Vietnam Pilgrimage: Walking in the Footsteps of Saints and Martyrs
We thank God for blessing us with this pilgrimage to Vietnam, a land rich with the legacy of holy saints and martyrs who have sanctified it through the centuries.
Vietnam Pilgrimage with Fr. Christopher Loh, OCD
We thank God for blessing us with this pilgrimage to Vietnam, a land rich with the legacy of holy saints and martyrs who have sanctified it through the centuries. This is also a land touched by the apparitions and interventions of Our Blessed Mother, who has offered her saving grace during times of great hardship.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Rev. Fr. Christopher Loh, OCD, for leading us as our spiritual director. Thank you for sharing your simplicity, gentleness, and calmness with us pilgrims. We are also deeply grateful to our beloved pilgrims from Penang, who initiated this wonderful journey of faith and warmly welcomed others from across the country to join as a community of believers.
This pilgrimage was a profound experience, offering us the opportunity to encounter God, especially through the intercession of Our Lady of La Vang, Our Lady of Tra Kieu, and the Holy Martyrs.
Northern Vietnam
We began our journey in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi’s rich history is reflected in its architecture, with old buildings showcasing their unique designs from bygone eras. Similarly, the churches bear the marks of French missionary influence, with their distinct blueprints and elegant structures.
Our first stop was St Joseph’s Cathedral, the main and grand cathedral of Hanoi. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived, leaving us a little disheartened. However, we proceeded to Cua Bac Church, also known as the Church of Martyrs, where we attended a local Vietnamese Mass. To our surprise, a special event awaited us here. Firstly, our priest, Fr. Christopher, was invited to concelebrate Mass with the parish priest. Secondly, the parish was celebrating the feast day of their local martyr, St Andrew Dũng-Lạc. After Mass, the priests and lay leaders brought out relics of the saint for veneration. This unexpected blessing lifted our spirits and marked the start of our pilgrimage with renewed joy and gratitude.
The next day, we travelled to another province, but a mishap occurred when our bus driver took a wrong turn and missed the planned church. While our guide sought directions, we discovered a beautiful church nearby and decided to explore it. This church, part of the Congregation of the Lovers of the Holy Cross, was home to over 200 nuns and 12 postulants. The congregation is notable as the first female religious order with distinct East Asian roots.
Later, we visited the majestic Phú Nhai Church and Kiên Lao Church, both of which were breathtaking in their scale and intricate French-inspired designs. It was hard to believe such stunning churches could exist in remote areas of Vietnam.
Our next stop was the Phát Diệm Cathedral complex, a masterpiece of traditional Vietnamese architecture. With its stone walls, intricately carved wooden details, and temple-like design, the cathedral left us in awe. We spent time marveling at its beauty and appreciating its historical significance.
Central Vietnam
We flew to Hue the following day and began with a visit to the Citadel, home to the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. We also visited the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River.
That evening, we attended a private Mass at the Church of St Francis Xavier, where we had the joy of witnessing a heartfelt reunion between Fr. Christopher and his seminary friend, Fr. Jay Jay, after many years. We were honoured to meet the parish priest, a Monsignor in the Archdiocese of Hue, and later visited the Monastery of St Teresa of Jesus. This monastery, one of 11 Discalced Carmelite monasteries in Vietnam, houses 40 nuns with 12 in formation.
Over the next two days, we paid homage to Our Lady at the Shrines of La Vang and Tra Kieu, both sites of Marian apparitions during times of persecution. These shrines are major pilgrimage destinations for local and international Catholics. We prayed fervently, bringing the petitions of family and friends and entrusting them to the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.
Hoi An
After much travelling, we slowed our pace in Hoi An, enjoying leisurely strolls through the historic town. On our last day, we visited the oldest church in Vietnam, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hoi An. Here, we saw tombs dating back to the 1850s. This town holds special significance as the site where missionaries first set foot in Vietnam and built the country’s first church.
This pilgrimage has been a journey of faith, discovery, and community. Through every blessing and challenge, we have been reminded of God’s presence and the beauty of our Catholic heritage. May this experience inspire us to continue deepening our faith and living as witnesses to His love.
Contact us
Thank you for exploring our profile. We appreciate the opportunity to serve local churches. If your parish or ministry is interested in planning a pilgrimage with us or joining our upcoming 2025 pilgrimage, we'd love to hear from you. For further details, visit our website or reach out to us via WhatsApp. We eagerly anticipate connecting with you!
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Your Sincere,
Sanctum Pilgrimages
Camino 2025 is back!
