PILGRIMAGE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FRANCIS & THE FORCE OF CREATION

February 22 | Departure from Bogotá to Buenos Aires

Arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá at the indicated time to complete check-in procedures, baggage drop-off, immigration, and boarding.

Outbound Flight:

Avianca 8395

Route: Bogotá – Buenos Aires

Departure: 07:15 a.m.

Arrival: 3:50 p.m.

We begin this pilgrimage with our hearts open and ready to live a different kind of experience: a journey of faith, culture, spiritual memory, and contemplation of creation. This first moment will be an invitation to leave our routine behind and open ourselves to what God wishes to speak to us through the silence of the journey, through encounters, through history, and through every place we will visit.

Activity of the day: Group gathering at the airport, assistance for international departure, and an opening prayer to place this pilgrimage in God’s hands.

Spirituality of the day – Setting out to encounter God: Every pilgrimage begins with a decision: to set out. To leave home, comfort, routine, and also those inner burdens that we often carry without even realizing it. This journey will be an invitation to walk with trust, allowing God to surprise us at every step.

Bible verse:

“Leave your country, your homeland, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.”

Genesis 12:1

Arrival in Buenos Aires: Welcome and the Beginning of the Journey

Arrival in Buenos Aires. Welcome by the local team and private transfer aboard an exclusive coach to the selected hotel.

According to hotel operations, accommodation arrangements will be made subject to availability and the established check-in times. During this first day, we will have time for a welcome, rest, and preparation to formally begin our spiritual and cultural journey through the Argentine capital.

In the evening, we will share the group’s welcome dinner, our first opportunity to come together, get to know one another, recognize the purpose of this pilgrimage, and begin living the experience as a community.

Activity of the day: Arrival in Buenos Aires, welcome, transfer to the hotel, rest, official group welcome, and dinner together.

Spirituality of the day – Arriving with an open heart: Buenos Aires welcomes us as the city where the human, family, vocational, and pastoral story of Jorge Mario Bergoglio began. Arriving at this destination will also be an invitation to look at our own story: where we come from, what wounds we carry, what dreams we have kept in our hearts, and what new paths God wishes to open.

Bible verse:

“The Lord watches over your coming and going, now and forever.”

Psalm 121:8

February 23 | Buenos Aires: Where It All Began – In the Footsteps of Pope Francis

After breakfast, we will begin one of the deepest and most meaningful journeys of our pilgrimage: a route through the places that marked the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, from his childhood and youth to his priestly vocation and his pastoral mission as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

This day will allow us to discover that holiness is also built through everyday life: in family, in the neighborhood, at school, in simple prayer, and through decisions made with trust before God.

We will begin at the Basilica of San José de Flores, a place of particular significance in his life. There, at the age of 17, during confession, Jorge Mario Bergoglio experienced a profound encounter with God’s mercy that definitively marked his calling to the priesthood.

We will continue to the places connected with his birth and family home in the traditional neighborhood of Flores, where he grew up in a simple, deeply family-oriented environment filled with values. Along the way, we will visit places connected with his early education, including the school where he completed his first studies, the Institute of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, where he received his First Communion, and representative places from his youth, such as the Flores neighborhood railway station.

We will also pass by the Vicariate of Flores, the Parish of the Visitation, and places connected with his secondary education as a chemical technician, a period that reminds us that before becoming a priest, bishop, and Pope, Francis was a young working man seeking to understand the purpose God had for his life.

The journey will continue toward the Villa Devoto area, where we will visit places connected with his formation and pastoral sensitivity, including the Metropolitan Seminary of Villa Devoto. We will also pass by the Villa Devoto Penitentiary, as a reference to his constant closeness to people deprived of their freedom, the excluded, and those living on the margins of society.

Later, we will visit the San José del Talar Parish, recognized as the Shrine of Our Lady Undoer of Knots, a Marian devotion that Jorge Mario Bergoglio encountered during his time in Germany and later helped spread with particular affection throughout Argentina.

We will continue toward the Chacarita area, visiting places connected with his family, spiritual, and ecclesial history. We will pass by the San Antonio Oratory, linked to the origins of Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro and to the place where, according to family tradition, his parents first met.

We will also visit the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians and Saint Charles, a church deeply connected with his family history, where his parents were married and where he received the Sacrament of Baptism.

The route will also include representative places related to his Jesuit formation and pastoral service, such as the Regina Martyrum Parish, the Church and School of El Salvador, and the Vatican City State Square.

