Mysteries of the Magdalene

Lourdes is the third most visited place in the world. It is a must see sacred space, a global meeting place, with people from 100+ countries present at any time. It is so uplifting to pray or meditate with thousands with one voice in this serene place. Prepare for a healing experience.

BEYOND SIGHT SEEING : The White Lady and the Essene Mysteries of Mary

Beginning in 1858, a common French girl, Bernaarde-Marie Soubirous, claimed to have had numerous encounters with a mysterious "White Lady", Mary, in a grotto at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. Mary created a healing spring and asked Bernadette to build a church. Tens of millions of people have made pilgrimages to the spring in search of healing.

Day 2, Continued

This evening we join the nightly procession in Lourdes under the canopy of the Mary's star cloak. A sight to behold and very moving, thousands of people form a river of light and sing Ave Maria during the candle light procession with the bed chairs and wheel chairs to the fore. It will give you goosebumps! Many people have arrived in wheel chairs and left walking on their own. Lourdes is a place where everything is possible. It is a place to find oneself to be truly blessed, touched by grace and full of hope. We arrive here as humans… and touched by the other dimensional love expressed here…we leave as something more.

The nightly procession is an emotionally moving, spiritually cleansing, soul nourishing and bonding experience you will always remember.

Visually stunning, the great mosaics decorating the exterior and interior of the Sanctuary of the Basilica are incredibly intricate and reveal the mysteries of the Marys and Jesus, which we will interpret through the lens of the light body teachings of the Essenes and Gnostics

The portal symbolism is everywhere at Lourdes.

A favorite shop is Souvenir Religieux and its collection of vintage Lourdes memorabilia.

TESTIMONIALS

Behold the beauty of the stained glass and statuary or the Basilique of St. Nazaire, Carcassonne's Gothic-Romanesque cathedral.

The incredibly enchanting 5* Hôtel de la Cité & Spa MGallery Carcassonne will be our home for our four nights in Carcassonne. In the heart of the ramparts of the Cité, this historic luxury hotel, formerly a bishop's palace, will take you on a timeless journey through its wood panelling, coats of arms and lush gardens, with its breathtaking view overlooking the lower town of Carcassonne, its gardens, walls and stones that have survived the centuries.. It's a jewel in a green setting, sitting in calm and serenity, and is close to many local restaurants.

Enjoy a drink on the panoramic terrace or enjoy the indoor bar while contemplating the hotel's magnificent garden and stunning views of Carcassonne.

Hotel du Château offers country French comfort and luxury with a contemporary feel.

The path to Puilaurens is magical and so are the remains of the castle.

Day 6 ~ Wednesday, June 17, cont'd

This magnificent day out continues with an amazing drive to the spectacular Gorges of Galamus. The views along the way, and upon arrival, are utterly breathtaking. We take an easy, meditative walk down to the sacred cave, the Hermitage Chapel of St. Antoine.

The ancients considered this special sanctuary in the rocks a portal into the spirit realm. For this reason it has long been home to spiritual hermits and pilgrims. Local legend believes Mary Magdalene taught here.

Today, it is viewed as one of the most beautiful and mystical power spots of the Pyrenees, situated half-way up a cliff with cold spring waters flowing beneath it in the narrow gorge, which originate from Mt. Bugarach.

Franciscan Monks took over the site in the 15th century, and made it a traditional place of pilgrimage. Easter is one of the more important celebrations here.

For us, this sanctuary will not only offer each person a place for quiet reflection, but also an important moment to ask yourself if you are ready to step through the "next doorway", for a new experience within yourself, your life and the world around you.

Return to Carcassonne.

The cave chapel at Galamus where local traditions says Mary Magdalene once taught is a place of solemn gratitude and manifestation.

BEYOND SIGHT SEEING

According to the Tradition of Provence, Mary Magdalene, Lazare of Bethany, and Maximinus, one of the Seventy Disciples and some companions, on the run from the Romans from the Holy Land after the Ascension of Christ, traversed the Mediterranean in a frail boat with neither rudder nor mast and landed at the place called Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, near Arles. With them they brought the Elixir of Elixirs, and says French tradition, the daughter of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. This Tradition is considered absolute Fact in Provence whose residents consider the Cave of Mary Magdalene to be the third most important Christian site after Jerusalem and Magdala. From here, Magdalene was transported seven times a day by angels into the presence of God, "where she heard, with her bodily ears, the delightful harmonies of the celestial choirs.