Xi An Pilgrimage 2025
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The Eternal City
Rome & Assisi Pilgrimage and Retreat with Rev. Fr. George Ho, OCD
Rome & Assisi Pilgrimage and Retreat with Rev. Fr. George Ho, OCD
Firstly, we would like to thank God for the gift of the universal Church and its See in Rome, our Beloved Mother Mary, St. Peter and St. Paul, St. Francis and St. Clare, and all the holy saints and martyrs of Rome and Assisi.
We also wish to extend our gratitude to Rev. Fr. George Ho, OCD, for leading us as our spiritual director during this time of pilgrimage and retreat. Your love, wisdom, and calmness have truly been a blessing to us pilgrims. Of course, we must also thank our beloved fellow pilgrims for their patience and care for one another throughout the journey.
This pilgrimage and retreat provided a unique experience and an opportunity to encounter God amidst the busyness of our world and during the moments of peace.
During our recent pilgrimage and retreat, we visited significant shrines of our Blessed Mother Mary, as well as the churches and shrines of the apostles and saints. We also explored sites associated with St. Francis of Assisi and other saints and martyrs.
Rome
Our pilgrimage began in the Eternal City of Rome, where we spent several days exploring its rich heritage. Each day, we visited nearby churches whenever time allowed. To complete the pilgrimage to Rome, we also paid homage to the four Major Basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Each one holds deep significance and serves as a testament to the universal Church’s history and unity.
In the heart of ancient Rome, we visited the shrines of saints such as St. Agnes, an early Christian martyr, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. Francis Xavier. A special moment was our visit to the room where St. Ignatius of Loyola passed away, known as the Bedrooms of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola—a deeply spiritual experience.
One of the special tasks of our pilgrimage was to collect the relics of St. Louis Martin and his wife, Zélie Guérin Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. After a peaceful lunch, we were honoured to retrieve these sacred relics.
A highlight of the trip was attending the Papal Audience on Wednesday morning. Though we couldn’t see the Holy Father up close, the atmosphere of unity with Catholics from around the world was palpable, especially when we all recited the "Pater Noster" in Latin.
The moment underscored the meaning of the universal Church, with everyone gathered in St. Peter’s Square, praying together in the Church’s official language. That afternoon, we toured the Vatican Museums and returned to St. Peter’s Basilica, taking in its majesty and spiritual significance.
We were also blessed to have Fr. Anthony Liew from the Penang Diocese with us, who is currently in Rome for his studies. Together, we visited other important sites, including the basilicas housing the relics of St. Peter, the Holy Stairs—where Jesus’ blood is believed to have fallen after His scourging—and relics from Jerusalem. Among these were fragments of the True Cross, one of the nails used in the Crucifixion, and parts of the Grotto of the Nativity and the Holy Sepulchre. We also venerated other relics, such as a joint from the finger of St. Thomas, a piece of the Good Thief’s cross, and two thorns from Christ’s Crown of Thorns.
The Colosseum, an iconic structure we often see in films, was even more awe-inspiring in person. Walking through this ancient amphitheatre, nearly 2,000 years old, we couldn’t help but reflect on the lives that were sacrificed within its walls. The thought of martyrs’ blood soaking through the arena’s wooden floor into the chambers below left a deep impression on us.
Before leaving Rome, we had the privilege of celebrating a private Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This basilica enshrines a relic of the crib from Christ’s birth and houses the revered icon of the Virgin Mary, "Salus Populi Romani" ("Protector of the Roman People"). This image has been venerated by popes during times of great crisis, including a devastating plague that struck Rome in the 6th century. During a procession led by Pope Gregory the Great, those present heard angels singing the Resurrection hymn, "Regina Caeli"—a miraculous moment in the city’s history.
Assisi
After the hustle and bustle of Rome, we travelled to Assisi to slow our pace and find peace. Assisi, a town perched on a hilltop, is deeply blessed, with the shrines of St. Francis and St. Clare situated on either side of the town. We paid homage at their tombs, honouring their profound legacies. Assisi is a quiet and serene place, with its narrow streets and winding steps at every turn, preventing cars and buses from entering the town centre. This adds to its charm, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the town’s tranquil atmosphere.
One of the newer attractions in Assisi is the resting place of one of our youngest saints, St. Carlo Acutis, whose remains are now buried here. His presence adds a modern-day connection to this timeless town.
Monte Compatri and Tivoli
Our pilgrimage continued as we reached our retreat centre in Monte Compatri. This 400-year-old monastery sits on a hill overlooking the town and provides an ideal setting for reflection and prayer. Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the peacefulness of the surroundings. Nestled in nature, the monastery is surrounded by fragrant plants such as rosemary and olive trees, creating a perfect environment for retreat from the hectic pace of daily life.
