Author: Catherine

Pilgrimage Testamonials for 2014, 2012, 2009, 2007,
 2005, 2004, and 2002. 
The people with contact information next to their name have given us their 
permission to use them as references, and for you to contact them 
to answer any questions you may have about their experience.

From 2014
 “I thought it was excellent. As I look back I learned so much more about Jeanne d’Arc… It was just fantastic. There are just too many memorable parts of the trip to mention and all the experiences seem to fit so well together. The fact that we didn't stay in fancy hotels actually added to the pilgrimage… and I liked staying in the monasteries. It added to the faith experience… though I am a Methodist, I enjoyed all of the Catholic experiences, like the churches mass, communion, etc. I attended most of them…And I was glad I had read both trials before the pilgrimage. The experience went so fast. I can’t believe it is over… so many wonderful experiences and memories...The accommodations were good…The food was good…I especially liked the Jeanne d’Arc experiences… and also really liked the dinners at Accueil du Pelerin and the dinner with the Prince and Princess of Beauffremont…the guides were all great …It was one of the greatest experiences of my life that I will always cherish…and Chris & Catherine made it possible and so very special… I am so glad I went …it was outstanding, and it would be impossible to sum up the pilgrimage as there was so much...So all I can say is "WOW." Dave Fisher, Topeka, KS; starfishdave@aol.com Tel: 785 267 1498, Cell-785 224 9354

“It met my needs and expectations…I found inspiration all along the way-mostly from the remembering of Joan at different times in her life and journey…I found that Joan is a living presence in my life…Simple food- tasted good and nourishing-always enough…The quite times with Joan in the places where she walked and listened and prayed were always inspirational…The schedule seemed to work well-Chartres was a nice addition…Be prepared to be adaptable…Be ready to be inspired-informed and enjoy!... Chris and Catherine were so kind and patient with us all, I enjoyed the pilgrimage journey even more this time (her second trip with us). Their guidance, energy and love were special and ‘made' the trip meaningful… (they) are truly good hosts and made everyone feel at home and important-Good Job!” Jacqueline Thea, Bend, OR; jthea8@gmail.com
;
“It was very good, and for the time available it was well judged. Things that were unexpectedly good were the guides (maybe not the chap at Reims), and the insight on the life of the nuns…For me it was the chance to visit these places in a practical way…The accommodations were generally very good…and the food was very good…I especially liked seeing things and having information not generally available to the public…I could see all the hard work and preparation you'd both put in so that was greatly appreciated.” Huw Akiba-Jones, Exmouth, England,  aichan33@googlemail.com

From 2012...

"The accommodations were exactly right. To set us up in plush hotels would rob us of a taste of their reality. We were the benefactors of the contacts you have forged over the years...I know there was a lot of planning that goes into something like this. Also there are variables. I truly feel the success was a result of seemingly boundless energies of you and Catherine and the experience of prior years. It was truly a one-of-a-kind outing. I think it filled everyone’s varied needs." James Gregory, jmsgrgry@yahoo.com 
 
"The pilgrimage for me was greater than I had hoped...I also remember being so surprised about how much I laughed. Really, really laughed, and what fun it was. For me the pilgrimage was meeting people that I really, really liked and who I shared bread with, prayed with, talked about Joan of Arc with, and laughed with...The spiritual element of taking this trip was a priority... it was like Christmas with presents to open and I was waiting in anticipation as to what gifts I would be given on this trip. I am still opening my gifts. There are still gifts of a spiritual nature that I have yet to open because of this journey. I anticipate that there will be continual discoveries...If education is a means to change you so is travel and nothing can change the heart more than the decision to take a two week trip with the sole purpose of learning more about God through Joan of Arc...What I find extraordinary is the exquisite planning, the attention to detail, the rhythm of the journey not just physically retracing Joan's life, but the way the meals and accommodations "fit" with what we were experiencing at the time. They all were perfect in the scheme of the journey. I credit both of you with superb thought and planning to have arrived at this itinerary..." Joan Canby, Dallas, joancanby@juno.com

"The pilgrimage was extremely beneficial, spiritually, emotionally and physically. It was one of the most special two weeks of my life. Lynn and I had a wonderful time in innumerable ways, too numerous to list here...others contemplating a Joan of Arc trip could not possibly experience most the things we saw on their own... Thank you for the unforgettable pilgrimage, tour and special companionship."  George Wilkins, New York, gcwilkins@roadrunner.com

