Following are some samples of comments
we have received from past pilgrims. If you would like to share your
thoughts on your pilgrimage, simply
click here
and we will be delighted to
add your comments!
“Juan’s handling of the volcano’s tour disruption was outstanding! He
never lost his cool (Iceland Volcano crisis which closed all airports in
Europe), even after answering the same questions repeatedly. The man has
the patience of a saint. A person’s true character reveals itself under
stress and Juan’s true character truly shone. Thanks for another “trip of
a lifetime”! “Mater Dei has spoiled us for anyone else”
The Burke’s, Minnesota (France & Italy April 2010)
What a wonderful experience! Compatible people, very nice accommodations,
good food. I especially liked your prayer to Our Lady. Juan, Drew and
Father Seraphim were a great combination! A good mix of prayer, reflection
and information about our sites.
Thank you for a memorable experience!
Jeanne, Houston, Texas (France & Italy April 2010)
Thank you for all the hand work behind the scenes so we can enjoy the
travels with less stress. Also thanks for helping us to prepare for the
sites spiritually through prayer and education about the saint’s life
prior to the visit.
The Steffen’s, Iowa (France & Italy April 2010)
I had no idea what to expect, it was our 1st Pilgrimage. It was so much
more than I had hoped for. We are both changed because of the experience.
I have told everyone about you and your tours, we can’t wait to go again.
The friends we made will be lifelong. Your devotion to the Blessed Virgin
and the Church are commendable. Your ability to remain calm was amazing
(Iceland Volcano crisis which closed all airports in Europe). Thanks for a
trip of a lifetime.
The Boyers, Texas (France & Italy April 2010)
Thank you very much for a wonderful trip!
Luba, Chicago (France & Italy April 2010)
I have wonderful memories of the holy places we visited and the people on
the pilgrimage. I will keep Mater Dei and its pilgrims in my prayers.
Dawn, Niles, Iowa (France & Italy April 2010)
The “Year of the Priest” Pilgrimage Tour was a remarkable experience. You
went far beyond the call of duty, especially with us to arrange all the
different flights home never losing confidence or good spirits despite the
frustrations of the situation (Iceland Volcano Crisis which closed all
airports in Europe). I cannot imagine a better tour guide or a better
travel company. May you continue to prosper in life, and Mary’s loving
graces continue to protect your travels.
Barbara, Chicago (France & Italy April 2010)
My spiritual life is changed for the better! I am so
grateful. I have been able to do so many ministries since I am back. I am
so blessed to have been able to do this pilgrimage.
Still smiling!
Kathy, Savage, Minnesota (France & Italy April 2010)
The more one goes on the Catholic pilgrimages the faith becomes
stronger-more renewal. Making lasting friendships & going with Mater Dei
feels like a big happy family in Christ. It’s so nice to be with so many
people who share your Catholic faith.
Milwaukee, WI (France & Italy April 2010)
Juan, this was the best Tour yet; you shined like the sun when the going
got tough (Iceland Volcano crisis which closed all airports in Europe) and
performed many miracles through our prayers and petitions. I know it took
a lot of extra work to get us through those last five days; but as always
you remained calm and steady. I praise you for your expertise in the
travel industry.
Maralyn, Waukegan, IL (France & Italy April 2010)
I recommend Mater Dei Pilgrimages to those who care to discuss my travels.
Clare, Palos Heights, IL (France & Italy April 2010)
We are saving for our next trip with Mater Dei Tours.
Mary & Megan, Grayslake, IL (France & Italy April 2010)
I am very blessed you came into my life. God’s providence is awesome. We
pilgrims get all the benefits because of your hard work and unceasing
prayers. May God bless you with the business of mission and go with you
wherever you go with His blessings and grace.
Elizabeth, West Chicago (Fatima & Portugal, December 2009)
It was a pleasure to experience this trip with you and Fr. Kubiciki. You
are obviously a man of great faith. I feel some of that rubbed off on me
and the group.
Mary, Wisconsin Dells, WI (Fatima & Portugal, December 2009)
I wish I could do it all over again. My pictures turned out beautiful and
I share them with everyone. It was all a dream – I loved every minute of
it. It was an experience I will never forget.
Dianne, West Bend, WI (Fatima & Portugal, December 2009)
The pace of the trip was not too taxing, even for a 73 yr. old man. The
pilgrimage was an excellent preparation for Christmas.