The monastery’s church is home to the incorruptible body of Venerable John of Jesus Mary, OCD, a relatively unknown Carmelite friar. His life exemplifies the humility, holiness, and wisdom that are central to the Carmelite charism. He is also renowned for his mystical writings, which continue to inspire those who seek a deeper relationship with God.
Our journey also took us to Tivoli, an ancient city that predates Rome and was known as a retreat for Roman leaders. At the heart of Tivoli lies the famous Tivoli Gardens, a place of enchantment and beauty. This historical site, beloved by both locals and tourists, provided us with a peaceful setting to relax and recharge before our return to Rome.
Rome
Back in Rome, our first stop was one of the newest Marian shrines in the city, the Grotto of Our Lady of Revelation. This is where Our Lady appeared to a Protestant named Bruno Cornacchiola, who had been strongly opposed to the Catholic Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary. In fact, he had even planned to assassinate the Pope for what he believed was the good of all Christians. However, during his encounter with Our Lady, she revealed her relationship with the Holy Trinity, explaining that she is the daughter of God the Father, the mother of Jesus Christ, and the spouse of the Holy Spirit.
This event transformed Bruno, who later presented himself to the Pope and became a powerful witness for the Church. He spent the rest of his life preaching to those who harboured hatred towards the Church and the Blessed Mother.
After this visit, we made our way to the final Major Basilica of our pilgrimage: the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where St. Paul is buried. In this church, we also saw the chain that held St. Paul during his martyrdom, as well as the portraits of all the Popes, from St. Peter to our current Pope, Francis.
Next, we visited Trastevere, a district with a long and complex relationship with the Church. Historically, this area was home to the Jewish community, and the interactions between the Jewish people and the Church have left a significant impact on Catholic traditions. Trastevere helps us remember our shared history and the importance of understanding our roots as we move forward.
One of the highlights of our visit to Trastevere was our tour of the Antica Farmacia S. Maria della Scala, which is typically closed to the public. We were fortunate enough to visit on the last day before it would be closed for a long period of renovation, after which it will be reopened as a museum. The pharmacy, founded by Discalced Carmelite monks in the 16th century, became famous for its remedies, attracting notable figures such as King Louis XIV, Queen Christina of Sweden, Pope Innocent X, and Pope Alexander VII. During the plague of 1656, the pharmacy played a crucial role in treating the afflicted with its herbal medicines, blending religious care with medical science to serve both the poor and the powerful.
Adjacent to the pharmacy is the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, where the incorrupt foot of St. Teresa of Avila is enshrined in a side chapel. We felt deeply blessed to be able to view this sacred relic up close.
On our final day, we celebrated a private Mass on the Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux at the only church in Rome dedicated to her. During the Mass, we placed the relics of St. Louis and St. Zélie, the parents of St. Thérèse, alongside her relic on the altar.
Our pilgrimage concluded with a visit back to Vatican City, where some of us took the opportunity to purchase religious articles for our family and friends back home.
Testimonies
“The prayerful pilgrims and their lovely, genuine care for each other make a small group perfect.” - Magdalene
[团员们都很合作、团队们互爱互助的精神很令我感动，完全体现主爱的精神。天主圣神的运作让我能完成这次朝圣的体验，感受造物主的伟大，特别在壮观宏伟的建筑物体现出来，墙上的画尤其让人惊叹，还有圣人们因爱殉道的故事是我最感动的，推动着我去思考人生、学习不停去爱身边的每一个人。] -Rosa Chee
“The trip was meaningful and well organised! The number of people in the group was just nice. Feels like a big family and Fr GH was so friendly and approachable that we could ask him anything 😉” - Jo
“St. Francis of Assisi: I admire his dedication to God, sacrificing all his riches and status to live among and love the poor.” - Kathleen :)
“The sincerity and eagerness to pray shown by some pilgrims touched me the most. Padre's loving care for all pilgrims is very touching.” - Magdalene
“A very prayerful and helpful group, where Christ is seen in many of His saints.” -Simon
Contact us
Thank you for exploring our profile. We appreciate the opportunity to serve local churches. If your parish or ministry is interested in planning a pilgrimage with us or joining our upcoming 2024 pilgrimage, we'd love to hear from you. For further details, visit our website or reach out to us via WhatsApp. We eagerly anticipate connecting with you!
www.sanctumpilgrimages.com
Contact us now!
Your Sincere,
Sanctum Pilgrimages
Way of St.James
Beginner friendly Pilgrimage (Lugo)
Medan Pilgrimage 2025
Discover the diversity of Medan
Camino 2025 is back!
