In the Footsteps of Carmen Hernández & the Neocatechumenal Way
A Catholic Pilgrimage Through the Origins, Spirituality & Mission of the Way in Spain
10 Days / 8 Nights | Madrid · Fuentes de Carbonero · Segovia · Ólvega · Tudela · Zaragoza · Javier · Barcelona · Valencia
About This Pilgrimage
Discover the places where one of the most significant realities of Catholic evangelization in the modern era began.
The Neocatechumenal Way emerged in Spain in the 1960s through Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández, with the support and later collaboration of Fr. Mario Pezzi. Born from an experience of evangelization among the poor on the outskirts of Madrid, the Way developed as an itinerary of Christian initiation lived within the parish and centered on the rediscovery of Baptism, the Word of God, the liturgy and life in community.
Today, the Neocatechumenal Way is present throughout the world, accompanying families, communities, missionaries and vocations in the service of evangelization.
This pilgrimage approaches that history particularly through the extraordinary life of Carmen Hernández: from her family roots in Ólvega and childhood in Tudela to her missionary vocation, theological formation and decisive encounter with Kiko Argüello.
We will visit places associated with the origins and development of the Way, pray at Carmen’s tomb in Madrid, discover locations connected with her formation and vocation, and visit some of Spain’s great Catholic sanctuaries along the journey.
Rather than simply recounting a history, this route invites pilgrims to return to the central question that animated Carmen’s life: how can the Christian rediscover the immense grace received in Baptism and become a witness of Christ in today’s world?
From Baptism to Mission
The Neocatechumenal Way began in a setting far removed from grand churches and institutions: among people living in poverty on the outskirts of Madrid.
From this experience gradually emerged an itinerary centered upon the Word of God, liturgy and community, lived within the parish and intended to help Christians rediscover the grace of Baptism.
The life of Carmen Hernández is inseparable from this story.
Her passion for Scripture, the Paschal Mystery, the renewal of the liturgy and evangelization helped shape the Way alongside Kiko Argüello. What began in Spain eventually reached parishes and dioceses throughout the world.
For members of Neocatechumenal communities, this journey can therefore become something particularly meaningful: a pilgrimage to the geographical and spiritual roots of their own itinerary of faith.
Pilgrimage Highlights
- Discover the origins of the Neocatechumenal Way in Spain
- Follow important places in the life and vocation of Carmen Hernández
- Visit Carmen Hernández’s tomb in Madrid
- Discover places associated with Kiko Argüello and the beginnings of the Way
- Visit Fuentes de Carbonero, connected with the early history of the Way
- Visit Ólvega, Carmen Hernández’s birthplace
- Discover Tudela, where Carmen spent important years of her childhood and youth
- Visit the Cathedral of Tudela
- Pilgrimage to Javier, birthplace of St. Francis Xavier and a place particularly meaningful in the missionary tradition of the Church
- Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza
- Discover places associated with Carmen’s formation and missionary vocation
- Visit sites connected with the Claretian Martyrs
- Discover Barcelona and important places of Catholic heritage
- Visit Valencia Cathedral and the Holy Chalice
- Explore Carmen’s connections with the Church in Valencia
- Opportunity for daily Holy Mass and spiritual activities
- Designed especially for Neocatechumenal communities, parishes, families, catechists, seminarians and Catholic groups
Important Information and Terms and Conditions
The published program is a general description and may be adjusted due to availability, operational requirements, local conditions, or the group’s needs. By registering, each traveler confirms that they have reviewed and accepted our Terms and Conditions.
Confirmed trip details, payment information, official meetings and presentations, updates, and final travel documentation will be provided through the official WeTravel page, the final itinerary, and other communications from Pilgrim Groups Travel. Travelers are responsible for reviewing all documents, insurance provisions, entry requirements, and travel instructions provided.
Proposed Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 — USA – Madrid
Arrival in Spain
Departure from our designated U.S. airport aboard our overnight flight to Madrid.
Upon arrival, reception and transfer to our hotel. Time to rest following the international journey and prepare for the beginning of our pilgrimage.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 3 — Madrid
Carmen Hernández & the Origins of the Neocatechumenal Way
Today we begin by discovering the spiritual heart of our pilgrimage.
We will visit the Redemptoris Mater Diocesan Missionary Seminary, where we will have the opportunity to pray at the tomb of Carmen Hernández and remember the life of a woman entirely dedicated to Christ, Scripture, the liturgy and evangelization.
