary
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.