Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr

Carmona, Seville, Spain

See more photos

Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr

Carmona, Seville, Spain

See more photos

It
44 reviews
Mar 11 - 18, 2025
Group size: 12 - 20
Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr
Carmona, Seville, Spain
Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages
44 reviews
Mar 11 - 18, 2025
Group size: 12 - 20

About this trip

Click Here for a video on this pilgrimage


Come with us on this unique pilgrimage and retreat to renew your spirit this autumn. Not only will you pilgrimage through Southern Spain, a beautiful land where the Catholic Church's rich 2,000-year history comes alive, but also you will partake in a retreat led by Father Charles T. Murr, a well-known Catholic priest who is a best-selling author, philosopher, theologian, trained psychologist and pastor of souls. 


(Go to Urbi et Orbi Communications' YouTube channel to get a sense of Father Murr's love of Christ, intellect, joy and great sense of humor.  Click here for a playlist of his videos.)


For the entirety of our pilgrimage and retreat, you will spend seven (7) nights in Carmona, Spain at the Convento Madre de Dios de Carmona, a convent hotel that has been home to Dominican nuns since 1515. In this convent, Father Murr will lead our retreat and celebrate Mass.  During our days together, we also will journey to some of the most beautiful towns in all of Andalusia, Spain:


Carmona is a town where you will feel, breathe and experience its true essence as you walk along the streets. At each turn, you will be transported to a different period - from the city's Neolithic origins, to Julius Caesar’s revolt in Rome in 69 B.C., to the Christian-Muslim struggle after the Muslim invasion in the 700s. 


Córdoba was once the premier city of the Western World, the greatest metropolis west of Constantinople, and the seat of Europe's first university.  All agree that it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world!


Ronda is one of the most beautiful (and visited!) villages in Andalusia. This village, located on a rocky promontory offers magnificent panoramas over the whole valley. Divided in 2 by the Guadalevin river, it’s famous for the Puente Nuevo, the bridge linking the 2 sides of the 100m deep El Tajo Canyon.


Setenil de las Bodegas  is a very unusual village to see and discover. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. It is atypical because many of the houses are troglodyte. They are built from caves or under rocky overhangs. It seems that this little village made up of natural caves, has been inhabited for more than six thousand years. Its particular geography made Setenil a strong place and particularly difficult to conquer. It took 7 sieges of the city before the Catholic kings were victorious and took Setenil. The last, victorious attack took place on 21 September 1484. The city fell into the hands of the Catholic kings following an assault by troops led by Rodrigo Ponce de León, Duke of Cadiz. Legend has it that the name Setenil comes from the translation of the Latin words “Septem Nihil” which means “seven times nothing”. The full name, on the other hand, dates from the 15th century. This was the period when new Christians settled here. In addition to preserving the olive and almond fields, they introduced vines. The caves that were used to preserve the wine naturally gave the name of “Bodegas”.


Seville was founded as a Roman city and is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is bursting with antique charm. The Alcazar palace complex is a stunning collage of architectural styles, and the Cathedral is famed for its beauty and its status as the burial site of Christopher Columbus.


The people, the history, and the traditions of these towns will give richness, beauty and context to the talks of our retreat.  


This retreat led by Father Murr will be a profound spiritual journey.  Father Murr's steadfast faith, his wide learning, and his unfailing humor will make this retreat engaging, spirit-filled and Christ-centered. 


Although Mass will be offered daily, we can not guarantee that the Traditional Latin Mass will be celebrated every day.


Experience this once-in-a-lifetime Pilgrimage and Retreat and grow closer to Christ. 




Highlights of the Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr

  • Four mornings in retreat with Fr. Murr
  • Enjoy dinner at Fr. Murr’s home 
  • Stay in a beautiful convent for 7 nights in the historic town of Carmona: no need to move your bags!
  • Lunch in Ronda with stunning views
  • Attend Mass at the Cathedral of Seville
  • Receive a personalized ITV pilgrim book and retreat book
  • Daily Mass  
  • Limited to a small group of just 20 pilgrims
Read more

Travel Information

Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own air travel for the Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Fr. Murr 2025 pilgrimage.

Arrival Information:

  • Airport: Seville Airport (Aeropuerto de Sevilla-San Pablo) (SVQ)
  • Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
  • Time: 3:00 PM (Local Time)
  • Transfer: group transfer from the airport and the recommended early arrival hotel to the convent hotel in Carmona

For experienced travelers, flying into Madrid and taking the 2-hour high-speed train to Seville is an option. However, this is best suited for those who feel comfortable navigating travel within Spain. If you're interested in this option, please contact our office for more details.