J. Lamkin, Minnesota (Fatima & Portugal, December 2009)
This was our 4th tour, 2 pilgrimages to Holy Land and this one to Rome. We
took an Alaskan tour also. I have to say this was the best. The spiritual
aspect was wonderful. You made sure we saw everything we wanted to see.
The info before and during the trip were the best. You made sure we didn’t
have many questions. We are very happy to recommend you to our friends.
Have mentioned you to our pastor.
The Garcias Victoria, TX (Rome at Leisure, November 2009)
The pilgrimage was “Life Altering” for all three of us. We will never be
the same.
Terrie, Anchorage AK (Rome at Leisure, November 2009)
Nice to be with others who are also growing spiritually? Scripture means
so much more.
I really enjoyed the families.
Emma – Boscobel, WI (Rome at Leisure, November 2009)
I so enjoyed our trip and felt so blessed to be a part of it. It has been
a blessing to me and my faith in many ways.
Nicole- Sun Prairie, WI (Rome at Leisure, November 2009)
The masses in all of the beautiful churches, the prayers, etc. are what
make this pilgrimage so special and meaningful.
Barbara – Madison, WI (Rome at Leisure, November 2009)
The entire trip was wonderful. You are very accommodating. Your spiritual
guidance was great.
The Stolas – Illinois - (Rome at Leisure, November 2009)
Everyone was great, helpful, pleasant and great examples of our faith.
Robert-Oshkosh, WI- (Eternal Italy, June 2009)
This was a once in a lifetime trip to Italy for us, so we wanted it to be
special. Our expectations were surely met and we both were very happy. We
never expected to see Pope Benedict at so close a distance. That was a
wonderful surprise.
Bill-Ontario, WI- (Eternal Italy, June 2009)
I don’t see how this wonderful experience could have been improved.
Clare- (Eternal Italy, June 2009)
The pilgrimage was a once in a lifetime experience. If God is willing,
hopefully I will be able to go on another one!
Cindy-Austin, TX- (Eternal Italy, June 2009)
Mater Dei Tours are very professional with everything very organized. It’s
also nice to know that everyone gets along and are also having fun besides
experiencing a beautiful, spiritual trip.
Espe-Milwaukee, WI- (Eternal Italy, June 2009)
I know I was called by God to take this pilgrimage. “God-incidents”
occurred all through the preparation and the trip. God’s purpose for this
trip was for me to “see” Padre Pio and to bring back “hope” to my invalid
dad and mom who has been caring for him for 24 years. I brought “Hope”
back and strengthened my own Catholic faith. Thank you for making this
trip possible.
Mary-Westmont, IL- (Eternal Italy, June 2009, Year of St. Paul with St.
Padre Pio’s body exposition)
Thank you for the great spiritual experience. I’m a different person
because of it.
Mary-Mineral Point, WI- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate
Ordinations)
Thanks Juan! Everything was awesome. You did an excellent job and I would
travel with you again-in face I hope to! It was a trip I’ll never forget!
Shaun-Oregon, WI- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate
Ordinations)
Our group was a terrific and fine bunch of people from the South Central
and South Western part of Wisconsin. The young members on the pilgrimage
were truly kind to the special needs persons on the trip. This was a most
rewarding and religious tour.
Rita-Dodgeville, WI- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate
Ordinations)
This pilgrimage has deepened my faith and made it more real. I am
overwhelmed and so thankful for the blessings the Lord has given me many
of which I experienced on this Pilgrimage. Climbing the Holy Stairs on my
knees allowed me to experience a little of what our Lord went through. May
I never forget that experience!
(Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate Ordinations)
As you know I was the only one on the trip that was not a Catholic. I was
treated wonderfully and had a good time. It was a very special trip. Thank
you so much!
Virginia-Mineral Point, WI- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 -
Diaconate Ordinations)
Would not have changed anything-as first timers in Europe we were
delighted w all the accommodations, arrangements and guided tours. Juan
was a great spiritual guide, making this trip a pilgrimage, not just a
trip! Excellent!
The Roger’s, Wisconsin- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate
Ordinations)
It was an incredible experience. I feel blessed that I was fortunate to be
a part of this pilgrimage. I was actually sitting in St. Peter’s Basilica
taking part in the special mass for the deacons. God bless you, Excellent
work!
