In 1859, a woman appeared to a young Belgian immigrant near Champion, Wisconsin – in the heartland of America – and revealed herself as “The Queen of Heaven.” Her message: “Gather the children of this wild country and teach them what they need to know for salvation.” A small chapel built on this site began attracting the local immigrant population; they brought to Our Lady their concerns in times of sickness and uncertainty, or when drought threatened their crops…and in the ensuing years, blessings, even miracles, began to flow. 

Known only to locals until relatively recently, the site of this apparition – the only Church-approved Marian apparition in the U.S. – is now a designated National Shrine.  Europe has its Fatima, its Lourdes, its Czestochowa…and we in the United States have the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wisconsin.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help is a bright star set in a gleaming constellation of Catholic shrines, monasteries, and chapels spanning the state of Wisconsin.  Because of its Protestant roots, America has never had a strong tradition of pilgrimage, but along this route of 5 national shrines and sacred sites, you will find in Wisconsin a land of rich Catholic heritage, culturally and spiritually – a land where the tradition of pilgrimage is growing and beginning to flourish.  Now is the time to experience these Catholic riches along the farm roads, forests, and Dells of Wisconsin… 

Come with us on a journey to Discover Mary in the Heartland, and learn about Mary’s message to the souls in this country as she leads us to her son, Jesus. 

 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! 

     Whether you choose one of our intimate-sized Signature Pilgrimages,  or a Classic Pilgrimage with budget-friendly pricing, we work hard to ensure that every pilgrimage is a moving experience, an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim.

Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages, Inside the Vatican, Inc., its employees, shareholders, officers and directors are collectively referred to herein as “ITVP.” 

Household: ITVP defines household as those participants who dwell under the same roof and have the same address for at least 6 months per year. 

Rates and Payments: Rates are based on applicable rates as of January 2022 and could change due to fluctuation in currency exchange rates or failure to have a minimum number of 15 passengers. If they change, we will invoice participants accordingly. Payment of the initial deposit for this pilgrimage indicates you have accepted these pricing terms and all terms specified in the Terms and Conditions.

Land Package: $2,999.00 per participant.  Does not include airfare.

1st Payment: $500.00 per person non-refundable deposit – Due at time of booking. 

2nd Payment: Balance due Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 60 days from departure. 

Single Supplement: $400.00 for single occupancy room, if applicable.  Due with 2nd payment.

Early Booking Discount: $250.00 discount – register by, Friday, May 13, 2022

Fees: Applicable Credit Card fees are to be paid by the participant. These fees will be added to your invoice.

Reservations and Payment Schedule: A $500.00 per participant, non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. Balance is due 60 days prior to departure. If your reservation is received less than 60 days prior to departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking. Receipt of your non-refundable deposit shall act as your agreement to and understanding of these terms and conditions. Fax, internet, e-mail or phone reservations are welcome. The non-refundable deposit and/or payment in full must be received within 7 days of booking or reservation will cancel. 

Deposit: The non-refundable $500.00 deposit due at the time of booking is an Evergreen Deposit.  An Evergreen Deposit will not expire and can be transferred to another pilgrimage even if you choose to cancel, regardless of the reason.  This Evergreen Deposit is transferable to another person.  The transfer of the deposit must be communicated in writing.  

Disputes: A contract is made when your reservation and payment are accepted by ITVP and any dispute shall be governed by Virginia law and must be litigated in Warren County, Virginia circuit or Virginia courts. In the event that an attorney is hired to enforce any part of these Terms and Conditions, participants are liable for all attorney fees and costs incurred by ITVP for enforcing or defending these Terms and Conditions. 

Form of Payment: Bank/Certified Checks, Money Orders, ACH or Wire Transfers (please fax a copy of bank confirmation when wiring funds) are accepted forms of payment at any time. Personal checks are acceptable if received more than 30 days prior to departure date. You may also make Direct Credit Card Payments to ITVP (Discover, Visa and Master Card). Every reservation must be accompanied by a signed Registration Form. Returned checks will incur a $50.00 service fee. In case of computer or human billing error, we reserve the right to re-invoice participants with corrected billing. 

Transfers: Two (2) group transfers to and from Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Individual transfers to and from the airport are not included in this package. Although ITVP can book an individual transfer to the airport upon request, the participant is financially responsible for that transfer. 

Flight schedule: Land Package participants are responsible for purchasing their own tickets to arrive into (MKE). Should a participant encounter a flight delay/cancellation, it is the participant’s responsibility to notify ITVP. 

Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the Land Package; however, we strongly recommend that you purchase it. 