A Holy Week Pilgrimage (Sarria)
A Journey from a Gloomy Start to a Beautiful and Memorable End
2024 Spring Camino de Santiago
2024 Spring Camino de Santiago:
The Camino de Santiago is a unique pilgrimage offering a profound spiritual journey. Unlike traditional pilgrimages focused on reaching a holy site, this path emphasises encountering God along the way. Pilgrims, or "peregrinos," find spiritual insights through the landscapes, fellow travellers, and moments of solitude.
The Camino has several routes, each rich with history and offering its own unique experience. It encourages simplicity, community, and personal reflection, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. In medieval times, pilgrims walked from all over Europe to reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, believed to house the remains of St. James the Great. Today, the Camino continues to draw people from around the world, seeking both religious and personal fulfilment.
In April this year, Sanctum Pilgrimages organised a Camino during springtime. A family from Australia started 100km ahead of the rest of us and met us in Lugo. Even those of us from Malaysia came from different states. Initially, some of us felt like we were in the company of strangers. But through the days of walking together, we formed new friendships. We came from different backgrounds and had different reasons for undertaking the pilgrimage. Yet, we all experienced God in one way or another.
At the beginning of our journey, a few of us encountered some challenges. From making wrong turns and getting lost, being too tired to continue and hitching rides from passing cars, to receiving bad news from home and even losing important documents. Springtime may be cooling, but it rains a lot too. Thus, we faced some wet and cold days when the wind blew. You might say, "What a way to start a Camino." It truly felt like a gloomy beginning for some of us.
By the second day, we refused to let the negative experiences hinder us. We began each day with stretching exercises and a rosary walk before our adventure. As days went by, the atmosphere and the experience improved. Even the weather warmed up, and on the last walking day, it was hot, feeling like summer had begun. However, it was actually a transitional season experience. So, we carried fewer items in our knapsacks for our walk on those last two walking days.
On the final day, we had a big surprise. The person who had been last to arrive at the hotels every day turned out to be the first among us to arrive in Santiago. She skipped breakfast and started the journey earlier, only stopping for meals along the way. Her perseverance paid off and was admired by all of us.
The atmosphere in Santiago during this season was amazing. It felt like a fanfare of people welcoming us at the main square. Everywhere we turned, there were people cheering, singing, talking, laughing, and taking photographs. In my group, we walked at our own pace, arriving at different times, and initially, we did not see each other. Seeing other people having so much joy together while we were apart was a bit lonely at first. But after settling down, we all happened to be at the square at the same time. It was such an immense joy celebrating with our little Camino group of pilgrims.
It was a moment we won't forget.
The Camino is really a personal journey with God and nature. Some may encounter God there or have a moment of His presence, and for some of us, reflections may take place later. But whatever the experience, the Camino is truly a walk of life. There are good days and bad days, getting lost and being found. The Camino reflects our lives. As we leave the place, our Camino of life continues with us, and hopefully, along our lives, we encounter God in our own places too.
¡Buen Camino!
Contact us
Thank you for exploring our profile. We appreciate the opportunity to serve local churches. If your parish or ministry is interested in planning a pilgrimage with us or joining our upcoming 2024 pilgrimage, we'd love to hear from you. For further details, visit our website or reach out to us via WhatsApp. We eagerly anticipate connecting with you!
www.sanctumpilgrimages.com
Contact us now!
Your Sincere,
Sanctum Pilgrimages
Lithuania & Poland with Rev. Fr. Michael Chua
Lithuania & Poland with Rev. Fr. Michael Chua
A Sacred Place
Lithuania & Poland with Rev. Fr. Michael Chua
Firstly, we would like to thank God for the gift of our Beloved Mother Mary, St. John Paul the Great, St. Faustina Kowalska, Bl. Michael Sopocko, Bl. Jerzy Popiełuszko, and all the holy saints and martyrs of Lithuania and Poland.
We also wish to extend our gratitude to Rev. Fr. Michael Chua for leading us as our spiritual director. Your love and wisdom are truly a gift to us pilgrims. And of course, to our beloved pilgrims who journeyed with us. Thank you for travelling with us as a community of faith.
This pilgrimage was a wonderful experience and an opportunity to encounter God in our own unique ways.
During our recent pilgrimage, we visited significant shrines of our Blessed Mother Mary, the Divine Mercy Devotion, and sites associated with St. John Paul the Great and other saints and martyrs.
Lithuania
Our journey began in Lithuania, where we delved into the lives of St. Faustina and Blessed Michael Sopocko. We traced the history of the original Divine Mercy painting, which underwent a remarkable journey. It was moved from place to place, lost and damaged for a period, but was eventually found and restored. The perseverance of Bl. Michael Sopocko in promoting the Divine Mercy devotion until his old age was truly admirable.
