Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to New York | Christmas in Manhattan

Arrival in New York and welcome by our local team.

Transfer to our hotel and time to settle in before beginning our pilgrimage in the heart of Manhattan.

Our first Catholic landmark may be the magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, one of the great symbols of Catholic life in the United States.

Depending on the group’s schedule and the Cathedral’s availability, we may attend Mass at St. Patrick’s and can explore the possibility of arranging one of the Cathedral’s special experiences, such as an official guided visit, audio tour, private group tour or more extensive guided experience.

Afterward, we enter the Christmas atmosphere of Midtown Manhattan with a walk along Fifth Avenue, taking in its seasonal decorations and famous storefronts before arriving at Rockefeller Center.

Here we will see the celebrated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink, surrounded by the lights and traditions that have made Christmas in New York famous around the world.

Depending on the group’s preferences and timing, free time may be provided for Christmas shopping, refreshments or optional ice skating.

Welcome dinner and overnight in New York.

Day 2 — Mother Cabrini | Faith, Immigration & the Light of Christmas

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we encounter the spiritual heart of our pilgrimage: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in Upper Manhattan.

Mother Cabrini came to the United States as an immigrant and missionary, dedicating herself especially to immigrants, children, the poor and those trying to establish a new life far from home. She would become the first American citizen to be canonized a saint and the universal patron saint of immigrants.

At the Shrine, where her major relics are venerated, our group may have the opportunity to learn about her extraordinary life and missionary work, visit the exhibits and museum, venerate the relics and spend time in personal prayer.

Depending on the final arrangements, we may also celebrate or attend Mass at the Shrine, participate in a prayer service, or arrange a special presentation for the group.

The afternoon may include free time to enjoy Manhattan’s Christmas atmosphere. Depending on the interests of the parish, we may visit Bryant Park Winter Village, enjoy seasonal shopping, explore additional Christmas displays or provide time at leisure.

As evening falls, we travel to Brooklyn for the famous Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.

Every Advent and Christmas season, homes throughout this neighborhood are transformed with extraordinary displays of lights, angels, Nativity scenes and Christmas decorations.

A guided walk may be arranged to discover some of the neighborhood’s most impressive displays.

For parish groups, the evening can also include a short Advent reflection on Christ as the Light of the World, connecting the joy and beauty of the season with the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Return to our hotel and overnight in New York.

Day 3 — Ellis Island | Faith Carried Across the Ocean

Breakfast.

Today we turn toward one of the defining stories of New York and of the United States: immigration.

We travel to Lower Manhattan and board the ferry for a possible visit to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

Standing in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty welcomed generations arriving in America in search of freedom, opportunity and a better future for their families.

At the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, we discover the human stories behind one of the greatest migrations of modern history.

For our pilgrimage, this history acquires another dimension.

Millions crossed the ocean carrying little with them, but among the things they carried were their traditions, families and faith. Those immigrant communities would profoundly shape the Catholic Church in the United States.

Following our return to Manhattan, and depending on time and the interests of the group, we may continue to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, New York’s original Catholic cathedral and an important witness to the growth of the city’s immigrant Catholic communities.

An additional historical or guided visit may be arranged, potentially including the Old Cathedral and its historic cemetery and catacombs, subject to availability.

Alternatively, the afternoon can provide free time in Little Italy, Lower Manhattan or Midtown, allowing each parish to adapt the experience to its particular group.

In the evening, groups may choose to add another special Christmas experience, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, additional Christmas sightseeing or a festive group dinner.

Overnight in New York.

Day 4 — Rejoice | Returning Home as a Community

Breakfast at the hotel.

Our final morning is intentionally designed with flexibility according to the group’s departure schedule.

When possible, we may conclude our pilgrimage with the celebration of the Eucharist or attendance at Mass, followed by a final moment of prayer and reflection.

Depending on flight schedules, additional time may be available for Central Park, Christmas shopping, Fifth Avenue, another Catholic site or an activity specifically requested by the parish.

At the appropriate time, departure for the airport or continuation of individual travel arrangements.

End of our pilgrimage services.

We return home after four days of prayer, history, fellowship and celebration — carrying with us the example of Mother Cabrini and renewed in the joy with which the Church awaits and celebrates the birth of Christ.