"This was a wonderful experience for me in every way. I feel especially blessed to be able to have taken part in a God focused pilgrimage-this is rare. To feel close to the leaders who walk regular lives, as my own...I was spiritually fed through the comfort of the environment, the company of friends. The visual countryside, the aromas, the tastes, the sound of birds and the storm’s thunder...." Debbie Lovewell, dlovewell@comcast.net 

"I think I would first and foremost say that the pilgrimage was life-changing...it was a fulfillment of a dream, but in totally different and so much more profound and significant a way than I could have ever even hoped to dream or to expect...the reality and totality of it was beyond anything I could possibly imagine. To confront and live with God in places so miraculously touched by a saint whom I greatly revere, admire, love and marvel at... it was humbling, sublime, wonderful...I feel that our journey was made in God's time, for everything on this pilgrimage was timeless...The group was the blessing, and the chance to share experiences on a deep and sacred level with other persons was one of the most important spiritual portions for me…the pilgrimage was a continuous miracle...It would be utterly pointless or even disastrous to stay in hotels or other places that are full of tourists and full of ‘sound and fury’. Instead, the remarkably serene atmosphere of the monasteries was naturally enhancing the pilgrimage with the ability to rest with God and be in His presence continually. The sisters themselves were all so very kind and welcoming, and truly a blessing to have for a journey of this kind...most of all, love Chris and Catherine and trust in them, for they know what they are doing. Remember to always listen to them, for they are like loving parents who most gently guide the gathered offspring :)" Antti Salimen, Finland, vinyacalion@gmail.com 

"I'm finally getting somewhat caught up, so time to let you know how we REALLY felt about our pilgrimage. It was, in a word...AWESOME! The organization, the accommodations, the food, the organization (can I repeat myself?), the spirituality, the historical knowledge, the...well I could go on and on...It exceeded our expectations on every level!!... I wouldn't feel right about commenting on the trip without mentioning the unmitigated energy of Catherine to make sure that ALL of our concerns and expectations were met; and the understated calmness and confidence that Chris brought to the mission ...Thanks to both of you for fulfilling an incurable curiosity- best described as a personal "need" to get to know La Pucelle as she went about her Divine mission to liberate France from the "butchers of Agincourt"...Again, and words really fail to convey our sincere feelings, THANKS FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!! Bunn and Elizabeth Fawcett, Arkansas, bunn@fcois.com

From 2009…

“A much belated ‘thank you’ to Chris and Catherine for a wonderful experience in France. I was probably the least prepared of anyone on the pilgrimage, however my soul was blessed and my heart was full when I got home. I did not come with any expectations-if I had, they would have been exceeded by leaps and bounds. Every day was filled with new experiences-there was never a disappointment. I would love to do this again-I feel that I would be better prepared….I also loved that we pilgrims, even though we were of different ages, had different beliefs, faiths, lifestyles, etc, we were able to come together and appreciate each other, and love each other.  Thank you for your patience, thank you for your attention to every detail, I felt much thought was given to each place we stayed, and each one was well explained well beforehand, so that we all had some background before experiencing each one. As a group, we often spoke of how much thought was put into this. Thank you for the sites you chose for us to share with you, thank you even for the ‘question of the day’!”  Kaye Westcott, Trafalgar, Indiana, kwestcott@westcottgroup.com

“The pilgrimage for me was excellent.  I was spiritually fed, yes, and well…The accommodations and the food were excellent… I think the space created for journey in each day and location was divinely led and inspired. …You both led us gently and with a kind and cheerful heart…A pilgrimage is like a vacation, in that one is removed from the ordinary and often is in an exciting and new environment, seeing beautiful and inspiring things, except with strangers.  That said, it must be added that a pilgrimage is not a vacation. It is something much better, because when you return from a vacation, you are either exhausted or refreshed, you have souvenirs and photos, stories and memories, but generally you have just external things. It is not often that you undergo something internally on a vacation. Some do, of course…but the point I am making is about the nature of pilgrimage…it means you will undergo something, and emerge transformed. Changed. This change will grow in you over time. It may not be obvious to some at first, but the more you allow yourself to undertake in participating with the act of pilgrimage, the more you will notice and receive from it…I hope I can always go with you!” Janas Hoyt, Indiana, janashoyt@comcast.net

