In the fall of 2024, Ken Hensley, Kenny Burchard, and Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson will be leading a group on pilgrimage through Poland.

This is a “Deep in History” pilgrimage. Yes, we want to experience the beauty of one of the most historically Catholic countries in the world, its landscape, art, and architecture. We want to explore some of the great cities of Poland, including Warsaw, Czestochowa, Zakopane, and beautiful Krakow. But behind all of this will be a focus on the truth, history, and beauty of the Catholic Church. We will pray and celebrate Mass in some of the most beautiful churches in the world. We will learn about some of the great saints of our faith: St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Faustina, St. Edith Stein, and especially Pope St. John Paul II. All three leaders of this pilgrimage, being converts to the Catholic Church with decades of experience behind them as ordained Protestant clergy, bring to their teaching the excitement of those who have found a great treasure hidden in a field and sold everything to buy that field. Please consider joining us! It will be a wonderful time for us to share our stories and forge life-long friendships as we experience the power of Catholic Poland.

Day 1 – USA / Warsaw

We depart USA for our overnight flight to Warsaw, Poland. 

Day 2 – Warsaw 

Upon arrival in Warsaw, meet your tour manager, travel to the hotel, and check-in. Depending on flight arrival time we will celebrate Mass at St. James Church where Helena Kowalska (the future St. Faustina) prayed fervently, confessed all that burdened her soul, and asked for the advice of Reverend James Debrowski, which eventually resulted in the saint entering the convent. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3 – Warsaw 

After breakfast, we celebrate Mass where Helena Kowalska entered the convent, pending confirmation. Following Mass, our group will explore the Old Town, comprised of maze-like cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture that are symbols of Poland’s rebuild following its destruction after World War II. We will visit the Market Square, the Barbican, defense-like structures that have been rebuilt after World War II, and the monument that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. After lunch on your own, visit the Stanislaw Kostka Church and view a special exhibit dedicated to Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, a great personality of the Catholic Church, killed by Communists in 1984. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 4 – Warsaw / Niepokalanow / Czestochowa

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and make our way to the Franciscan Monastery Niepokalanow, the Immaculata City built by Fr. Maximilian Kolbe. This remarkable saint was arrested by the Nazis and died in the starvation bunker at Auschwitz. After lunch on your own, we will depart for Czestochowa, the center of Poland’s religious life and home of the famous icon of the Black Madonna, venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and who has become the country’s national symbol. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. You may wish to participate in the evening devotions, if available. Dinner and overnight in Czestochowa. (B, D)

Day 5 – Czestochowa / Zakopane

After breakfast, we will visit the world-famous Shrine of Jasna Gora, the hill-top Pauline monastery that houses the 600-year-old Miraculous icon known as the “Black Madonna.” Pope St. John Paul II made frequent visits to this monastery throughout his life. Tradition has it that this icon was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist, discovered by St. Helen, and later enshrined in Poland. We will celebrate Mass at one of the chapels. After lunch, on your own, we will make our way to Zakopane, Poland’s winter Capital in the Tatras mountains and a place close to the heart of St. John Paul II. As a child, he hiked and skied along its trails. As a priest and bishop, he initiated youth activities in the same areas. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and dinner. (B, D)

Day 6 – Zakopane 

After breakfast we will enjoy a funicular ride to the heights of Mt. Gubalowka, subject to final confirmation and favorable weather conditions for a stunning view of the Tatra Mountains and the town of Zakopane. We will also enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and visit the Jaszczorowka Chapel. This architecturally distinct chapel was visited many times by the young Karol Wojtyla. As a young boy, Karol often used the walking paths surrounding the chapel for prayer and reflection. Later we will take a ride on horse carriages through the forest, ending at a wooden hut with “bigos” (national Polish dish) and sausages on bonfire. Time permitting, we will enjoy free time for shopping on Krupowki Street in the local bazaar. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional fokelore show. Overnight in Zakopane (B, D).