Travel Documents: All travel documents are the responsibility of the participant. For passport holders from countries other than the United States, you are responsible for determining the required travel documents. ITVP will not be responsible for any delays, damages and/or losses, including missed portions of the pilgrimage, due to improper travel documentation. Cancellations due to lack of appropriate documents will incur the usual penalties.

U.S. State Department & Other Agencies: 

From time to time the U.S. State Department (www.state.gov) and the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and other government agencies and departments issue travel advisories or warnings for one or more of the destinations that you may be visiting on pilgrimage. We encourage you to contact these agencies directly to obtain the most current information. ITVP cannot change the cancellation terms or conditions based on the issuance of any such warning or advisory or the occurrence of any terror, problems or ill health, or other incident in one or more of the places this pilgrimage is scheduled to visit. All cancellation penalties must remain in full force and effect as outlined on this form. Travel insurance may or may not cover these possible causes for cancellations. 

Photography: Agents of ITVP may take photographs or videos of its pilgrimages and pilgrimage participants. Participants grant ITVP permission to do so and allow ITVP to use such photos and videos for promotional or commercial use without payment of any fees or royalties. These photos will be available on our photo website InsideTheVaticanPhotos.com following the pilgrimage. A code is required to download these photos from Inside the Vatican’s photo gallery. The code will be provided after the pilgrimage. 

Private Rooms and Single Supplement: A limited number of single rooms is available at the single supplement rate. If the allotted number of single rooms is booked, any additional single rooms that we may be able to book, if available, incur a fee in addition to the Single Supplement fee. 

Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellations must be received in writing in order for any refunds to be issued, and will be processed according to the date the written notice is received. Although a verbal cancellation is also appreciated, it will not be accepted as official notice. Please mail the cancellation notice to Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages 14 W Main Street, Front Royal, VA 22630. In the event of cancellation, monies will be refunded minus the cancellation fee. The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows: 

• 60 days or more prior to departure: $500.00 per participant deposit 

• 59 to 30 days prior to departure: $500 per participant deposit plus 50% of total remaining cost* 

• 29 days or less prior to departure: 100% of total cost* (no refund)

* Cost includes: Land Package and single supplement, if applicable. 

If you purchase travel insurance, it may cover the amount remaining after refund, depending on the circumstances of the cancellation and the conditions of the policy. Check with your travel insurance provider, if applicable. 

Pilgrimage Cancellation: On rare occasions a pilgrimage may have to be canceled due to lack of participation. 

In such a case, ITVP’s sole responsibility is to provide a full refund. ITVP is not responsible and does not assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other arrangements not made through ITVP. 

Cancellations due to state advisories and/or state warnings, acts of war, war, terrorism, acts of God, natural disaster or any other circumstance outside the control of ITVP, are not the fault of ITVP. Great effort will be made to accommodate transfers to another pilgrimage or to revise the itinerary; however, cancellation for any of these reasons will not be eligible for a refund. 

Room Service and Other Extraneous Charges: Room Service and extraneous charges not expressly listed as part of the Pilgrimage Package are not included. Should a participant request room service, or any other extraneous charge, including, but not limited to, mini bar, laundry services, internet charges or pay-per-view, the participant will be financially responsible for those charges to be paid at the time of check-out. If these charges are not paid at check-out, ITVP will bill the participant accordingly. 

Luggage: Baggage is at owner’s risk throughout the pilgrimage. 

Airfare: No airfare is included in the cost of this package. To obtain assistance purchasing airfare, please contact our office. 

Gratuities: Gratuities are not included. 

Health Requirements: This pilgrimage requires significant walking. Any medical conditions or special equipment needs must be listed on the registration form. ITVP is not responsible for any medical condition that occurs prior to, during or after the pilgrimage. 

Final Package: A final package containing documents, applicable airline ticket information, local contact information, a pilgrim book, and travel tips will be mailed to each participant approximately one (1) to two (2) weeks prior to departure. Upon receipt of your documents, you are responsible to check your itinerary, spelling of your name, dates, times and other important information to ensure their validity. Should your final documents have any errors, it is the participant’s responsibility to contact ITVP immediately. Documents, including tickets, are not guaranteed if final payment and booking forms are not received by the deadline. 

Unused Services: There will be no refund for any unused portions of the pilgrimage. Refunds will not be made to participants who miss any part of the pilgrimage for any cause whatsoever. 

Itinerary: Although ITVP and its agents and representatives will make every effort to adhere to the printed program and itinerary, on rare occasions it may be necessary to adjust arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (including, but not limited to, such circumstances as weather, acts of God, airline schedule change, hotel requisitions, political disturbances, or transportation mechanical problems). 