"There are no words to express my gratitude; it has been a great great chance for me to continue my trip with Jesus, towards Christ. I thank our Lord for your wonderful guidance, for being part of my life. Those morning sessions with the Question du Jour are unforgettable…they are changing my life…." Elena Leontjeva, after her third pilgrimage with us, Lithuania. 
mama.leoni@gmail.com,
elena@pipeline.com 
Elena@FreeMa.org
Elena@LRinka.LT
LElena@FreeMa.org

From 2007…

“The Joan of Arc pilgrimage still stays with me with a lovely sweetness. You two did a wonderful job in finding the places, the speakers and being flexible and yet making sure we follow the agenda. We were very happy sheep being led into pastoral France and delving into the life of Joan… I came back feeling revived and refreshed…I will absolutely recommend this to other people and please use my name as a reference…I met such wonderful souls and I know I will be in touch with some of them. DO IT AGAIN!”  Sheena Singh, Toronto, Canada multiculturalcalendar@yahoo.com 416-650-5328

“This was an overall life-changing experience. It helped me grow together with new friends even as I had to say goodbye; it was like meeting a family for the first time. I can’t go through a day without wanting to see the trip’s pictures or mementos…a ‘pilgrimage’ is not just a short two weeks, but a continuously evolving journey in life…every morning after ‘petit dejeuner’, there was the ‘Question du Jour’ with others that became my ‘spiritual breakfast.’…the solo and group outings to locations associated with Joan were nourishing and enlightening…thanks for all the handouts…the accommodations were always unique…the food was essentially as wonderful as the surroundings…Chris and Catherine were like the brother and sister you always wanted to have as a kid; they got you through everything and were there when you needed them…”  David Fama, Rocklin CA- famucci49@yahoo.com 916-600-8982

“The pilgrimage was wonderful. I felt like it happened ‘out of regular time’. So coming home was a shock. I was fed spiritually more than I expected and the process continues…I loved being totally immersed in a community of pilgrims that openly talked about their relationship with God and what that relationship meant to them and affected their lives…the other pilgrims and the tour leaders did not hold themselves apart…and that was very special for me…the group was able to do and see thing that normal tourists do not and that was due to the fact they had established relationships with the French and the communities we visited…one rarely gets a chance to see how the locals live and you very rarely get to feel part of the community. You gave us that chance and it was wonderful…the food was wonderful…it’s hard to put all my impressions and feelings into words as I am still processing what happened. The pilgrimage was magical for me. It felt like we stepped into Joan’s time even though it was obviously 2007. The St Benedictine convent in St. Thierry was a wonderful way to start the pilgrimage.” Chris Kostoff, Santa Rosa, CA- chris88@sonic.net 707-523-4865

“This was my second Joan of Arc pilgrimage and I cannot compare the two. But both were spectacular and La France Profonde has found a place in my heart that will stay with me for the rest of my life….Meeting the Prince and Princess of Beauffremont again and having the home cooked meal were spectacular….the accommodations were excellent in my opinion because I have done a lot of traveling here in the USA and I have had some Hotel maintenance required during stays…90 percent of the meals were excellent…I felt like I was part of the community in Domremy…once again thanks for the great pilgrimage in honor of Saint Joan of Arc.” Brian Morgan, his second pilgrimage with us. Park Falls Wisconsin- qfsd08@email.mot.com 715-762-4254

“Amazing! It was more than I ever expected. It was so much more than a tour; it was truly a pilgrimage. It was well planned and well executed. We had so many unique experiences thanks to Chris and Catherine’ efforts and connections…I have still not come off my spiritual high. I learned so much more about Joan than I knew before my trip…the accommodations were charming and cozy. I loved the stay at the monastery too. It was a great beginning…the food was very good…Chris and Catherine, you were divinely guided…you were both wonderful. It was a pleasure to go on this trip with you. You did so much to make it spiritual, personal, interesting, and unique…thank you for sharing your faith, your vision, and your love…if you ever lead another pilgrimage, I would want to go with you!” Joan Zabelka, Hickory Hills, IL- joanzabelka@comcast.net 708-458-3666

