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PILGRIM QUOTES & REFERENCES

Pilgrimage Testamonials for 2007, 2005, 2004, and 2002

From 2007…

“The Joan of Arc pilgrimage still stays with me with a lovely sweetness.  You two did a wonderful job in finding the places, the speakers and being flexible and yet making sure we follow the agenda.  We were very happy sheep being led into pastoral France and delving into the life of Joan… I came back feeling revived and refreshed…I will absolutely recommend this to other people and please use my name as a reference…I met such wonderful souls and I know I will be in touch with some of them.  DO IT AGAIN!”  Sheena Singh, Toronto, Canada multiculturalcalendar@yahoo.com  416-650-5328

“This was an overall life-changing experience.  It helped me grow together with new friends even as I had to say goodbye; it was like meeting a family for the first time.  I can’t go through a day without wanting to see the trip’s pictures or mementos…a ‘pilgrimage’ is not just a short two weeks, but a continuously evolving journey in life…every morning after ‘petit dejeuner’, there was the ‘Question du Jour’ with others that became my ‘spiritual breakfast.’…the solo and group outings to locations associated with Joan were nourishing and enlightening…thanks for all the handouts…the accommodations were always unique…the food was essentially as wonderful as the surroundings…Chris and Catherine were like the brother and sister you always wanted to have as a kid; they got you through everything and were there when you needed them…”  David Fama, Rocklin CA- dmfpiano@sbcglobal.net  916-600-8982

“The pilgrimage was wonderful.  I felt like it happened ‘out of regular time’.  So coming home was a shock.  I was fed spiritually more than I expected and the process continues…I loved being totally immersed in a community of pilgrims that openly talked about their relationship with God and what that relationship meant to them and affected their lives…the other pilgrims and the tour leaders did not hold themselves apart…and that was very special for me…the group was able to do and see thing that normal tourists do not and that was due to the fact they had established relationships with the French and the communities we visited…one rarely gets a chance to see how the locals live and you very rarely get to feel part of the community.  You gave us that chance and it was wonderful…the food was wonderful…it’s hard to put all my impressions and feelings into words as I am still processing what happened.  The pilgrimage was magical for me.  It felt like we stepped into Joan’s time even though it was obviously 2007.  The St Benedictine convent in St. Thierry was a wonderful way to start the pilgrimage.”  Chris Kostoff, Santa Rosa, CA- ckostoff@juno.com  707-523-4865

“This was my second Joan of Arc pilgrimage and I cannot compare the two.  But both were spectacular and La France Profonde has found a place in my heart that will stay with me for the rest of my life….Meeting the Prince and Princess of Beauffremont again and having the home cooked meal were spectacular….the accommodations were excellent in my opinion because I have done a lot of traveling here in the USA and I have had some Hotel maintenance required during stays…90 percent of the meals were excellent…I felt like I was part of the community in Domremy…once again thanks for the great pilgrimage in honor of Saint Joan of Arc.”  Brian Morgan, his second pilgrimage with us. Park Falls Wisconsin- qfsd08@email.mot.com 715-762-4254

“Amazing!  It was more than I ever expected. It was so much more than a tour; it was truly a pilgrimage.  It was well planned and well executed. We had so many unique experiences thanks to Chris and Catherine’ efforts and connections…I have still not come off my spiritual high.  I learned so much more about Joan than I knew before my trip…the accommodations were charming and cozy.  I loved the stay at the monastery too.  It was a great beginning…the food was very good…Chris and Catherine, you were divinely guided…you were both wonderful.  It was a pleasure to go on this trip with you.  You did so much to make it spiritual, personal, interesting, and unique…thank you for sharing your faith, your vision, and your love…if you ever lead another pilgrimage, I would want to go with you!”  Joan Zabelka, Hickory Hills, IL- joanzabelka@comcast.net 708-458-3666

“It was very enjoyable and uplifting...I especially enjoyed the morning meditation and ‘Question du Jour’...it was a unique experience.  A nice blend of the spiritual and travel adventure with a remarkable group of people…you did a lot of work for us…our B & B in Domremy could not have been better.  I also enjoyed staying at the Gite and the convent, all great experiences….you did a great job of making arrangements for all our meals….both of you did an excellent job of leading the group.  We could see how hard you worked to make everything come out right. Thank you again for all of your work, your caring and kindness! Good Job!”  Sue Barrett, St Louis, Missouri- Siouxb0482@sbcglobal.net

“I loved the pilgrimage!  It was especially helpful for me to be in the countryside which was so beautiful and peaceful...we had so many experiences that one would never ‘get’ in other contexts, like the Beauffremonts and the tour/lunch with the Pastor of the Cathedral of Orleans…the country people were SO wonderful and really held for me the spirit of Domremy…the food was great in St Thierry, Domremy, etc…thank you for all you two did.  I’m sure all of our lives will benefit from this experience in ways that we may never even associate with the journey. But, this type of experience is life-changing!  Thank you both SO much for all the work and passion you put into the Pilgrimage” Jean Eilerman, Santa Rosa, CA- jeannedarc444@hotmail.com 707-569-9230