To conclude, we will arrive at the historic center of Buenos Aires to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the place from which he carried out much of his mission as Archbishop of the city. There, we will be able to draw closer to his simple lifestyle, his closeness to communities, and his constant call to build a Church that is open, merciful, and at the service of all.

We will also visit the emblematic Plaza de Mayo, the historic, political, and social heart of Argentina, and pass by the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, one of the oldest churches in Buenos Aires and a symbol of the presence of the Society of Jesus in the city.

More than simply discovering the places associated with the life of Pope Francis, this journey will be an invitation to understand the message he left to the Church and the world: to live with humility, serve with joy, draw close to the most vulnerable, and allow God’s mercy to transform every step of our story.

At the end of the day, return to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.

Spirituality of the day: God also calls us in the midst of everyday life. Just as it happened with the young Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a conversation, a confession, or an apparently simple moment can transform our story forever.

Bible verse:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.”

John 15:16

February 24 | Buenos Aires: Soul, Passion, and Argentine Roots

After breakfast, we will begin a panoramic tour of Buenos Aires, a vibrant, elegant, and historic city where European architecture, neighborhood identity, modernity, and profound cultural richness coexist.

During the tour, we will discover some of its most representative landmarks, beginning with the iconic Obelisk, one of the city’s great symbols, located on the renowned 9 de Julio Avenue, considered one of the widest avenues in the world.

We will continue along some of Buenos Aires’ most important thoroughfares, such as Corrientes Avenue, closely connected with theater, bookstores, music, and the cultural life of the city, and the historic Avenida de Mayo, surrounded by traditional buildings that preserve Argentina’s political and social memory.

The tour will take us through neighborhoods that reveal the different faces of the capital. We will discover La Boca, one of the city’s most colorful and popular districts, known for its painted houses, artistic atmosphere, football tradition, and strong immigrant identity.

We will also pass through San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and spaces that evoke the birth of tango and the history of the city.

We will continue toward Recoleta, an elegant and distinguished district characterized by its squares, European-style buildings, cafés, monuments, and cultural spaces. Afterwards, we will explore Puerto Madero, one of the city’s most modern areas, where old port warehouses coexist with contemporary buildings, restaurants, and spacious riverside promenades.

During the day, we will also visit traditional green spaces such as Parque Lezama, linked to the earliest chapters of Buenos Aires’ history, and the Palermo Woods, or Tres de Febrero Parks, one of the city’s most important natural green areas.

This tour will allow us to discover the Argentine soul: its history, architecture, music, contrasts, passion, and unique way of expressing life. Buenos Aires is a city to be explored with open eyes and an attentive heart because every avenue, square, and neighborhood holds memory, culture, and beauty.

After the tour, we will return to the hotel or have some time to rest, according to the established schedule.

At the agreed time, we will transfer to the historic district of the city to enjoy an unforgettable tango dinner show.

In an atmosphere filled with history and tradition, we will enjoy a gastronomic experience featuring representative dishes of regional cuisine and a selection of Argentine wines while watching a performance of music, singing, and dance that will bring us closer to one of Argentina’s deepest and most internationally recognized cultural expressions.

Tango, born among working-class neighborhoods, immigrants, encounters, and nostalgia, gradually became a way of telling history and expressing the feelings of an entire people.

At the end of the show, return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Activity of the day: Panoramic city tour of Buenos Aires and tango dinner show.

Spirituality of the day – Recognizing God in culture: Faith is not separate from culture. God can also be encountered in the history of peoples, in their music, artistic expressions, struggles, joy, and their way of telling the story of life.

This day will be an invitation to observe Argentine culture with respect and gratitude, recognizing that every people has a special way of expressing the beauty, creativity, and gifts received from the Creator.

Bible verse:

“Whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise, keep these things in mind.”

Philippians 4:8

February 25 | Buenos Aires – Luján – Buenos Aires – Under the Mantle of Our Lady of Luján

After breakfast, we will depart for the city of Luján, one of Argentina’s most important Marian pilgrimage centers and a place of profound faith and popular devotion.

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Luján by guides from the Tourism and Heritage Department.

The Basilica houses the venerated image of Our Lady of Luján, Patroness of Argentina. In this place, we will have a special encounter with Mary and present before her our personal, family, spiritual, and community intentions.

During the morning, we will take a guided tour lasting approximately 50 minutes through the Crypt and Historical Museum of the Basilica. In the Crypt, we will be able to appreciate more than 70 Marian devotions from different countries and communities, as an expression of the universality of devotion to the Virgin Mary.