“It was very enjoyable and uplifting...I especially enjoyed the morning meditation and ‘Question du Jour’...it was a unique experience. A nice blend of the spiritual and travel adventure with a remarkable group of people…you did a lot of work for us…our B & B in Domremy could not have been better. I also enjoyed staying at the Gite and the convent, all great experiences….you did a great job of making arrangements for all our meals….both of you did an excellent job of leading the group. We could see how hard you worked to make everything come out right. Thank you again for all of your work, your caring and kindness! Good Job!” Sue Barrett

“I loved the pilgrimage! It was especially helpful for me to be in the countryside which was so beautiful and peaceful...we had so many experiences that one would never ‘get’ in other contexts, like the Beauffremonts and the tour/lunch with the Pastor of the Cathedral of Orleans…the country people were SO wonderful and really held for me the spirit of Domremy…the food was great in St Thierry, Domremy, etc…thank you for all you two did. I’m sure all of our lives will benefit from this experience in ways that we may never even associate with the journey. But, this type of experience is life-changing! Thank you both SO much for all the work and passion you put into the Pilgrimage” Jean Eilerman, Santa Rosa, CA- jeannedarc444@hotmail.com  joanofarc888@att.net 707-569-9230

“I wish to thank both of you for your friendship and guidance through the journey. It’s impossible to find words mighty enough to express my gratitude…time spent in France was a time of many important discoveries and strengthening of my faith…those ‘Questions du Jour’ were really genius and I am sure attended by the Holy Spirit…Blessings to you both.” Elena Leontjeva, Vilnius, Lithuania-after her second pilgrimage with us. 
mama.leoni@gmail.com 
elena@pipeline.com 
Elena@FreeMa.org
Elena@LRinka.LT
LElena@FreeMa.org

From 2005…

“Let me tell you how grateful I am for the pilgrimage, for wonderful and meaningful conversations, for your subtle care and …miracles that occurred! As the year 2005 is coming to its end, I wish to cordially thank you for the most precious time I spent with you, and for what happened to me thanks to your care and mediation.” Elena Leontjeva-Lithuania
mama.leoni@gmail.com 
elena@pipeline.com 
Elena@FreeMa.org
Elena@LRinka.LT
LElena@FreeMa.org
           
“I cannot express the fond memories I had on the Pilgrimage and how priceless they are to me.  The little town of Domremy has given me many pleasant dreams. Such a great time I had and the great food from the Prince and Princess of Beauffremont. Their hospitality was exquisite. Also the Abbey and the Monastery was a new experience to me that was very pleasant and relaxing that warmed my spiritual curiosity. I’ll be taking back home with me Domremy and the Basilica, and always the meal we had at Beauffremont. Thanks again Chris and Catherine for this experience of a Life time!” Brian Morgan-Park Falls, Wisconsin blmorgan@centurytel.net, brian.morgan@motorola.com, qfsd08@email.mot.com

“Thanks again to both of you for your tireless kindness and service…the pilgrimage was a time of great spiritual consolation for me. I’d lost my prayer life, and silence, and now have found it again, and wish to continue on with it once at home again...I will always consider our pilgrimage to France to be one of the spiritual high-points of my life.” Paul Richards-Ambler, PA, reveclair@yahoo.com

“I wanted to express our warmest good-byes, and express our pleasure at meeting all of you and enjoying the pilgrimage with you.” Victor Scammel-Conroe, Texas vicsca@peoplepc.com

“I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful trip we had. It was great!” Gladys Scammel-Dallas, Texas

From 2004…

“Boy, that trip was awesome!  What a great group of people. I feel blessed. Thanks so much for doing this for all of us.” Carol Trahan-CA

“I enjoyed our trip immensely; everyday held special joys for me. I came back with a sense of peace. Thank you so much for the planning and attention to details that made this trip run so smoothly. Thank you for being so sensitive to everyone’s needs, both physical and emotional.  This was a very unique experience that none of us will ever forget. The two of you made it all possible. I consider knowing the two of you one of life’s true blessings.” Cynthia Metcalf-TX. 214-679-9248 cynthiametcalf@ymail.com 

“The more I think about it the more I realize how much planning, research, decision making, and communicating overseas had to go into your preparations. I hope you know how much we all appreciated it and spoke of it often during our days together. A memorial time in my life with memorable and inspiring people. MERCI ENCORE!!!!!” Ellen Campbell- CA. 909-845-2280 elcamp2@verizon.net or elcamp@earthlink.net

“A wonderful journey, full of new discoveries. Was moved by the fact that we all came from such different backgrounds yet have been able to create a spirit of fellowship that will continue to be a part of our fond memories. Thank you Chris and Catherine for being such wonderful people and spiritual friends.” Paul Ciholas-KY.