Cathy- Darlington, WI- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate
Ordinations)
I would like to thank you for all your efforts in getting us on the
pilgrimage. It was such a wonderful experience and I can’t believe I was
able to experience Rome-the ordination was certainly the highlight for me.
Carol- Dodgeville, WI- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate
Ordinations)
It was a trip of a lifetime! We can’t thank you enough for all you did to
make it a very moving, spiritual, and carefree pilgrimage.
The Ihms-Lancaster, WI- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate
Ordinations)
Thank you for such a wonderful experience, it couldn’t have been any
better. Everything went very smoothly, if any plans did change last
minute, the group was unaware of it, because of your calmness and
organization. Thank you so much!
The Winters-Lancaster, WI- (Rome, Assisi & Siena, October 2009 - Diaconate
Ordinations)
My first pilgrimage was so awesome, more than I could have ever dreamed
of-so much history, information, and beauty. I brought home so many
memories; I just can’t believe we were so blessed to be able to make it.
It was beautiful with the weather cooperating and making new friends. We
were truly blessed. Thanks be to God.
The Cruz’s-Powell, WY- (Holy Land, November 2009)
The pilgrimage was amazing thanks to George. What a well educated man in
his ministry and so kind and thoughtful. George made the pilgrimage a
memorable experience. Dennis was great too and helped us to be comfortable
and well taken care of. You are fortunate to have him as one of your
Pilgrimage Directors.
The Franzmeier’s-Minnesota- (Holy Land, November 2009)
I will never forget my pilgrimage as I read my bible and picture in my
mind the holy places I visited. Dennis was right-reading the scripture is
now so very moving and emotional for me. My faith is stronger and I am
more at peace. Thank you for all your efforts in making this pilgrimage so
special.
Barbara-Albertville, MN-(Holy Land, November 2009)
It was a very memorable experience for us. Your team did an excellent job
and George is a dedicated Catholic and wanted us to share his religion and
his home country. He was intense, very informative, yet easy to be with. I
will recommend your group, especially to all those who have known and
inquired about our trip.
The Henseler’s, WI-(Holy Land, November 2009)
This was a wonderfully experience; would not have wanted to be in Israel
any other way or with any other company or group; would recommend this to
anyone.
Frank-Green Bay, WI- (Holy Land, November 2009)
This exceeded all our expectations-we have wanted to go for ten years and
it was never possible. God called us to this pilgrimage. God bless you in
your work, with a deep appreciation and grateful hearts.
BG-Saint Paul, MN- (Holy Land, November 2009)
This was truly a pilgrimage of a lifetime! We consider ourselves richly
blessed to follow in the footsteps of our Lord. We will continue to pray
for you and your travel ministry. Shalom!
The Dickhausen’s-Minnesota- (Holy Land, November 2009)
This was a profound trip I can not say enough. This is a trip of a
lifetime. Thank you!
Mary- Saint Paul, MN- (Holy Land, November 2009)
Meeting others with the same faith and touring together was a real
blessing, lots of new friends!
Chuck-Green Bay, WI- (Holy Land, November 2009)
This Holy Land pilgrimage has given us more knowledge about our faith, and
has definitely brought us closer to it in the life of Jesus. Oftentimes
tears come to my eyes during Mass, Stations of the Cross, or just praying
the rosary. It was a very spiritual journey. Thank you again.
The Funseth’s- North Dakota - (Holy Land, February 2009)
Our pilgrimage was outstanding; we feel so blesses that we were able to
attend. When readings are read at Mass, now we think “we were there”, and
Lent has a different meaning also. You make these pilgrimages so faith
filled- they’re life changing. Thank you so much.
The Haag’s-Illinois -(Holy Land, February 2009)
We want to thank you for arranging a wonderful and very spiritual
pilgrimage. It was everything I expected and more. I’ve experienced a
closeness to Christ that will remain with me until the ed. Thank you!
Jan-Cambridge, WI- (Eternal Rome, November 2009)
Luca was always friendly, upbeat, and so very knowledgeable!
Karen-Cambridge, WI-(Eternal Rome, November 2009)
Thank you for a most wonderful pilgrimage. I never in all my days on this
earth would have ever thought that I would ever go to Rome.