Warsaw
In Warsaw, we learned about Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko. Following St. John Paul II's famous speech on freedom and solidarity, Blessed Jerzy became a prominent figure, boldly speaking out on freedom and ultimately paying the price with his life.
Krakow
As we approached Krakow, we visited shrines and significant places related to St. John Paul the Great. We discovered the influences that contributed to his greatness, from the profound influence of his prayerful father to the monastery he frequently visited and his home next to the church. These experiences and more shaped him into one of the greatest popes of our time. His message of love and responsibility attracts millions of people. Every time he returned to Krakow, thousands of young people would gather at the window of his room just to catch a glimpse and hear him speak.
Marian Shrines
An unexpected discovery of this pilgrimage was the profound Marian devotion evident throughout Lithuania and Poland. We visited numerous Marian shrines, including:
Chapel of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn
Our Lady of Šiluva
Shrine of Our Lady Studzieniczańskiej
Monastery of Our Lady of Czestochowa
Church of Our Lady of Graces
Motherhouse of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
We were struck by how deeply Mary is integrated into the lives of Lithuanians and Poles. Even the King of Poland, before leading the great Battle of Vienna, paid homage to Our Lady in Warsaw, underscoring Mary's significant impact.
Our Lady of Czestochowa
No visit to Poland is complete without paying respects to the Queen of Poland, Our Lady of Czestochowa. She is revered as the protector and mother of Poland, holding a special place in the hearts of the Polish people.
Holy saints and martyrs of Lithuania and Poland, pray for us!
Sanctum Pilgrimages
Contact us
Thank you for exploring our profile. We appreciate the opportunity to serve local churches. If your parish or ministry is interested in planning a pilgrimage with us or joining our upcoming 2024 pilgrimage, we'd love to hear from you. For further details, visit our website or reach out to us via WhatsApp. We eagerly anticipate connecting with you!
www.sanctumpilgrimages.com
Contact us now!
Your Sincere,
Sanctum Pilgrimages
Life is a Pilgrimage
Greeting from Sanctum Pilgrimage
Greetings from Sanctum Pilgrimages!
Dear Archbishops, Bishops, Reverend Fathers, and Parish Leaders,
Warm Advent greetings to each of you!
At Sanctum Pilgrimages, we transcend the conventional role of a travel agency. Our mission is propelled by a profound calling—a ministry devoted to guiding pilgrims to Catholic Holy Sites. Through this newsletter, we humbly introduce ourselves. As newcomers in this field, we aspire to forge partnerships with local parishes and fortify our collective journey of faith.
About Sanctum Pilgrimages
A Sacred Place
The Latin word, Sanctum, means 'a sacred place' in English. We at Sanctum Pilgrimages realize the importance of pilgrimages and wish to bring people out from their busy lives to encounter God and to live the Christian faith by visiting Holy sites all over the world. Therefore, we identify these Holy sites and we plan this holy journey with our pilgrims.
Sanctum Pilgrimages was established in 2022 by Anthony Chan and Thomas Yap, whose dedication to serving the church spans almost two decades. Their commitment began in youth ministries and extended to providing faith formation materials for individuals, parishes, and seminaries, along with organizing pilgrimages for clergy members.
United by a mutual passion for serving the Church and employing their individual gifts and talents, they embarked on this service-driven venture. Sanctum Pilgrimages operates with a primary goal of promoting exploration and discovery, emphasising a minimal-profit approach. Their mission is to extend an invitation to both Catholics and non-Catholics, encouraging them to explore and encounter God amidst the captivating beauty and profound history of Catholic churches locally and globally.
Our Services
Existing Pilgrimages: Join several available pilgrimages.
Pre-Designed Itineraries: Tailored for priests, parish groups, or private gatherings.
Custom Pilgrimages: Collaborate for spirit-filled journeys to new destinations.
Contact us
Thank you for exploring our profile. We appreciate the opportunity to serve local churches. If your parish or ministry is interested in planning a pilgrimage with us or joining our upcoming 2024 pilgrimage, we'd love to hear from you. For further details, visit our website or reach out to us via WhatsApp. We eagerly anticipate connecting with you!
www.sanctumpilgrimages.com
Contact us now!
Your Sincere,
Sanctum Pilgrimages
Outcoming Pilgrimage 2024
LITHUANIA & POLAND are the Birthplace of Divine Mercy Devotion and St. Pope John Paul the Great: The Divine Mercy is a Catholic devotion to Jesus Christ associated with the reported apparitions of Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska…