We are excited to announce that during this advent season, we will offer a 1-day advent pilgrimage through the heart of Chicago, visiting Marian Churches in various neighborhoods and celebrating the joy of Christmas at the Christkindlmarket!

Join us on December 3, 2026, for To Jesus Through Mary, a joyful Advent pilgrimage through the heart of Chicago led by Fr. Christopher DiTomo! We will visit St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, St. Mary of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, and The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, with beautiful opportunities for prayer and reflection along the way. Following an amazing Italian lunch, we’ll celebrate the joy of the season with free time at the festive Christkindlmarket, filled with charming shops and delicious treats. The cost is $175 per person and includes chartered bus transportation, catered lunch, church tours, and more. Space is limited—reserve your spot today!

A few important details to consider:

This pilgrimage will involve considerable walking and standing throughout the day, including when entering and exiting event churches. While we will gladly do our best to assist pilgrims with mobility needs whenever possible, participants should carefully consider the physical demands of the day before registering.

Due to the nature of our pre-arranged group meal, we cannot accommodate special dietary requests. However, we will make every effort to accommodate medically necessary dietary restrictions when notified in advance.

Trip insurance is not included. If you would like travel protection, we encourage you to purchase coverage independently.

Check in begins at 6:30am. We will depart from St. Mary, Huntley at 7:00am and head to Chicago!

Founded in 1899 to serve the city’s growing Polish Catholic community, the awe-inspiring St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, was completed in 1920 and modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Pilgrims will admire the soaring dome encircled by 26 angels and the richly decorated interior—an enduring expression of the faith and sacrifice of the working-class families who built it. Once closed and threatened with demolition, the church was lovingly restored and renewed as a vibrant home of Catholic worship. Here, faith, history, and sacred beauty come together! St. Mary of the Angels invites pilgrims to lift their hearts to God and seek the loving intercession of the Blessed Mother.

Step inside the magnificent St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church in Chicago’s historic Bridgeport neighborhood! Built by Polish immigrants and completed in 1892, this breathtaking spiritual treasure blends Romanesque and Byzantine architecture beneath a soaring copper-clad dome. Pilgrims will discover beautiful stained glass, original European pulpits and Stations of the Cross, historic statuary, and inspiring images of the Apostles and great Polish saints. In 1903, it became the first Polish Roman Catholic church in the United States to be solemnly consecrated—a remarkable place where faith, history, and sacred beauty come together! Our Lady of Perpetual Help reveals Mary’s tender protection, faithful presence, and unwavering desire to lead every soul to Jesus.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Tufano's Vernon Park Tap. Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Chicago’s Little Italy, Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap has been owned and operated by the same family since 1930. This beloved neighborhood restaurant is known for its old-fashioned charm, chalkboard menus, and hearty Italian-American favorites. This is the perfect spot to relax, share a meal with fellow pilgrims, and make new friends!

Discover the warmth and beauty of The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, the oldest continuously operating Italian-American church in Chicago! Built in 1923 in historic Little Italy, this beloved shrine is dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, and carries a rich legacy of faith, family, and Italian heritage. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini once prayed here, and today pilgrims can see the inspiring bronze Doors of the Holy Rosary and venerate a relic of Blessed Bartolo Longo. Officially united with the renowned Marian shrine in Pompeii, Italy, this peaceful spiritual home offers every visitor a beautiful place to encounter Mary’s maternal care and draw closer to Jesus! Our Lady of Pompeii reveals Mary’s merciful, motherly care and her desire to lead every soul to Jesus through the Rosary.

As the final stop on our pilgrimage, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the festive wonder of Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, an annual outdoor holiday market inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. Located in the heart of the city at Daley Plaza, this lively market offers a charming blend of European holiday traditions, delicious food and drink, unique handcrafted gifts, and festive entertainment. Visitors can browse booths filled with ornaments, toys, and artisanal goods while enjoying authentic German treats like bratwurst, pretzels, and spiced Glühwein. The Christkindlmarket brings a joyful holiday spirit, making it a memorable stop for all to enjoy the warmth and cheer of the season.

Board the cozy and warm bus for the journey home, departing as friends and cherishing a final moment of prayer and reflection. We will arrive to St. Mary around 8:00pm.