We recommend arriving one day early, on Monday, March 10, 2025, to allow for rest and more flexibility with flight options. If you choose to arrive early, please contact our office for assistance with booking the recommended early arrival hotel. 

Departure Information:

  • Airport: Seville Airport (Aeropuerto de Sevilla-San Pablo) (SVQ) 
  • Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (Day 8 of the pilgrimage)
  • Time: After 10:00 AM (Local Time)
  • Transfer: Group transfer to the airport at 7:00 AM

It is necessary to depart the hotel 3 hours before flight departure.   If you choose a flight with a departure time before 10:00 AM, you will be responsible for the cost of an individual airport transfer.


Recommended Travel Agency:


For booking flights, Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages recommends using Gulliver's Travel. Cindy McCoy, an experienced travel agent at Gulliver's Travel, will handle your airline reservations and then forward them to our office, making the process seamless for you!

Contact Information:

For any other questions, please call the U.S. Office: +1.202.536.4555

Read more

Why Choose ITV Pilgrimages?

With more than 30 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Each day we will have the opportunity to attend Mass. Our itineraries include both world-renowned and little-known places, and every detail has been arranged to create a truly unique experience; we do not have cookie-cutter pilgrimages! Whether you choose one of our intimate-sized Signature Pilgrimages,  or a Classic Pilgrimage with budget-friendly pricing, we work hard to ensure that every pilgrimage is a moving experience, an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim.

Read more

Questions or Booking Assistance

Contact Information:

Phone: +1.202.536.4555  Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET.
Email: Pilgrimages@InsideTheVatican.com. 
WhatsApp: +1.540.631.4392

Read more

Terms and Conditions

Before you book your trip with us, please read carefully our Terms and Conditions

Read more

Discount Codes

Use EARLY when you register on or before Tuesday, November 26, 2024 to receive a $150.00 discount.  Contact us to inquire about any applicable discounts.

Read more

What’s included

  • Meals
    Seven (7) breakfasts, four (4) lunches, and seven (7) dinners are included. On your own meals: two (2) lunches.
  • Hotels
    Seven (7) nights
  • Private Motor Coach
    Private motor coach bus and all group transfers are included.
  • Taxes and Fees
    All local taxes are included.
  • Entrance Fees
    All entrance fees are included.
  • Arrival Group Transfer
    There will be a group transfer from Seville Airport (SVQ) to the hotel.
  • Departure Group Transfer
    There will be a group transfer to Seville Airport (SVQ) from the hotel.

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Airfare to and from Spain
  • Gratuities
    Gratuities payable to the bus driver.
  • Individual Transfers
    Airport transfers for participants not arriving or departing within specified time frames to participate in the group transfers.
  • Meals
    Meals not specifically identified: two (2) lunches.
  • Other Personal Expenses
    Other personal expenses including, but not limited to, laundry services, minibar in hotel rooms, et cetera.
  • Other
    Items not specifically mentioned in the pilgrimage description.

Available Packages

Land Only: Double Room
Deposit:$750

The listed price is per person, based on double room occupancy (2 people sharing one room). If you are paying for both people staying in the double room, select a quantity of "2" to add both names to the reservation. Airfare is not included in the price.

Read more
$3,800
Deposit:$750
Land Only: Single Room
Deposit:$750

The listed price is per person for a single occupancy room. Airfare is not included in the price.

Read more
$4,300
Deposit:$750
Download Brochure

Itinerary

Day 1: TUES Mar 11, 2025
Carmona: Welcome Dinner and Mass with Father Murr

We will transfer from the Seville airport to Carmona, Spain where we will stay in the Convento Madres de Dios. This convent provides a unique atmosphere as it is located in the heart of old Carmona, just off the Plaza San Fernando. 


Carmona is a town where you will feel, breathe and experience its true essence as you walk along the streets. At each turn, you will be transported to a different period - from the city's Neolithic origins, to Julius Caesar’s revolt in Rome in 69 B.C., to the Christian-Muslim struggle after the Muslim invasion in the 700s. This charming, small walled city, will be our home for the next 7 nights. 


After settling into our rooms, we will gather for a welcome Mass and dinner.


Overnight in Carmona. Dinner is included.

