⭐ European Catholic Pilgrimage Tour 2025 – When Faith Became a Journey ⭐
Some journeys begin at an airport. And some journeys begin with a prayer.
Carnival US's 2025 European Pilgrimage is one such journey. It's not just a cross-continental trip, but a sacred journey for Vietnamese Catholics in America – souls who have long awaited the opportunity to set foot on the holy lands of their faith: Vatican City, Lourdes, Fatima, Lisieux, Zaragoza…
The journey took place at a very special moment – “just before the end of the Jubilee Year”. Perhaps that is why each day that passed carried a deeper feeling – as if every step was a whisper to God, every stop held the significance of a preordained encounter.
🇫🇷 PARIS – WHERE THE HEART OF THE PILGRIM BEGINS TO OPEN
Paris welcomed the group with its own unique beauty: both magnificent and serene. Amidst the bustling crowds and centuries-old structures, the pilgrims began to sense a different rhythm of life – slower, more profound.
On Montmartre hill, in front of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, many people stood for a long time. Not to take pictures, but to listen to themselves. The Seine flowed silently, the Eiffel Tower loomed in the afternoon light, and Notre Dame Cathedral – though bearing the scars of time – stood there as a reminder: "Faith may be tested, but it never collapses!"“
Paris is not just beautiful. Paris also awakens the first emotion in everyone.
🇫🇷 LISIEUX – WHERE SIMPLICITY TOUCHES THE DEEPEST SECRETS
In contrast to Paris, Lisieux possesses a very different kind of beauty: not noisy, not overwhelming. Just a quiet, gentle stillness – just like the sacred path of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. And standing before her resting place, many in the group were silent, some bowed their heads for a long time, some clasped their hands slightly, some shed tears without understanding why, and whispers echoed around: "Standing before Saint Thérèse, I feel as if my soul has been lifted from the heavy burdens it has carried for so long!"“
Perhaps it is precisely that simplicity that touches the deepest parts of people's hearts.
🇫🇷 LOURDES – WHERE PEOPLE LEARN TO TRUST AND RELY
Lourdes needed no introduction, for simply stepping into the Massabielle Grotto seemed to silence all the noise. The stream continued to flow, hands still had the chance to touch the cool water, and whispered prayers echoed incessantly. No one knew how blessings would come, but in everyone's heart, they always believed: "Mother is there!"“
As night falls, the pilgrims have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Ave Maria Procession. Tens of thousands of candles twinkle, familiar hymns are sung, creating a sacred and deeply moving moment. In this poignant atmosphere, no words are needed; everyone understands – this is one of those unforgettable moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.
🇪🇸 SPAIN – HISTORICAL LANDSCAPES AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS
In Burgos, the Gothic cathedral rises majestically, drawing everyone's attention – not only for its imposing architecture, but also for the sense of insignificance felt by people in the face of centuries-old traditions of faith.
And Zaragoza brought a different feeling to everyone in the pilgrimage group. Before the Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar – where the Virgin Mary appeared to comfort Saint James when he was discouraged – each person in the group offered very ordinary prayers: for health, for family, for peace, and so on.
Perhaps it is precisely these simple prayers that God listens to the most.
🇵🇹 FATIMA – WHERE THE HEARTS OF PILGRIMAGES ARE MOST DEEPLY TOUCHED
Fatima is a destination everyone looks forward to, and it's also the place that evokes the most emotions.
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Apparitions – The Tomb of the Three Shepherd Children – The Basilica of the Rosary – The peaceful village of Aljustrel. Each place carries a story of faith, obedience, and hope.
But the moment that many will never forget is the "Rosary Candle Procession." When the church bells rang at midnight, the candlelight illuminated the entire square, and some people wept. That moment was not noisy or ostentatious – but it was deeply etched in everyone's hearts.
🇵🇹 LISBON – A GENTLE MOMENT OF SILENCE BEFORE FAREWELL
Lisbon welcomed the pilgrims with gentle sunshine and a peaceful pace of life. Each step taken past St. Anthony's Church, the Cathedral, the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and other landmarks evoked a distinct feeling: peace and gratitude.
Before the flight, the excitement of the first day was gone, replaced by a pensive look in their eyes – the look of those who had just experienced a journey that had transformed their subconscious!
🇮🇹 ROME & VATICAN – WHERE THE JOURNEY REACHES THE PINNACLE OF SACREDNESS
No pilgrimage is complete without visiting the Vatican!
St. Peter's Basilica, the major basilicas of Rome, the Colosseum – where martyrs sacrificed their lives: all allow pilgrims to feel more deeply the depth of the Catholic faith.
And then, the most special moment arrived.
Meeting the Pope – a moment beyond words.
On December 6, 2025, the Carnival US pilgrimage group had the opportunity to attend an audience with the Holy Father in St. Peter's Square. When He appeared and gave His blessing, many believers shed tears. Not from momentary emotion, but from a profound feeling about "the Universal Church – where all its children, no matter where they come from, are loved and protected.".
And that was the highlight of the entire journey.
THE JOURNEY ENDS – BUT FAITH REMAINS
Upon returning to the United States, each person carried with them something very personal: a more peaceful soul, a stronger belief, a different perspective on life and the challenges ahead.
Pilgrimage doesn't erase difficulties. But pilgrimage gives people "the strength to overcome difficulties with peace.".
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Carnival US sincerely thanks you for your trust and companionship on this sacred journey. It is you who motivate us to continue our mission of bringing the Vietnamese Catholic community in America to holy lands – not just through service, but with our hearts.
Following the European pilgrimage season, Carnival US officially opens registration for the “Korea – Japan Spring Tour 2026” – a relaxing, experience-rich journey suitable for the Vietnamese Catholic community in the United States.
A new spring – a new journey. And the blessings continue.