Should such adjustments be necessary, substitutions will be made to the best of our abilities. A refund will not be given. Any additional costs necessitated by such changes are the full responsibility of the participant. We do not guarantee preferred seating at events. 

Printing Disclaimer: ITVP is not responsible for typographical or printing errors including errors in pilgrimage cost. We reserve the right to re-invoice or correct billing at any time. 

Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages, Inside the Vatican, Inc., its employees, shareholders, officers and directors (collectively “ITVP”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your pilgrimage, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground operators, including, without limitation, various entities, which may utilize the ITVP name, guides, sightseeing companies, entertainment, food or drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, ITVP is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity it does not own or control. Without limitations ITVP is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation any willfully or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as a cruise line, airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, local ground handler or guide, whether or not it uses the ITVP name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier which is to, or does supply any goods or services for this pilgrimage. 

Similarly, ITVP is not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodation, default or any third party, attacks or bites by animals, insects or pests, injury or death while on activities sponsored by lodging facilities or by other third parties, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, or the threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, epidemics, or the threat thereof, criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control. Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless ITVP and its employees, owners, officers, directors, shareholders and agents from any and all claims, damages, losses, or actions resulting from or arising out of the Inside the Vatican Pilgrimage.

Should Dr. Robert Moynihan, Deborah Tomlinson or any other guest leader, be unable to participate in this event, reasonable efforts will be made to secure a substitute. Regardless of the participation of Dr. Robert Moynihan, Deborah Tomlinson or any  other guest leader, the pilgrimage will proceed as scheduled on the dates listed. By signing this form to participate on this pilgrimage you agree that the terms of the cancellation penalty will be binding upon you regardless of whether Dr. Robert Moynihan, Deborah Tomlinson or any other guest leader is able to participate. ITVP is not responsible for any loss incurred by participant including lost days of the scheduled pilgrimage, due to a canceled flight or other means and modes of transportation. We will have daily Mass and strive to be in places as indicated. However, sometimes this is not possible as the site may not be available for Mass or itinerary changes are forced upon us. In this case, an alternative site for Mass will be arranged, if possible.

 If you prefer to register by mail, download the Registration and Information Packet HERE. Mail in the Registration Forms, pages 14 and 15, with your check as instructed on page 16.  If you should have any questions, please call our U.S. Office +1.202.536.4555. 

$250.00 - Early Booking Discount - To apply this discount apply on or before Friday, May 13, 2022 and use discount code: EARLY, when registering.

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

You will arrive at Milwaukee International Airport (MKE) and take a shuttle to the Schoenstatt Retreat Center in Waukesha, just 18 miles away.  

On arriving in the afternoon, the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary will welcome us to their Retreat Center with an afternoon tea.  Sr. Maria Victoria, a Chilean nun who lived for many years in Schoenstatt, Germany, will bring us to visit and pray at the International Schoenstatt Shrine, an exact replica of the shrine in Germany where Fr. Joseph Kentenich, in 1914, started the Schoenstatt Movement.  Sr. Maria Victoria will offer us a reflection on the Schoenstatt spirituality and its Marian emphasis which encourages all to see her as “a bridge leading to a deep, fervent love of God.”  

The rest of the afternoon can be spent in silence walking the peaceful grounds.  

After evening Mass, a welcome dinner will be enjoyed at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center with Dr. Robert Moynihan, leading Vatican analyst and founder and editor of Inside the Vatican magazine and Deborah Tomlinson, President of Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages, and friends of Inside the Vatican magazine.    

Dinner included.

After morning Mass at the Retreat Center, we will begin our pilgrimage by taking a journey off the beaten path to the National Shrine of St. Philomena in Briggsville, Wisconsin. Though the Shrine is small, it stands as a great testimony to the devotion that St. Philomena continues to nurture in the faithful and the power of her intercession.  From Susan, the Shrine’s custodian, we will learn the unique story of how the first-class relics of St. Philomena were brought to Briggsville in the late 1940s and how this saint continues to make known her presence, in dreams and in miracles, to many who come to pray and seek her intercession. 

After lunch in the fresh air on huge timber decks overlooking the Upper Dells on the Wisconsin River, we will have the chance to travel by boat along the dramatic 155 foot bluffs carved out by the Wisconsin River, all against the backdrop of splendid autumn foliage.  

Breakfast and Dinner included.

We will depart after an early breakfast for Lacrosse to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a place of worship and pilgrimage which, in the words of Cardinal Raymond Burke, “uncovers again for us the extraordinary nature of our ordinary life.” 