Read more

Your Organizer

It
Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages
44 reviews
With more than 30 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Every detail has been arranged to create a unique experience; an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim.
Read more

Reviews

BA
I started my journey from Chicago not knowing what exactly to expect. I had been following Fr. Murr and Dr. Robert Moynihan's podcasts for a while and was confident that I would enjoy listening to Fr. Murr in person. It exceeded my expectations. We were welcomed at the convent by Fr Murr and anyone who follows his podcasts has to admit that he has a magnetic personality. The convent run by the nuns felt so warm and homely. We could smell their delicious home cooking while we were attending Mass and lunch followed Mass, needless to say it was special. They always seemed so cheerful which made me realize that you don't have to have too much in life to be happy as long as you have God as your anchor. We were invited to dinner at Fr. Murr's Hacienda and were given a lovely spread of Spanish delicacies, including the famous Paella. It was accompanied with live Spanish music. On our tour of his lovely home, Fr. Murr showed us the room he broadcasts his podcasts from, which was quite different from what I had imagined. Dr. Moynihan showed us his musical talents by singing a song about a biscuit which his grandfather used to sing. It was a wonderful evening. The little town of Carmona is so charming with so much history, and I felt I was taken back in time. We also visited Seville, Rhonda and Cordoba, which also have so much history and absolutely lovely. We did experience some unexpected heavy rains but in spite of this we brought our rain gear out and ventured out. My fellow Pilgrims were such good sports, and we enjoyed good comradeship and fellowship. Debra Tomilson and Dr Moynihan are very caring and warm people who really make a conscious effort to make sure the pilgrims are safe and comfortable. Our guide Damian, with his lovely accent and helpfulness was certainly an asset to the trip.
Read more
By Bhimla A for Spain: Pilgrimage and Retreat with Father Murr on Nov 18, 2024
MC
Top notch! Very inspiring retreat with Fr. Murr! Our accommodations were both comfortable and convenient. The sisters were delightful. The meals were delicious and nutritious. Our leaders, Deborah and Damian were terrific! Deborah skillfully addressed challenges and kept things running smoothly. Damian, with his command of languages, his knowledge of culture and history and his eternal patience, was simply indispensable. Immensely enjoyed meeting and listening to discussions with Robert Moynihan as well.
Read more
By Mary Catherine A for Spain: Pilgrimage and Retreat with Father Murr on Nov 03, 2024
LM
The pilgrimage was outstanding. The whole group was interesting and a joy to be with. The rejuvenation of my faith life was by far the best part of the pilgrimage. Attending Mass each day, twice at the Basilica and different churches around the area on the other days. Reciting the Rosary while traveling on the bus was beautiful as well as singing the Ave Maria at the end of each decade and the Salve Regina at the end of the Rosary. Visiting the memorials of the incorrupt Blessed Sebastian de Aparicio y del Pardo and Blessed Father Miguel Pro SJ, helps to bring reality to the shortness of our lives and a good example of how to live by sacrificing our lives in the name of Jesus Christ for others. The Gonzalez’s new revelation of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe which is the real reason the indigenous people were brought to see the fulfillment of their longing for God and their longing to live with Him in (the Flower World) paradise. The indigenous people saw the fulfillment of the (Flower World) Prophesy in Juan Diego. They were able to relate his devoted Catholic life to his worthiness to enter paradise and return. Each day the Gonzalez’s would present the premise of the next chapter of their book by traveling to each location described. They both work so well together, Monique the storyteller and with Joseph explaining the details of the story. Now this is a truth that I can imagine having the consequences of millions of indigenous people coming to be baptized. Ruben Mendoza Medrano Led us with many spiritual thoughts and led us in prayers on several occasions. He gave us a run down on the History of Mexico in general especially with the political landscape. Ruben was an outstanding interpreter for the difficult situations that were encountered. May the soul of your cousin rest in peace. Anne Marie Goldberg Worked tirelessly to make sure all the details were worked out so that the whole Pilgrimage continued flawlessly. I am sure there is no shortage of pictures to document the entire Pilgrimage. Amenities and Accommodations Opportunities for great food were well planned out with nice lunches and dinners planned even for the meals that were “on our own”. Breakfasts in the Hotel were very good with fresh fruit and other hot breakfast items. There was plenty of drinking water supplied. It is important to bring the electrolyte packets to mix into the water bottles. This need must be communicated to the attendees far enough in advance so they can order some online and have time to receive them