“I wish to thank both of you for your friendship and guidance through the journey.  It’s impossible to find words mighty enough to express my gratitude…time spent in France was a time of many important discoveries and strengthening of my faith…those ‘Questions du Jour’ were really genius and I am sure attended by the Holy Spirit…Blessings to you both.” Elena Leontjeva, Vilnius, Lithuania-her second pilgrimage with us. Elena@freema.org

From 2005…

“Let me tell you how grateful I am for the pilgrimage, for wonderful and meaningful conversations, for your subtle care and …miracles that occurred!  As the year 2005 is coming to its end, I wish to cordially thank you for the most precious time I spent with you, and for what happened to me thanks to your care and mediation.” Elena Leontjeva-Lithuania

“Thanks!  The pilgrimage was more than I could have asked for.  You both outdid yourselves in preparation and attention to detail and going over the top for everyone.  I really appreciated your sincere efforts and enjoyed spending time with everyone, it was quite a diverse group.  I’m still processing and it is wonderful.  Thanks again for all you did to make the pilgrimage happen!” Jacqueline Thea-Bend, Oregon

“I cannot express the fond memories I had on the Pilgrimage and how priceless they are to me.  The little town of Domremy has given me many pleasant dreams.  Such a great time I had and the great food from the Prince and Princess of Beauffremont.  Their hospitality was exquisite.  Also the Abbey and the Monastery was a new experience to me that was very pleasant and relaxing that warmed my spiritual curiosity.  I’ll be taking back home with me Domremy and the Basilica, and always the meal we had at Beauffremont.  Thanks again Chris and Catherine for this experience of a Life time!” Brian Morgan-Park Falls, Wisconsin

“Thanks again to both of you for your tireless kindness and service…the pilgrimage was a time of great spiritual consolation for me.  I’d lost my prayer life, and silence, and now have found it again, and wish to continue on with it once at home again.” Paul Richards-Ambler, PA

“I wanted to express our warmest good-byes, and express our pleasure at meeting all of you and enjoying the pilgrimage with you.”  Victor Scammel-Conroe, Texas

“I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful trip we had.  It was great!” Gladys Scammel-Dallas, Texas

From 2004…

“Boy, that trip was awesome!  What a great group of people.  I feel blessed.  Thanks so much for doing this for all of us.” Carol Trahan-CA

“I enjoyed our trip immensely, everyday held special joys for me.  I came back with a sense of peace.  Thank you so much for the planning and attention to details that made this trip run so smoothly.  Thank you for being so sensitive to everyone’s needs, both physical and emotional.  This was a very unique experience that none of us will ever forget.  The two of you made it all possible.  I consider knowing the two of you one of life’s true blessings.” Cynthia Metcalf-TX.

“The more I think about it the more I realize how much planning, research, decision making, and communicating overseas had to go into your preparations.  I hope you know how much we all appreciated it and spoke of it often during our days together.   A memorial time in my life with memorable and inspiring people.  MERCI ENCORE!!!!!” Ellen Campbell- CA.

“A wonderful journey, full of new discoveries.  Was moved by the fact that we all came from such different backgrounds yet have been able to create a spirit of fellowship that will continue to be a part of our fond memories.  That you Chris and Catherine for being such wonderful people and spiritual friends.” Paul Ciholas-KY.

 “At the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine, it was a delightful, elegant, catered luncheon with a gracious and generous Madame Marie-Veronique Clin (co-author of Joan of Arc: Her Story).  I found myself to be quiet comfortable with the group; very unusual for me.  Found that Jeanne lived most of her life in peaceful, tranquil, beautiful surroundings (regarding Domremy).” Bob Perler-WA.

“Excellent company-very spiritual, I enjoyed it very much and feel spiritually refreshed.  Also, historical info on Jeanne from speakers was excellent.  The fellowship with Christians from all faiths was inspiring.  Everyone was supportive of their fellow pilgrims in a very personal way.”  La Juana West-OR.

“It was a wonderful experience to be in monasteries away from the frantic pace of our modern age.  What impresses me most is the mystery of how so many different people of such varied religious backgrounds came together as one and worshiped the same creator as true children of God.  A lot of work went into the pilgrimage.  I know because I have led groups to Europe many times.  No one is judging you here, but instead, will embrace you with love and acceptance.  Be ready to make new friends and to ‘think outside of the box’…Thank you for all your work and your concerns for all of us.”  Karin Ciholas-KY.

“I am slowly starting to settle back into reality.  The pilgrimage was a very rewarding experience and we all owe you both a big thanks for all your hard work in making it the experience it was.” Janice Mulder-Canada.

From 2002…

“I still can’t get over the ways you made our pilgrimage to France an experience of a lifetime!  I believe the rest of my life is being positively affected by our 2002 Living Witnesses experience.  I can never thank you enough for your glorious gift of this pilgrimage.” Joyce Gray-Austin.

