Cultural Outings

Study in a German castle, then explore the heart of Rome.

 

During Cultural Outings, Fellows engage what they are learning in the classroom and see the material come to life. Each location is packed with historical and religious significance, often highlighting figures that exemplified Catholic leadership by responding to the needs of their time.

Germany

Kevelaer

Within walking distance of Schloss Wissen, Kevelaer is “the largest Catholic pilgrimage location within north-western Europe.” Here, Fellows’ time in Germany begins and ends with a pilgrimage to the shrine of Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, and the celebration of Mass in the Kerzenkapelle (candle chapel).

Xanten

In this seemingly inconspicuous town, students get a brief, sweeping glance at how western civilization took shape across hundreds of years. After exploring an ancient Roman outpost, Fellows encounter concrete examples of Catholic leaders like Blessed Cardinal von Galen and Blessed Karl Leisner at St. Victor’s Cathedral.

Trier

Germany’s oldest city and the seat of Constantine the Great. Constantine was a Roman emperor known for signing the Edict of Milan—a proclamation that greatly assisted the spreading of Christianity. The tomb of St. Matthias and multiple biblical relics are also located in Trier, thanks to Constantine’s mother, St. Helena.

Cologne

In Cologne, Fellows visit the tomb of St. Albert the Great (whose disciple was St. Thomas Aquinas), the community of St. Edith Stein (Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), and the imposing Cologne Cathedral. When evening comes, they participate in Night Fever, an opportunity for evangelization and engagement the bustling culture.

Aachen

Here, Fellows experience a guided tour of the Aachen Cathedral, where beautiful mosaics span the ceiling and Charlemagne’s throne can be found. After the tour and the celebration of Mass, students have free time to explore the Cathedral on their own and visit the surrounding town.

Italy

Churches and Major Basilicas

While in Rome, the Fellowship visits and prays at the four major basilicas: St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and Saint Mary Major. Fellows also encounter the saints and early Christian martyrs while exploring the Historic Center churches, the catacombs, and the Vatican Museums.

Historic Rome

The Eternal City’s historic sites help Fellows contextualize the history of Christianity, and a trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Colosseum, the Roman Forums, and the Pantheon. At night, Fellows can often be found enjoying gelato, while paying a visit to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona.

 

(Schedule and sites subject to change)