before the trip. Bathroom breaks were a little discomforting. It costs 5-10 pesos for each location and there is a great lack of public (Water Closets) toilets available. The bathroom breaks need to be strategically planned along the route to ensure everyone can be taken care of at the proper time. The bus did have an “emergency” use lavatory on board. The hotel accommodation was very adequate however, the low shower water temperature gave plenty of opportunity to offer up sacrifices. The security around the area of the Hotel was quite sketchy, especially with one of the bags being sliced open with a razor knife. There were also daily mob protests that closed streets without warning. Transportation was excellent with a driver (Jesus) who navigated through downtown Mexico City as if driving a small car! Walking There is a lot of walking required for this Pilgrimage. There are many trip hazards in most of the locations, with sidewalks in disrepair and uneven surfaces along the way. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to attend this pilgrimage. It is well worth the effort to read the book and go to all the important locations as described. When this book is published in Spanish it will have a powerful effect again for the people of Aztec descent because it will bring back a sound base of where they came from and how God planed in the fullness of time to reveal Himself to them. What a beautiful story, one that can be celebrated by everyone. One thing I did miss though is an evening of wine and meeting with Fr. Murr and Dr. Robert Moynihan, but then again, we did well by having a social evening with all in the group who could stay up past their bed time on the last evening on the hotel terrace. What a wonderful time that was. Thanks All.
Read more
By Louis M for Mexico: Our Lady of Guadalupe & the Flower World Prophecy on Oct 11, 2024
TJ
Our Lady of the Rosary Feast Today I read “Lepanto,” a poem written by G.K. Chesterton and found it amazing how divided Europe was in 1571. But through the rosary, Mary brought forth Don John of Austria, a 24-year-old illegitimate son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who courageously won the battle of “Lepanto”! On page 82, of Joseph and Monique’s book, “Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy” they explore the “face and heart” of education. During our pilgrimage they brought this up many times, emphasizing the importance of vowels and consonants that bring out the “face and heart” of a person. My wife knows well my ignorance as I call out constantly “How do you spell ….. ?” 😊. Aware of our shortcomings, four of my brothers and I started meeting regularly to find the foundation of society. After eleven years exploring a couple months ago we discovered “Isidore of Seville” who wrote twenty books on Etymologies. I started reading the first book entitled, “Grammar”. By page two I was astonished! (see below reference to Isidore's book) Every time Joseph or Monique brought up vowels and consonants that bring out the “face and heart” of a person in the Nahua education system I would be elevated. How beautiful Juan Diego’s education was that it enabled him to pass into the Flower World and have a conversation with the Mother of God! “Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy” brings great refinement to our American culture. Terry McCarthy Isidore of Seville's Etymologies: Complete English Translation, Volume I Paperback – December 14, 2005 by Isidore of Seville (Author), Priscilla Throop (Translator) 4.8 15 ratings See all formats and editions This "encyclopedia" by the seventh century bishop of Seville, an important source for the history of intellectual culture in the early middle ages, gathers together the elements of secular learning and adds a great deal of ecclesiastical information. Its wide use in medieval education is attested by the more than a thousand extant manuscripts, second only to the number of manuscripts of the Bible. Isidore sets out the etymology or "true meaning" of words - to him, the fundamental means to all knowledge.
Read more
By Terrence James M for Mexico: Our Lady of Guadalupe & the Flower World Prophecy on Oct 07, 2024
KK
We had a great time, fantastic food, and very comfortable accommodations. Each day fell into place like clockwork. I felt extremely safe while on this trip, and the experience was well beyond what I expected to learn. Just Fantastic? Joseph and Monique Gonzales were incredible guides, and they devveloped the program throughout the week to build one day upon the next.....making sense as we worked our way through history. I highly recommend this pilgrimage to anyone who truly wants an in-depth study/learning of the Guadalupe miracle of 8 million conversions in a short period of time.
Read more
By Kristin K for Mexico: Our Lady of Guadalupe & the Flower World Prophecy on Oct 06, 2024
Show More Reviews

References

MB
This was a wonderful pilgrimage! I am impressed by the vastness of the land, farms , rivers and lakes. The Catholic-European influence in the Heartland of Mary is undeniable. I enjoyed the Catholic spirit that was present among the pilgrims and at our accommodations. Thanks for all the work that went into planning this beautiful event. Mechtild Boles, Pilgrim "Wisconsin, the Heartland of Mary"
Read more
By Mechtild B on 13 Sep, 2022

Photo Gallery