“Thank you for…the many wonderful things you have done to make this an unforgettable trip to France.” MaryEllen Yarrish-Dallas, TX.

“Our pilgrimage was a wonderful experience for me.  Thank you for the time and thought you both put into planning it and then actually leading it.” Esther Smith-Iowa.

“The Soirees were great!  Not only did we learn a lot, but also they helped knit us together as a group before the trip.  I can’t believe the amount of work you did to prepare every detail and educate us all.  We were all like a group of kids, but you never lost your cool.  You did a wonderful job with everything.  Thank you so much.” Coco Pittman-Dallas.

“The pilgrimage was a great trip, great adventure, glad I went.  I was blown away with the beauty of France, every part that we saw…the meal at that wine castle was excellent…” Ted Pittman-Dallas.


“The pilgrimage for me was a lifetime experience…History came alive to me.   Christianity has so much depth and breadth and was so integral to middle age Europe and eventually to us.  Experiencing the roots was all I hoped it would be.” Dan Sundermann-Dallas.

“Sights were exceptional, especially the French countryside…the monasteries are such an interesting experience…It will be a lifetime memory…your suggestions for clothes, packing, were right on…you both were SO considerate to all of us and so pleasant, probably more than we deserved…the scope of arrangements was mind-boggling.  You had everything taken care of.  I am in awe of the planning and fruition of your plans.  It was great.” Sally Sundermann-Dallas.

“The Soirées gave the pilgrims a chance to meet and get to know each other in a warm and hospitable setting.  The Soirées and ensuing handouts were of tremendous aid to all of us…The pilgrimage itself was a once-in-a-lifetime experience…I believe each pilgrim received so much to enrich their spiritual journey…each pilgrimage is a different experience to all who go, and this was the apogee for me...let me say, quite sincerely, that Chris and Catherine were truly splendid and caring guides to the pilgrims.” Dolores Bradford-Dallas.

The following former pilgrims have given us permission to use them as references, and for you to contact them to answer any questions you may have about their experience: 

From the 2007 Pilgrimage

Sheena Singh

Toronto, Canada

multiculturalcalendar@yahoo.com 

416-650-5328

David Fama, Rocklin CA

dmfpiano@sbcglobal.net

 916-600-8982

Chris Kostoff

Santa Rosa, CA-

ckostoff@juno.com 

707-523-4865

Brian Morgan

1142 North Second Ave.

Park Falls, Wisconsin 54552

715-762-4254

715-771-9728 (mobile)

email:  blmorgan@centurytel.net

            brian.morgan@motorola.com

            qfsd08@email.mot.com

Elena Leontjeve

Lithuania

Email:  Elena@FreeMa.org

            Elena@LRinka.LT

            LElena@FreeMa.org

 

Joan Zabelka

Hickory Hills, IL

joanzabelka@comcast.net

708-458-3666

 

From the 2005 Pilgrimage

Brian Morgan

1142 North Second Ave.

Park Falls, Wisconsin 54552

715-762-4254

715-771-9728 (mobile)

email:  blmorgan@centurytel.net

            brian.morgan@motorola.com

            qfsd08@email.mot.com

 

Jacqueline Thea

61373 Robinhood Lane

Bend, OR 97702

541-388-9011

Email:  jjthea@yahoo.com

 

Paul Richards

1009 Davis Grove Road

Ambler, PA

19002-1104

215-682-7296

Email:  velopaul@yahoo.com

            prichards@nlyfs.com

 

Gladys Scammel

7008 Merrilee LN

Dallas, TX 75214

214-827-1616 

No email.

Elena Leontjeve

Lithuania

Email:  Elena@FreeMa.org

            Elena@LRinka.LT

            LElena@FreeMa.org

 

 

From the 2004 Pilgrimage

Cynthia Metcalf

Dallas, TX

Tel 214-679-9248

Email: cynthia.metcalf@att.net

Ellen Campbell

California

Tel: 909-845-2280

Email: elcamp2@verizon.net

           elcamp@earthlink.net

La Juana West

Bend, OR

Tel: 541-382-8521

Email: LWest316@aol.com

Bob Perler

Washington

Tel: 509-935-6003

Email: reilly@theofficenet.com

Paul and Karin Ciholas

Kentucky

Tel: 859-236-7193

Email: karin@ciholas.com

 

From the 2002 Pilgrimage

Delores Bradford

Dallas, TX

Tel:

No email.

Fr George Luck, and Deacon Diana Luck

Dallas, TX

Tel: 214-826-6102

Email: dgluck@earthlink.net

Sally Sundermann

Dallas, TX.

Tel: 214-841-0663

Email: sallyjf35@sbcglobal.net

Joyce Gray

Austin, TX

Tel:  512-264-8760

Email: JoyceEGray@aol.com

Esther Smith

Iowa

Tel: 563-381-5070

Email: TchrBryhSm@aol.com

Coco, and Ted Pittman

Tel: 214-328-9888

Dallas, TX

Email: cocoatlake@aol.com