At the Historical Museum, we will discover objects connected with the history of the Shrine and devotion to Our Lady of Luján, including the items used during her Pontifical Coronation in 1887, as well as objects and mementos connected with the visit of Saint John Paul II.

At the end of the visit, we will have free time for lunch, to explore the surroundings of the Shrine, purchase religious souvenirs, and enjoy personal time for prayer.

At 2:00 p.m., we will return to the Basilica for a guided ascent to its towers, an approximately 80-minute experience that will allow us to discover areas that are not normally accessible during a conventional visit.

During the tour, we will visit the triforium, an interior gallery located above the side aisles of the church, and ascend to the Galería A Giorno, situated approximately 32 meters above ground level, from where we will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Luján and its surroundings.

We will also have an up-close view of the Basilica’s great organ, a monumental instrument composed of approximately 3,800 pipes, and walk through some exterior sections of the rooftops at the rear of the Shrine.

This experience will allow us to appreciate the architectural, historical, and spiritual richness of the Basilica from a different perspective, recognizing the effort of those who built this church as an expression of love, gratitude, and trust in the Virgin Mary.

At the end of the pilgrimage, we will return to the city of Buenos Aires. Dinner and accommodation.

Activity of the day: Pilgrimage to the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Luján, guided visit to the Crypt and Historical Museum, free time for lunch, and guided ascent to the Basilica towers.

Spirituality of the day – Mary, the Mother who accompanies our journey: Luján will be a day to rest in Mary’s heart. At her feet, we will place our families, decisions, wounds, projects, and deepest hopes.

Just as Mary accompanied Jesus from Bethlehem to the Cross and remained faithful even in the moments of greatest pain, she also accompanies our stories, even when we do not fully understand what we are experiencing.

Under her mantle, we will find comfort, protection, and the strength necessary to continue walking with faith and hope.

Bible verse:

“Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Luke 2:19

February 26 | Buenos Aires – Iguazú – Toward the Force of Creation

Early in the morning, we will have breakfast at the hotel or receive a boxed breakfast, depending on the restaurant’s opening hours. Afterwards, we will take a private transfer to the Buenos Aires airport to board direct flight number 1776to Iguazú. Departure is scheduled for 7:55 a.m., arriving at 9:50 a.m., with an approximate flight duration of one hour and fifty-five minutes. Domestic flight included.

Upon arrival at Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport, we will be welcomed by the local team. In order to make the most of the day, we will transfer directly to Iguazú National Park without first stopping at the hotel. The luggage will be collected and transported separately to the accommodation, where it will remain under safekeeping until our arrival. Park admission tickets must have been reserved and purchased in advance by the operator in order to avoid delays at the ticket offices.

We will begin our experience at Iguazú Falls on the Argentine side, one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world. The itinerary will be strategically organized to prioritize its most important sites, taking into account the flight arrival time and travel times within the park.

As our first activity, we will use the Ecological Train of the Jungle to reach the access point to the Devil’s Throat, provided that its operation and the condition of the walkways allow it. From the station, we will walk along the pathways until reaching the panoramic balconies located in front of the most imposing waterfall. There, we will have time to contemplate the power of the water, take photographs, and experience a special moment of wonder and gratitude before the greatness of creation.

Afterwards, we will have time for lunch or a snack inside the park. Lunch is not included unless expressly confirmed as part of the contracted services. Due to the day’s schedule, a light lunch is recommended in order to continue the tour in a timely manner.

After lunch, we will visit the Upper Circuit, a route along mostly flat walkways without stairs, from which we will be able to contemplate the water falling from above across several different waterfalls. This circuit offers expansive panoramic views and is more comfortable for the group, allowing us to enjoy nature at a peaceful and contemplative pace.

The Lower Circuit will not be scheduled as a guaranteed activity for this day, due to the arrival time, internal distances, train waiting times, and the physical demands involved in completing all three routes. It may only be partially completed if the flight arrives on time, park operations allow it, and the guide determines that there is sufficient time, without affecting the group’s well-being or the scheduled departure time.

At the end of the visit, we will transfer to the selected hotel in Iguazú to check in, receive our rooms, and rest after this intense and exciting day. Dinner and accommodation in Iguazú.

The schedule will be subject to flight punctuality, weather conditions, operation of the Ecological Train, the condition of the walkways, and the regulations of Iguazú National Park. In the event of a flight delay, the guide will reorganize the visit, prioritizing the available and most representative circuit without compromising the passengers’ safety or well-being.