Our journey is an immersion in the lost esoteric teaching of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, which she taught at this cave and for which the popular thirteenth century French chronicler Jacobus says, she earned the distinction Illuminata and Illuminatrix - the Illumined and Illuminator.

Today, we head to the Cathar's sacred city of Minerve, the place some call the Cathar Camelot. Minerve is a spectacular medieval village which is one of the landmarks of the Way of Love and was once the site of the most extensive teachings in Cathar Country, the Book of Love. The village is classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. After lunch on our own at a village restaurant we make our way to our 5* hotel, the Jules César Arles Hotel & Spa-MGallery, in Arles.

The Jules César Arles Hotel & Spa-MGallery is housed in a former convent dating from the 17th century. Residing in the dynamic city heart, we'll enjoy two balmy summer nights enjoying the sites and ancient vibes of Arles. Its also conveniently located near Saintes Maries-de-la-Mers and St. Baume.

Meander into antiquity at Arles Roman theater, just five minutes from our hotel. A radiant glimpse into the past, with wonderful shops and restaurants to enjoy. The Foundation Vincent Van Gogh is just around the corner, too.

After breakfast, we drive through the marshlands known as "the Camarque" where the famous wild white horses and black bulls roam, to the legendary village of Stes. Maries-de-la-Mer, the location on the Mediterranean Sea where Mary Magdalene came ashore, together with other members of the Holy Family and disciples of Jesus. The town is named after "the Marys" who accompanied her; Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome, who were part of the Holy Family went everywhere with Jesus (including the ascended realms).

This beautiful seaside fishing village exudes charm and glimmers with sunshine and a festive Spanish vibe. We'll visit the stone Romanesque 12th century church, Eglise des Stes-Maries, built on the site of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Artemis. It is dedicated to the two Saint Maries and Saint Sara, the daughter of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and the patron saint of gypsies, whose statue graces the crypt.

From the roof we'll enjoy a spectacular view of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the sea while contemplating the story of the Holy Family's arrival. After, we'll have a contemplative meditation on the beach followed followed by free time for lunch on your own and explore the village.

Return to Hotel. B, D

TESTIMONIALS

Are you ready to connect with Mary Magdalene in a deeper way then ever? Today, we depart our hotel in Marseilles and take a magical, mystical journey to Mary Magdalene's Ascension Cave in St. Maximim-Le-Sainte Baume, the cave/cathedral where Mary Magdalene lived for 30 years and from which she ascended.

One of the most sacred places on earth, Magdalene's sanctuary is one of the oldest places of pilgrimage in the Christian world. It is here that she would have communed with the ascended Christ.

Upon arrival, we will see the cave appearing as if it is hanging in the rocks. We will ascend upon a serene, smooth path built for the Kings of France through an ancient and lush forest. The trail is up, up, up, but all can reach it at their own pace. It is such a powerful, and uplifting, meditation. The special energy in the air is palpable.

Looking up at the mountain at the end of our hike, enjoying a relaxing lunch, we will be amazed by what we have seen and experienced.

Magdalene's Cave is home to a remarkable set of highly esoteric stained glass windows, which we will enjoy decoding.

DAY 10 ~ ST. BAUME CONTINUED. Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

After St. Baume, we visit the Baslique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Sainte-Maximin-de-la-Baume, Provence, which is home to an astounding treasure - the gold sealed skull of the Magdalene herself.

The Basilica sits prominently in the center of town, soaring far above its neighboring shops, restaurants and residences. Seen miles away in all directions it has been a beacon for centuries of pilgrims.

A spiritual and heavenly ambience pervades this magnificent space - including the enormous ancient organ, heavenly flying buttresses, beautiful choir stalls and woodwork, extremely old paintings and sculptures.

We will visit the crypt to see the stone coffin in which the Magdalene's body was interred for many centuries. Her skull is enshrined and on display in the crypt in a golden display. A walk around the cloisters will fill our spirit.

After, we depart for our hotel at the Marseilles Airport to prepare for our journey onwards.