After we participate in the Sunday liturgy, we will have a private tour of this beautiful shrine. There will be time for confessions, private prayer and reflection. Take time to walk the Stations of the Cross, pause to pray at the Memorial to the Unborn, or simply rest in the timeless beauty of the Shrine’s unique architectural design and the incarnational art adorning both the interior building and external grounds.    

Enjoy lunch at the Shrine’s Culina Maria Cafe, and remember to pause to light a candle to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Votive Chapel as you depart from the Shrine.    

Breakfast and Dinner included

Following breakfast and a morning reflection with Sr. Maria Victoria at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center, we will head off for Holy Hill where we will reach the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians for Mass with fellow pilgrims and the Discalced Carmelite Friars who are entrusted with the care of this sacred place.  

After Mass, we will hear the rich history of this Basilica set atop a high hill overlooking 400 acres of forest. There will be a chance to explore the Basilica and walk the Stations of the Cross.  

After lunch, we will have the opportunity, weather permitting, to climb the 178-step observation tower to take in the beauty of the hills and forest of the Kettle Moraine, enjoying breathtaking autumn views from the highest peak in southeastern Wisconsin.

We will also have a special viewing of the Basilica’s exhibit on the Shroud of Turin and learn from our long-time friend and Shroud expert, Jim Bertrand, the history and significance of this holy relic. 

From Holy Hill we will travel to our hotel in the city of Manitowoc on the shore of Lake Michigan where we will meet Fr. Andrew Kurz, the priest who started The Wisconsin Way.  Fr. Kurz will tell us how his dream of starting a pilgrimage route through Wisconsin, comparable to that of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, became a reality.  He will share stories about the graces pilgrims have received on their journey along the Wisconsin Way and offer insights into the rich history of Catholicism and the deep roots of Marian Devotion in this beautiful state. 

Breakfast and Dinner included.

After breakfast in the morning, we will leave Manitowoc for the historic town of St. Nazianz, arriving at the Holy Resurrection Monastery where we will join the monks for Divine Liturgy and then enjoy lunch in their guest refectory.  After lunch, one of the monks will offer a reflection on monasticism and Byzantine Catholic spirituality.  

In the afternoon, we will visit an authentic Wisconsin cheese shop and museum to sample fresh curds and discover the traditional art of cheesemaking.  On the way home, we will visit roadside “rogation shrines” in the local area and learn how these important chapels were an integral part of the lives of Catholic immigrants in Wisconsin. 

In the evening, we will enjoy traditional Wisconsin cuisine at an historic dining spot in downtown Manitowoc.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

After breakfast, our pilgrimage continues onward to the city of Green Bay into the heart of the Catholic Diocese in which the apparition of Our Lady of Good Help was deemed “worthy of belief” by Rome, making it the first and only Church-approved Marian apparition in North America.  Schedule permitting, we will have an encounter with Bishop David L. Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay, under whose auspices the Marian apparition received Vatican approval.  

After a morning in the hometown of the Green Bay Packers – a professional football team – we will enjoy lunch with local fare at a farm-to-table restaurant just outside of Green Bay.  From there, we will stop at the famous chapel where Vince Lombardi went to daily Mass. Our pilgrimage to Green Bay will conclude with a visit to the National Shrine to St. Joseph which will be followed by Vespers with the Norbertine monks in De Pere.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

We will reach the culmination of our pilgrimage on September 8, the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady.  After breakfast, we will head north toward Champion to attend Mass and celebrate the feast of the Nativity of Mary at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, at the site of the first and only Church-approved Marian apparition in the United States.  

After Mass at the Shrine, we will have the opportunity to hear the story of Our Lady’s visitation to Adele Brise and to better appreciate the historic roots of Catholicism brought to Wisconsin by early immigrants.  There will be time for silent prayer and reflection followed by lunch at the Shrine’s cafe.

After lunch, pilgrims can participate in enrollment in the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary at the Shrine in a brief ceremony. We hope that this will provide each person with a tangible way of entrusting themselves to Mary on their journey towards Christ. Anyone who enrolls will receive a certificate after the ceremony.  

From the Shrine, we will head down the road to a local vineyard and winery that supplies grapes for the annual blessing of the wine at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. We will tour the vineyard at the height of the grape harvest and partake of tastings in the winery accompanied with seasonal charcuterie and local cheese.  

To mark the end of the pilgrimage, we will share a farewell dinner overlooking Lake Michigan, while dining on authentic German food, taking time to share the insights and experiences of our journey and looking forward to a new beginning on our path towards Christ through his Mother.  

Breakfast and Dinner included.

After breakfast and last goodbyes, transfers will be scheduled to the airport for your return home.  Farewell to all our fellow pilgrims and friends until we meet again...

Breakfast included.