Sisters of Life Pilgrimage to Poland

ITINERARY

Day 1: Monday, June 14 - Depart for Poland

Depart on overnight flights to Poland, a land deeply rooted in Catholic faith and home to some of the Church’s most beloved modern saints.

Day 2: Tuesday, June 15 - Arrival in Warsaw

Upon arrival in Warsaw, celebrate Mass and a Holy Hour at the Church of St. James the Apostle, where St. Faustina prayed and sought guidance as she prepared to enter religious life. The day concludes with a welcome reception and dinner. Overnight in Warsaw.

Day 3: Wednesday, June 16 - Warsaw

Visit the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy on Żytnia Street, where St. Faustina lived and carried out part of her religious formation. Then, honor the witness of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko at his museum, learning how his courageous defense of faith and human dignity under communist oppression led to his martyrdom. Celebrate Mass and a Holy Hour at the Visitation Church before exploring Piłsudski Square, where the future pope’s historic 1979 visit ignited a spiritual renewal across Poland; the John Paul II Monument; St. Anne’s Church; Krakowskie Przedmieście; and the Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Conclude the day with a visit to Łazienki Park and the Chopin Monument, appreciating the cultural treasures that helped shape Poland’s national identity.

Day 4: Thursday, June 17 - Warsaw – Świnice Warckie – Głogowiec – Częstochowa

Leaving Warsaw behind, celebrate Mass and a Holy Hour at St. Casimir Church. Continuing to Częstochowa, the spiritual heart of Poland, prepare for an evening of prayer at Jasna Góra. The traditional Apel Jasnogórski, or Appeal of Jasna Góra, gathers pilgrims before the Black Madonna for Marian devotion, song, and prayer, a cherished tradition that has united generations of Polish Catholics.

Day 5: Friday, June 18 - Częstochowa – Auschwitz – Kraków

This morning visit the revered Jasna Góra Monastery, home to the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, often called the Black Madonna and regarded as the Queen of Poland. Celebrating Mass and a Holy Hour in this sacred sanctuary offers a profound opportunity to entrust our intentions to the Blessed Mother. Later, journey to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, to confront one of the darkest chapters of human history. Amid the tragedy, encounter powerful witnesses of faith, especially St. Maximilian Kolbe. Continue to Kraków for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Saturday, June 19 - Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Wadowice

Visit Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, often called the “Polish Jerusalem,” one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Europe. Its chapels and pathways recreate the events of Christ’s Passion. Continue to Wadowice, the birthplace of St. John Paul II and see his family home and museum. At the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where Karol Wojtyła was baptized, we celebrate Mass and a Holy Hour. Before returning to Kraków, we enjoy the beloved kremówka pastry associated with the pope’s youth.

Day 7: Sunday, June 20 - Kraków and Wieliczka

Begin with a walking pilgrimage through Kraków in the footsteps of St. John Paul II. Visit Wawel Cathedral, where he was ordained a bishop and celebrated many important liturgies; the Papal Window from which he greeted crowds during his visits home; the Franciscan Church, where he often prayed as a young priest; and the historic streets of the Old Town. Mass and a Holy Hour in St. John Paul II’s private chapel provide a rare and intimate opportunity for prayer in a place deeply connected to his spiritual life. In the afternoon, we visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, whose remarkable underground chapels, especially the Chapel of St. Kinga, bear witness to centuries of faith expressed through art, labor, and devotion.

Day 8: Monday, June 21 - Zakopane Excursion

Journey to Zakopane, long associated with St. John Paul II’s love of nature and recreation. At Księżówka, where the pope stayed during several visits, reflect on the importance of contemplation and finding God in creation. Then visit the Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Krzeptówki, built as a votive offering of gratitude for the pope’s survival of the 1981 assassination attempt. Celebrate Mass and a Holy Hour. Following a traditional highlander lunch, ascend Gubałówka for spectacular views of the mountains that inspired the future saint throughout his life.

Day 9: Monday, June 22 - Divine Mercy Shrine

The spiritual culmination of our pilgrimage takes place at the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki. It was here that St. Faustina lived, prayed, and received many of the revelations recorded in her diary. Before the image of the Merciful Jesus and near the saint’s tomb, you are invited to deepen your trust in Christ’s infinite mercy. Celebrate Mass and a Holy Hour, offering prayers of thanksgiving for the graces received throughout our pilgrimage. A farewell dinner provides an opportunity to reflect on the friendships formed and the spiritual blessings experienced during our journey.

Day 10: Monday, June 23 - Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return journey home.

Itinerary is tentative and subject to change.