l a e t i t i a i n c a r i t a s e t g r a t i a
castleofsaints
PILGRIMAGE UPDATES
Jubilee Year of Hope 2025:
Pilgrimage from Lourdes to Rome
As of June 15, 2025, pilgrims should have already received a welcome letter from me, with some initial instructions about the trip. Most importantly, I ask all pilgrims to make sure that you have considered seriously purchasing your health and trip insurance. I am trying to avoid situations where people are running after me later on to ask if I could intervene and appeal to NAWAS about refunding, because you failed to get an insurance to cover your trip. It is a big risk to not get some form of insurance. I don't care what insurance you get, but make sure to protect your investment, in case something happens at the last minute or during the trip, where you will need some type of coverage.
Please make your best effort to come to the pilgrims pre-pilgrimage luncheon on November 9, 2025 at St. Michael Church, 310 S. Wheaton Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187. Actual room will be determined later. I suggest that you come to our mass at 11AM, and we will proceed to the luncheon right after the mass. Please bring a dish to share.
This update has been updated :) on July 9, 2025
When you have the time, read about the story of St. Bernadette, whose incorruptible body may be closely accessed in Nevers, France. MY last visit to her was in 2013. It feels like ages ago, but the experience is still fresh in my memory.
Pilgrimage to the Shrines of France:
From Lourdes to Paris 2026
This update has been updated :) on July 9, 2025
So far, with little advertisement, five have actually signed up to this pilgrimage, and a few have expressed interest in joining. Please sign up as soon as you can, because the slot is limited.
In the list:
1. Fr. Sunny Castillo
2. Fr Brendan Lupton
3. Julie Ann Brennan
4. Patrick Lupton
5. Therese Marie Lupton
6. Esperanza Oliveros
7. Juliet Tran
8. Vicky Puzon
9. Grace Anni
Venice, Slovenia, Croatia & Medjugorje
Adriatic Pilgrimage 2026
This update has been published on July 24, 2025
Paper brochures are still being printed, although online brochures are now available, which you may now use to reserve your spot. Print it out and sign it for early reservation.
In the list:
1. Fr. Sunny Castillo
2. Alice Cruz
3. Ike Cruz
4. Maria Theresa Picart
5. Ruben Max Picart
6. Esperanza Oliveros
7. Juliet Tran
8. Josephine Bumanlag
9. Chito Bumanlag
10. Sally Olaya
11. Dolores Vrlec
12. Ramon Suerte
13. Cielo Suerte
14. Luz Feudo
15. Elizabeth Solver
Check in again for more updates in the future. Meanwhile, learn more about this beautiful region in the Balkan Peninsula. It is a gem not yet given the attention that it deserves.
The pilgrimage to France will give me the pleasure to visit Lourdes for the 7th time. It is my most visited pilgrimage destination.
This update has been updated :) on July 16, 2025
Per conversation with our NAWAS contact, I was told that there has been some new charges that have been imposed by the City of Rome to those who are traveling to Italy. Given the increase in rates of some government charges and taxes as we finalize the booking, please anticipate a slight increase in the final payment. We will be informed of these in the invoice. Please also anticipate the inclusion of the tips to be collected in the final invoice. (tips to restaurants, hotel staff, bus driver, guides and tour escort, transfer agents, and some church assistants are not included in the rate. Please call me if you have any questions. Thank you.
The Government Taxes and Airline Surcharges are subject to change up until ticketing and as of today they are $598. They were estimated on the tour brochure at $530. This difference will be explained in a letter to all the tour members.
Cities in Europe including those on this Italy Pilgrimage have also implemented municipal hotel tourist taxes that are not included in the cost of the tour. In addition, Rome has recently implemented a per person coach permit fee. Together, for the France and Italy portions of the tour these total $140 per person. As outlined in the terms and conditions for the tour, these amounts are not included in the tour cost, will be reflected on all invoices.
In the past, the collected amount in tips for the members has varied, and upon discussion with Fr, Sunny, a $200 per person will be asked for pre-collected gratuities on everyone’s invoices. These gratuity will cover all tips for all hotels staff, bellboys, in-hotel dining services, trasfer agents, long-trip escort and driver and local guides as applicable. Fr. Sunny also asks that the group offer a tip to the assistants at the churches where masses will be celebrated.
Please email Carol (carol@nawas.com) for questions.
Update per Carol McGrath of NAWAS Travels, as of July 31, 2025.
pray for our pilgrimage!
LORD, BLESS OUR PILGRIM WAY.
LORD, SHOW YOURSELF AS OUR COMPANION.
LORD, GUIDE AND PROTECT, BLESS AND FILL US.
LORD, BLESS THOSE WHO WILL JOURNEY WITH US.
LORD OF THE PILGRIMS, LEAD US TO YOU.
The final payment for our pilgrimage is due on August 25. The invoice is being sent to your home addresses. Please contact Carol at NAWAS if you have not received your invoice, or if you have any questions. Thank you for your prompt response. I am praying for all of us, as we reach the final 100 days before the journey.
Update per Carol McGrath of NAWAS Travels, as of August 5, 2025.
