Heritage Pilgrimage

  

Spain | France | Italy

June 3 – June 21, 2010

The Loyola Marymount University Heritage Pilgrimage will focus on the life of Iñigo de Loyola (St. Ignatius) and Jean Gailhac. The pilgrimage will take us through Spain, into France and then onto Rome.

Download an application here: Pilgrimage Application

Ignatius, Founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

When Iñigo de Loyola was born in 1491, Erasmus was 25, Machiavelli 22, Copernicus 18, Michelangelo 16, Thomas More 11, Teresa of Avila 9, and Martin Luther 7. Columbus would sail west the next year. Shortly, the forces of modernity would begin to dismantle the medieval tradition.

As a young man, "Although attached to his faith, he did not live his life in conformity with it, nor did he avoid sin; he was particularly given to gambling, female matters, as well as to brawling and the exercise of arms." Iñigo's love of warfare resulted in severe leg injuries, and he returned to the family home to recuperate. Lacking any other reading material, he found The Life of Christ and an anthology of saints in the castle's meager library. Instead of being merely distracted, Iñigo found himself irrevocably drawn to the consolation he felt in his reading.

The works motivated Ignatius to change his life and “find God amidst all things.” He developed an acute ability to connect with God in private and the in havoc of daily life. This would later serve as the foundation for “The Spiritual Exercises,” one of his major writings.

By the age of 33 Ignatius was determined to become a priest in order to help others. He set off to the University of Paris where he and a small circle of friends took vows of poverty and chastity and set their heart on Jerusalem. Conflict between Christians and Muslims prevented their voyage, but they reached Rome and in 1540 formed the Society of Jesus.

Apart from his foundation of what remains one of the largest religious orders in the Church, few have had such an influence on the Catholic Church as St. Ignatius Loyola. It is his life that our travels through Spain and Italy will encounter, seeking greater understanding of the man who would become St. Ignatius.

Gailhac, Founder of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (Marymount Sisters)

Jean Gailhac was born in Béziers, France, on November 13, 1802. Shortly after his ordination in 1826, he requested placement as chaplain of the Béziers hospital. This work put him in contact with the most needy and marginalized of his society.

One of the groups whose needs became obvious to him was women who had fallen into a life of prostitution. In working with these women, he realized that most of them had no social or family support to assist them. Gailhac made arrangements for many of these women to be received in a shelter in Montpellier, paying their room and board from his own small salary, assisted by funds from his parents. When he could no longer afford the fees, he founded a shelter for women and then an orphanage as well.

The death of a good friend in 1848 brought an unexpected turn to Father Gailhac's life. Appollonie Cure, widow of friend, expressed to him her desire to give her life and her wealth to his works. Gailhac saw Madame Cure's desire as a providential opportunity to found a religious congregation.

Under Father Gailhac's direction, the Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary was established in 1849. He worked closely with the community and the formation of the sisters became his primary focus. With them, he continued the various works in Béziers and then beyond. In France, our visit to Béziers will highlight the life and works of Gailhac.

Application Process and Time line

February 17	Applications available in Campus Ministry (Malone 210) and at http:ministry.lmu.edu.
March 5	Applications due in Campus Ministry and sign-up for an half-hour interview by 5 p.m.
March 8 – 12	Interviews
March 17	Decisions emailed to students.
March 24	Decision by students on Spain and France only or Spain, France, and Rome and deposit $600 due.
April 13	Group gathering 1
April 19	Payment in full due
April 20	Group gathering 2

Pilgrimage Details

June 3 – June 13	Travel through Spain and France
June 3	Depart from LAX
June 4	Arrive in Bilbao Spain
June 5	Loyola Castle
June 6	Castle of Loarre
June 7	Manressa
June 8	Montserrat
June 9	Béziers
June 10	Béziers
June 11	Barcelona
June 12	Barcelona
June 13	Depart from Barcelona (to L.A. or Rome)

Cost for the Spain and France portion only is $1,800.00. Price includes all transportation (including flights), all lodging, and two meals out. Students are responsible for all food other than the two scheduled meals.

June 13 – June 21	In Rome
June 13	Arrive in Rome
June 14	La Storta
June 15	Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
June 16	Gesu and sites near Gesu
June 17	Historical center of Rome
June 18	Free Day in Rome
June 19	LMU Choral at the Vatican
June 20	Depart from Rome
June 21	Arrive in L.A.

Cost for Spain, France, and Rome is $2,400.00. Price includes all transportation (including flights), all lodging, and three meals out. Students are responsible for all food other than the three scheduled meals.

Download an application here: Pilgrimage Application

For more information, contact Charlie Cownie at ccownie@lmu.edu, 310.258.5486, or by stopping by Malone 210.