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| Sentiments of a Pilgrim |
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A FIAT pilgrimage is a very special and very spiritual journey.
While we visit other places and other lands, we also embark on
a journey into our hearts and our faith.
Here are some of the sentiments which our pilgrims chose to share with us upon their return. |
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On our recent pilgrimage to Italy with Sacred Heart Parish youth, I was yet
again astounded by the quality of the planning and the love put into each step of our journey by Mariza and FIAT Pilgrimages.
It is hard to explain the effect this pilgrimage had on me personally and on all the young pilgrims who went along with me
plus the several adult chaperones. I was able to show the youth of my parish the Eternal City, Rome, and all its glorious, holy places
such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Catacombs and so many other unbelievable places. ...I urge you to take the
chance, to put forth the effort to make a pilgrimage using FIAT Pilgrimages. I am absolutely convinced that God led me to this
wonderful pilgrimage group and to Mariza. |
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Rev. Tim Farrell, Farmington, NM |
Click here to view complete letter |
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The first thing to remember
about making a Pilgrimage is that it is not a vacation, even though it feels like one at times. A pilgrimage is a journey to a
Holy Place to seek a closer relationship to God, and to give thanks for our
lives and how God has blessed us. ...In the several months since we have returned from the Pilgrimage we have experienced one
little miracle after another, and we have received the grace to carry on even in difficult circumstances. It has been a real help
in our faith life. ...We would not hesitate in the least to go on another FIAT Pilgrimage when we are able to go again.
Joe and Rosemary Sinacori, St. Edward the Confessor Parish, Dana Point, CA Click here to view complete letter |
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Even as a priest, I feel so blessed in
the pilgrimage we had in Portugal, Spain, France and
Italy in summer 2008. It was a journey of faith and spiritual renewal.
...If ever I would be given another opportunity to do a pilgrimage, I would gladly do so. It's worth the money; it's worth the
long trip; it's worth all the sacrifice and some inconvenience. Given the resources, I would highly recommend that the faithful
at least once in their lifetime do a religious pilgrimage. It's such a great a blessing!
Fr. Manny Villas Click here to view complete letter |
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I just want to say thank you for
planning and putting the trip together. My husband and I had a good time: spiritually and physically. This is our first pilgrimage
and I really enjoyed it. Now I know what a pilgrimage is all about. ...Thanks again and more power to you.
Emy Inong, Cerritos, CA Click here to view complete letter |
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Cheers and congratulations on your top-rated organizational ability. The FIAT Aug. 4
pilgrimage tour was exceptionally
well-organized. Hats off to you! You’re super! I’ve been to Europe on an escorted tour many times, utilizing the services of
Globus, Cosmos, American Express, and others, mainly as a tourist. FIAT was my first pilgrimage tour, and certainly won’t
be the last. I’m very impressed. Thank you so very much for organizing and managing the tour.
Trinidad J. Flores, Philadelphia, PA Click here to view complete letter |
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Mariza Gidaya has been planning
tours for my groups since 1996. Her choice of shrines and sites visited always are inspiring and have added so many dimensions to
the understanding of the Roman Catholic Faith. Attention to detail resulting from extensive travel experience and knowledge of the
shrines ensures that the tours are well planned and operate smoothly. Our New Mexican pilgrims love to travel on these prayerful
and spiritually renewing journeys. Our lives are all much richer for it, and we appreciate the careful planning which goes into
each and every pilgrimage.
Kathleen Ortiz, Group Travel Consultant |
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It always brings joy to think of you!
Fatima & Lourdes have so strengthened my faith in God,
and made me love Mother Mary more and more each day. My first
pilgrimage, for which you gave so much love in your efforts in putting it together and making it to a great pilgrimage is vividly
remembered with gratitude and love. You have definitely a big hand in turning around many lives becoming better believers and
devout Catholics. Fatima settled my conviction
that the Catholic Church is the only true Church of God founded by Jesus!
Thank you!
God bless you always.
Paul Gann, Los Angeles, CA Click here to view complete letter |
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This is my fourth pilgrimage with you
that you have organized and I must say that all have
been different...because of the people. It’s the people that make the
pilgrimage!
...Anyway, I’m glad I have gone on these various pilgrimages. They have helped me in
realizing how wonderful God is.
Marie Vazquez, Texas Click here to view complete letter |
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We thank the Lord for introducing you
in our lives. Through the pilgrimages that we have joined through you and your contagious spirituality our lives have changed.
May the joy you give to others return to you a million times.
Maggie & Ray Briones, Van Nuys, California Click here to view complete letter |
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My most favorite travel time this year
was a pilgrimage I made in November which went from Montserrat Monastery to Lourdes, across Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela
and down to Fatima. There were only 15 of us and our wonderful guide and driver. But it seemed we all bonded into a wonderful
spirit of friendship, sharing, prayers, Mass and exciting places together. It was truly a spiritual trip – one of the most spiritual
I have ever made. One which I will never forget.
Fr. Ray, San Luis Obispo, CA Click here to view complete letter |
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...For the first time out of my pilgrimages,
I felt I was really on a pilgrimage. The distances between shrines are so much that I really appreciate the convenience of the bus.
Of course
I do not mind because I can OFFER the discomfort to God without actually doing something special, and I would not
think twice if given the opportunity to go back to the same places
again in the future....
Belen Cruz, San Francisco, CA Click here to view complete letter |
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