St. Benedict Tours plans two Medjugorje pilgrimages for fall 2026

St. Benedict Tours is offering two fully escorted pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, in fall 2026, with one trip focused on retreat and another adding a broader Adriatic cultural itinerary. Both trips include Catholic devotions, guided visits and limited space for travelers seeking a spiritual journey.

Why it matters: - The two trips give Catholic pilgrims separate options for spiritual renewal in Medjugorje, a destination that has drawn millions since reported Marian apparitions began in 1981. - One itinerary emphasizes prayer and retreat. The other combines Medjugorje with major religious and cultural sites in Croatia and Montenegro. - Both pilgrimages are fully escorted and include round-trip airfare, which lowers the planning burden for travelers.

What happened: - St. Benedict Tours announced two pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, for fall 2026. - Trip #116 runs Sept. 7-15, 2026, and Trip #117 runs Oct. 14-24, 2026. - The September trip is led by Father Glenn Sudano, CFR. - The October trip is led by Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, who serves as spiritual director for St. Benedict Tours. - The company says space is limited and early registration is recommended.

The details: - Trip #116 is a nine-day pilgrimage and spiritual retreat priced at $3,155 per person, double occupancy. - The September itinerary includes seven nights at Hotel Jana in Medjugorje, daily breakfast and dinner, two full-day excursions with lunch, daily conferences by Father Sudano, Mass, Reconciliation, and visits to major spiritual sites. - Pilgrims on Trip #116 who are physically able may climb Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain. - Optional visits on Trip #116 include the Cenacolo Community, and meetings with local priests and Medjugorje visionaries may be arranged pending availability. - Trip #117 is an 11-day pilgrimage priced at $4,698 per person, double occupancy. - The October itinerary includes five nights in Medjugorje, two nights in Split and two nights in Dubrovnik. - Trip #117 includes guided walking tours of UNESCO World Heritage cities Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik, plus an excursion to Our Lady of the Rocks in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor. - The October pilgrimage includes daily breakfast and dinner, five lunches, daily Mass celebrated by Bishop Scharfenberger, guided excursions and time for prayer and reflection. - In Medjugorje, Trip #117 includes participation in the spiritual life of St. James Parish, Reconciliation, possible climbs of Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain, and visits to ministries such as the Cenacolo Community. - Meetings with Medjugorje visionaries and local Franciscan priests may also be arranged, depending on schedules. - Both trips include round-trip Lufthansa airfare from Newark Liberty International Airport, confirmed economy-class seating, certified English-speaking tour guides, private air-conditioned motor coach transportation and selected accommodations. - The announcement directs travelers to more information for pricing and reservations. - The release also lists St. Benedict Tours on Facebook and YouTube.

Between the lines: - St. Benedict Tours is targeting two different traveler preferences: a shorter retreat-style pilgrimage and a longer trip that adds more sightseeing and regional history. - The Medjugorje itinerary remains the anchor for both trips, signaling that the spiritual destination is the main draw rather than the added tourism. - The inclusion of bishops, priests, and optional meetings with visionaries is meant to deepen the religious experience for pilgrims.

What's next: - Travelers interested in either itinerary will need to register early because capacity is limited. - St. Benedict Tours is directing prospective pilgrims to the company website for additional details and reservations. - Final meeting opportunities with local clergy and visionaries remain subject to availability and scheduling.