Our program will continue with places in Madrid associated with Kiko Argüello, Carmen Hernández and the development of the Neocatechumenal Way, providing an introduction to the extraordinary story that began among the poor of the peripheral neighborhoods of Madrid during the 1960s.
These early experiences would gradually give rise to an itinerary of Christian initiation that has since spread to dioceses throughout the world.
We will conclude with a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Almudena, patroness of Madrid.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 4 — Madrid – Fuentes de Carbonero – Segovia – Madrid
Remembering the Beginnings
After breakfast, departure for Fuentes de Carbonero, an important place in the early history of the Neocatechumenal Way.
Here we will have time for prayer and an opportunity to reflect upon the first years of this new experience of evangelization and Christian formation.
We then continue to Segovia, one of the great historic cities of Castile.
Our visit will include its magnificent Roman Aqueduct, historic center, Cathedral of Segovia and the imposing Alcázar.
After our visits, return to Madrid.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 5 — Madrid – Ólvega – Tudela
The Roots of Carmen Hernández
Today we turn more directly toward the life of Carmen Hernández.
Departure for Ólvega, in the province of Soria, where Carmen was born in 1930. Here we will discover her family roots and the environment from which one of the principal initiators of the Neocatechumenal Way emerged.
We then continue to Tudela, the city where Carmen spent important years of her childhood and youth.
Our visit will help us understand the human, family and religious background that preceded her later missionary vocation and theological formation.
We will visit the historic Cathedral of Tudela and other locations associated with her life, according to accessibility.
Overnight in Tudela.
Day 6 — Tudela – Javier – Zaragoza
Missionary Vocation
After breakfast, our pilgrimage continues toward Javier, birthplace of St. Francis Xavier, one of the greatest missionaries in the history of the Church.
We will visit the Castle of Javier and its spiritual complex, recalling the missionary ideal that has sent generations of Christians beyond their own countries and cultures to announce the Gospel.
The visit offers a particularly appropriate setting in which to reflect upon the missionary dimension that became so central to Carmen’s life and subsequently to the Neocatechumenal Way.
We then continue to Zaragoza, where we will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the great Marian sanctuaries of the Catholic world.
According to ancient Christian tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared here to the Apostle St. James the Greater, encouraging him in his evangelizing mission.
Time for prayer before Our Lady and, whenever possible, celebration of the Eucharist.
Overnight in Zaragoza.
Day 7 — Zaragoza – Catholic Heritage of Aragón – Barcelona
Martyrs, Mission & Evangelization
Today we continue through northeastern Spain, incorporating places that allow us to explore the missionary and ecclesial context that shaped Carmen Hernández.
Depending on the final itinerary and group interests, the program can incorporate sites connected with missionary spirituality and the witness of the martyrs, including the heritage of the Claretian Martyrs.
Throughout the day, we will reflect upon an essential dimension of the Christian life emphasized repeatedly within the Way: that Baptism calls the Christian not simply to preserve the faith privately, but to become a witness to Christ.
Continuation toward Catalonia.
Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 8 — Barcelona
Faith & the Church in the Modern World
Today we discover Barcelona and some of its extraordinary Catholic heritage.
Our principal visit will be the Basilica of the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s monumental work in which architecture, Scripture, nature and Catholic theology are brought together in an extraordinary proclamation of the Christian faith.
Depending on the final program, we may also visit Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter and Cathedral.
The day will also provide time for prayer, community life and reflection upon the experiences of the pilgrimage.
Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 9 — Barcelona – Valencia
Carmen Hernández & the Church in Valencia
After breakfast, departure along Spain’s Mediterranean coast toward Valencia.
Here we will explore places associated with Carmen Hernández’s ecclesial relationships and formation, including, according to availability, locations connected with the Archbishopric of Valencia.
We will also discover some of Valencia’s extraordinary Catholic heritage.
At the Cathedral of Valencia, we will have the opportunity to venerate the Holy Chalice, traditionally identified as the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper and subsequently preserved within the Church.
We will also visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken, patroness of Valencia, and, according to the final program, the magnificent Church of San Nicolás.
This final full day brings together several themes that have accompanied us throughout the pilgrimage: Eucharist, Scripture, the Virgin Mary, missionary vocation and the life of the Church.
Overnight in Valencia.
Day 10 — Valencia – Madrid – USA
Return Home
After breakfast, transfer according to our flight arrangements for the return journey to the United States.
We return home having discovered not only places associated with Carmen Hernández and the Neocatechumenal Way, but the deeper spiritual reality behind them: the rediscovery of Baptism and the call of every Christian to conversion, community and mission.
End of our pilgrimage services.
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