|  Nothing
spoke to me about St. Francis of Assisi with such impact
as the privilege of sharing the Eucharist where the
great saint himself had shared it in the Portiuncula.
It was such a privilege to celebrate Mass in a chapel
directly adjacent to the place where the bones of St.
Peter rest under the main altar of St. Peter’s
Basilica.
D. B., Monsignor, NY
I
think I can speak for the group when I say that
it was wonderful! Our impressions of Poland were
beyond our expectations. The overnight cities
were marvelous. The hotels were great, as was
the food, and the ambience of the cities were
just beyond words. Our guide, Ciaran Moss was
fantastic - he did his job with finesse, patience,
humor and expertise. We couldn't have asked for
better and we believe we've also made a friend
in the process. Can't beat that!
J. H., Group Leader,
CO
“John
is a superb tour manager and guide! He's attentive,
calm, thorough, an excellent match for our group.
He managed all the logistics in a wonderful manner
and was sensitive to our needs. We give him our
highest recommendation."
C. C., Group Leader,
CA
I
just wanted to tell you we had a fantastic pilgrimage!!
The guides at all the cathedrals were marvelous.
The services we attended at Christ College Cathedral,
Coventry Cathedral, Coventry Cathedral and St.
Paul's Cathedral were fabulous. The weather couldn't
have been more cooperative. Thanks again for all
your hard work in helping to make this pilgrimage
a reality!!!
R. R., Group Leader,
OH
Our
guide was exceptional – she had excellent
knowledge of the places we visited, kept us on
task (sometimes that was a major job) and related
very well to the group and their interests. A
very keen woman.
P. B., Group Leader,
VA
Ciaran
was the best part of our tour! He was flexible,
knowledgeable, and we had a lot of fun hanging
out with him in the evenings after the tours were
over. We loved our tour guide so much that we
are planning to come to Rome in 2-3 years. We
will be requesting Ciaran to be our guide. We
had an excellent time performing in the different
cathedrals and churches. It was also lovely to
explore the cities on the tour. All of them were
rich with things to see and do.
C. R., Group Leader,
NY
Thanks
for arranging for the masses. Everyone thought
mass at the Vatican was very special. After mass
we enjoyed seeing St. Peter's with no crowd.
K. P., Priest,
CO
From
the moment we left the USA and our tour began,
until our arrival home ten days later, I enjoyed
every minute of my Franciscan Heritage Tour of
Italy. It was a great experience to attend the
Papal Audience of Benedict XVI. I was so close
to the TV screen but even better was being so
near to him as her passed by on his “Pope
Mobile” (I could have leaned over and touched
it!).
E. M. M., Sister,
NY
I
cannot think of another church tour operator who
could have provided us with such an amazing faith
experience. Casterbridge was able to blend places
important to our Franciscan Community with significant
religious sites important to the universal Church.
Their attention to detail and their care for all
members of our tour made us feel both important
and special. I would be more than happy to discuss
my Casterbridge pilgrimage experience with anyone
looking to choose a company of quality and integrity.
A. J. G., Sister,
NY
I
couldn't even begin to tell you what an incredible time
we had. Barcelona is such a beautiful and vibrant city.
The tour guide was out of this world - she took care
of us as if we were family. I can never thank you and
the folks at Casterbridge enough. EVERYONE, yes, EVERYONE
said that it was the best trip any of them had ever
taken.
P. L., Church Choir Director,
NY
It
was the best trip yet. In Florence the pre-performance
press paid off. There was no room in the Church
to sit or stand. In Venice and in Rome the audience
vigorously applauded. Even the Chaperones, all
of whom have traveled extensively, talked about
how it was one of the best experiences in a foreign
country they have ever had.
R. G., Church Choir Director,
CT
 We
were thrilled to be able to sing for the Pope and attend
his audience.
S. Z., Church Choir Director,
NJ
What
a wonderful reception at St. Joseph’s Oratory,
we had no idea that our experience at the Basilica
in Quebec would be ever better. We had a wonderful
and appreciative audience as most people stayed
on after mass for the concert. They even gave
us a standing ovation!
D. S., Church Choir Director,
RI
The
performances at Capital Wesleyan, the Basilica,
and the Medical Center were wonderful, and we
regretted that we couldn't spend more time with
each of them. My kids said that this was 'the
best trip ever' and that is an indication that
it was a successful tour. I thoroughly enjoyed
it. We enjoyed all of the sightseeing, and the
kids loved the whale watch. I will plan to use
Casterbridge as my tour operator again in the
future.
C.L., Church Choir Director,
IN
What
an opportunity! The acoustics were perfect and
we had a large, enthusiastic audience! And the
abbey had such a spiritual presence that the singers
and I were moved. What a great way to end our
tour! We have had nothing but positive comments
from those that participated. And family members
left in the states keep telling us how much their
kids are talking about it.
S. S., Group Leader,
OH
Salisbury
Cathedral and Canterbury Cathedral were such rewarding
experiences. Singing in the two magnificent places
will always be remembers as ‘high lights’
of our music careers.
D. D., Church Choir
Director, NJ
I just wanted to let you folks at Casterbridge
know what a wonderful time we had on our trip,
and how much we appreciated your effort. Our trip
to the isles of Mull and Iona were terrific. Singing
in an abbey was a very meaningful experience.
The folks at St Michael’s Church were just
marvelous. What set the tone of the evening was
seeing the American flag flying over the church.
All in all a wonderful experience. Thank you so
much for assisting us with our arrangements, it
has bee a pleasure working with Casterbridge.
Presbyterian Church
Choir, MD
|
s
groups return from their travel programs, we are always
heartened to read the latest comments that are noted
on the tour evaluation forms or e-mailed directly to
us from our Church groups. We hope that you find these
comments useful as you prepare for your 2008 and 2009
travel.