 “At the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine, it was a delightful, elegant, catered luncheon with a gracious and generous Madame Marie-Veronique Clin (co-author of Joan of Arc: Her Story).  I found myself to be quiet comfortable with the group; very unusual for me. Found that Jeanne lived most of her life in peaceful, tranquil, beautiful surroundings (regarding Domremy).” Bob Perler-WA. 509-935-6003 reillyrp@gmail.com 

“Excellent company-very spiritual, I enjoyed it very much and feel spiritually refreshed. Also, historical info on Jeanne from speakers was excellent. The fellowship with Christians from all faiths was inspiring. Everyone was supportive of their fellow pilgrims in a very personal way.”  La Juana West-OR.541-382-8521 lajwest@gmail.com

“It was a wonderful experience to be in monasteries away from the frantic pace of our modern age. What impresses me most is the mystery of how so many different people of such varied religious backgrounds came together as one and worshiped the same creator as true children of God. A lot of work went into the pilgrimage. I know because I have led groups to Europe many times. No one is judging you here, but instead, will embrace you with love and acceptance. Be ready to make new friends and to ‘think outside of the box’…Thank you for all your work and your concerns for all of us.”  Karin Ciholas-KY.

“I am slowly starting to settle back into reality. The pilgrimage was a very rewarding experience and we all owe you both a big thanks for all your hard work in making it the experience it was.” Janice Mulder-Canada.

From 2002…

“I still can’t get over the ways you made our pilgrimage to France an experience of a lifetime!  I believe the rest of my life is being positively affected by our 2002 Living Witnesses experience.  I can never thank you enough for your glorious gift of this pilgrimage.” Joyce Gray-Austin, Tel:  512-264-8760JoyceEGray@aol.com

“Thank you for…the many wonderful things you have done to make this an unforgettable trip to France.” MaryEllen Yarrish-Dallas, TX.

“Our pilgrimage was a wonderful experience for me. Thank you for the time and thought you both put into planning it and then actually leading it.” Esther Smith-Iowa.

“The Soirees were great! Not only did we learn a lot, but also they helped knit us together as a group before the trip. I can’t believe the amount of work you did to prepare every detail and educate us all. We were all like a group of kids, but you never lost your cool. You did a wonderful job with everything. Thank you so much.” Coco Pittman-Dallas, Tel: 214-328-9888  cocoatlake@aol.com

“The pilgrimage was a great trip, great adventure, glad I went. I was blown away with the beauty of France, every part that we saw…the meal at that wine castle was excellent…” Ted Pittman-Dallas.

“The pilgrimage for me was a lifetime experience…History came alive to me. Christianity has so much depth and breadth and was so integral to middle age Europe and eventually to us.  Experiencing the roots was all I hoped it would be.” Dan Sundermann-Dallas.

“Sights were exceptional, especially the French countryside…the monasteries are such an interesting experience…It will be a lifetime memory…your suggestions for clothes, packing, were right on…you both were SO considerate to all of us and so pleasant, probably more than we deserved…the scope of arrangements was mind-boggling. You had everything taken care of.  I am in awe of the planning and fruition of your plans. It was great.” Sally Sundermann-Dallas. Tel: 214-841-0663 sallyjf35@sbcglobal.net

“The Soirées gave the pilgrims a chance to meet and get to know each other in a warm and hospitable setting. The Soirées and ensuing handouts were of tremendous aid to all of us…The pilgrimage itself was a once-in-a-lifetime experience…I believe each pilgrim received so much to enrich their spiritual journey…each pilgrimage is a different experience to all who go, and this was the apogee for me...let me say, quite sincerely, that Chris and Catherine were truly splendid and caring guides to the pilgrims.” Dolores Bradford-Dallas.