Activity of the day: Buenos Aires–Iguazú flight, direct transfer from the airport to Iguazú National Park, priority visit to the Devil’s Throat, and tour of the Upper Circuit.

Spirituality of the day – The force of creation: After walking through the history of Pope Francis and resting beneath the mantle of Our Lady of Luján, we arrive at a place where God speaks to us through the water, the jungle, the wind, and the vastness of nature. This day will be an invitation to move from noise into contemplation, breathe deeply, and remember that nature is also a temple. Before the power of the waterfalls, we will be able to recognize our own smallness and, at the same time, the immense love of God, who allows us to contemplate such beauty.

Bible verse: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God; the firmament announces the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1.

February 27 | Iguazú – Brazilian Side of the Falls – Buenos Aires

Returning with a Renewed Heart

After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and leave our luggage under safekeeping, according to the logistics established by the operator. Afterwards, we will begin our transfer to Brazil, completing the corresponding immigration procedures to enter Iguaçu National Park.

During this half-day excursion, we will discover Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian side, renowned for offering one of the best panoramic views of the waterfalls, most of which are located in Argentine territory. While our previous visit allowed us to experience the power and sound of the water up close, this day will give us a broader perspective of the immensity and beauty of the falls.

We will walk along the park’s traditional panoramic walkway, approximately 1,000 meters long, surrounded by abundant vegetation, the sounds of the jungle, and exotic butterflies. From its various viewpoints, we will be able to contemplate the waterfalls, take photographs, and enjoy one final moment of gratitude and contemplation before the greatness of creation.

The route will end in the Salto Floriano area, one of the most impressive points on the Brazilian side. There, we will be able to approach the power of the waterfalls and access the upper viewpoint via a panoramic elevator, subject to its availability and operation during the visit.

At the end of the excursion, we will return to Argentine territory, once again completing the corresponding immigration procedures. We will have time for lunch and rest before transferring to the airport. Lunch is not included.

At the agreed time, we will transfer to Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport to board Aerolíneas Argentinas flight AR1793 to Buenos Aires. Departure is scheduled for 9:25 p.m., arriving at Jorge Newbery International Airport at 11:25 p.m., with an approximate flight duration of two hours. Domestic flight included.

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, we will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel for accommodation. Due to the flight schedule, dinner must be confirmed as an early dinner, snack, or boxed dinner before the transfer to the airport.

Activity of the day: Half-day excursion to Iguaçu National Park, walk along the panoramic walkway and visit to the Salto Floriano viewpoint, return to Argentina, transfer to the airport, and Iguazú–Buenos Aires flight.

Spirituality of the day – Returning with a new perspective: Every pilgrimage transforms the way we contemplate life. After discovering the story of Pope Francis, resting beneath the mantle of Our Lady of Luján, and admiring the power of the waterfalls, we begin our return with a more grateful heart, ready to recognize God’s presence in everyday life and to share with others the fruits of everything we have experienced.

Bible verse: “Return to your home and tell all that God has done for you.” Luke 8:39.

February 28 | Buenos Aires – Bogotá – Returning Home with a Renewed Heart

After breakfast, we will have time to rest, organize our luggage, and check out of the hotel. Depending on the schedule established by the operator, we may have a few free hours to enjoy the surrounding area, make some final purchases, or share a peaceful moment before beginning our return journey.

At the agreed time, we will take a private transfer to the Buenos Aires airport to board the direct flight to Bogotá. Departure is scheduled for 4:55 p.m., arriving in Bogotá at 9:15 p.m., with an approximate flight duration of six hours and nineteen minutes. International flight included.

We will return home after having visited the places that marked the life and mission of Pope Francis, rested beneath the mantle of Our Lady of Luján, and contemplated the immense force of creation at Iguazú Falls.

More than simply bringing a journey to an end, this return will mark the beginning of a new stage. We will carry with us the lessons, prayers, encounters, and experiences we have lived, with the commitment to share within our families and communities a message of humility, mercy, hope, and care for our common home.

Activity of the day: Breakfast, free time, check-out, transfer to the airport, and direct Buenos Aires–Bogotá flight.

Spirituality of the day – Returning to bear fruit: Every pilgrimage invites us to return changed. We return to our everyday lives, but with a renewed perspective, a grateful heart, and the desire to transform what we have experienced into acts of love, service, and reconciliation.

Bible verse: “Return to your home and tell all that God has done for you.” Luke 8:39.