Bernadette-Cambridge, WI-(Eternal Rome, November 2009)
Tour is excellent!-for Catholics and non-Catholics, for apostolic
purposes-to make them aware that there is only one true Church that is
founded by Jesus Christ-the Roman Catholic Church.
R.E- Rosebud, South Dakota- (Eternal Rome, November 2009)
I always dreamed of visiting the Holy Land and walking where Jesus walked.
I am totally awed by this pilgrimage. I now read my Bible with new
eyes-all of a sudden it’s in Technicolor 3D! Thanks to all of
you-especially Dennis & George!
Diane- (Holy Land, November 2008)
We were very pleased with the entire experience, and going to the Holy
Land as a spiritual pilgrimage is the only way to go in our opinion. We
learned so much about our faith, and the spiritual feelings and peace are
still with us. Thank you for offering this to us!
The Collins- (Holy Land, November 2008)
George is very knowledgeable about the Bible, and made sure that we saw
all the important sites. He worked very hard for us.
Ruben-Westmont, IL-(Holy Land, November 2008)
This pilgrimage was one of the highlights of my life!
The Luther’s-WI-(Holy Land, November 2008)
Keep doing what you’re doing-it works!
Joyce-Wheaton, IL- (Shrines of Our Blessed Mother - France, Spain &
Portugal - October 2008)
God bless Mater Dei Tours! So much better than I could have hoped for!
Annette-Pittsburg, PA-(Shrines of Our Blessed Mother - France, Spain &
Portugal - October 2008)
What can I say other than how grateful I am? Upon return my foot was
healed so that all the pain was gone and I did not need joint replacement
surgery.
Thank you Blessed Mother!
The Schmitt’s-WI- (Shrines of Our Blessed Mother - France, Spain &
Portugal - October 2008)
Excellent!! From now on our Holy Masses, rosaries, “talking with God”, are
full of deeper understanding-never the same.
Thaddeus-Pittsburgh, PA- (Holy Land, October 2008)
We were blessed to be able to go to the Holy Land. It was great meeting
Catholics from all over the USA. We are family!
The Gerold’s-TX- (Holy Land, October 2008)
I can’t find the words to express my appreciation and gratitude and
amazement for the exceptional experience you provided for us. From start
to finish, and everything in between, the pilgrimage was special. It is
apparent that Juan, Dennis and George do what they do for the love of God
and to help others know and love Him better.
Cathryn-Austin, TX- (Holy Land, October 2008)
This was an incredible experience for spiritual nourishment, Catholic
family bonding and international travel. Mater Dei provides a wonderful
worry-free and spiritually rich trip.
Joe-Appleton, WI- (Holy Land, October 2008)
Our pilgrimage was a memorable spiritual journey, more than I ever
anticipated. I was able to encounter Jesus in the land where he lived and
taught.
Sharon-Fort Worth, TX- (Holy Land, October 2008)
This pilgrimage was amazing. It was more than we ever dreamed of. This
experience brought us both so much closer to the truth by actually
visiting the sites were Our Holy Mother appeared.
The Knier’s-Wisconsin - (Lourdes, Lisieux and a Touch of France, May 2008)
Seeing the real image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and knowing it was heave
sent, left me in total awe! How do you describe the love of this heavenly
gift for all time!
The Volkman’s, Illinois - (Our Lady of Guadalupe, March 2008)
I thank the Lord Jesus Christ that gave me the gift to visit the Holy Land
with true Catholic believers. They all will have a place in my heart.
Dianna-Williams Bay, WI- (Holy Land, November 2007)
It was a wonderful group and I have many fond memories from our trip. I
wish I could go back-and will someday.
Nina-Chicago, IL- (Holy Land, November 2007)
This trip stands out as the most memorable one I have ever taken. Juan and
Domenico obviously worked very hard to please a wide variety of folks.
Their combined experience and connections were priceless. Thank you so
much for the memories.
(Eternal Italy, November 2007)
I felt I was seeing Jesus every time someone stepped up to push my
wheelchair.
Kathleen-McFarland, WI-(Eternal Italy, November 2007)
The spiritual mood and guidance throughout the tour was very uplifting and
motivating to further our spiritual journey. I would love to join another
pilgrimage!
Sharon-Fort Worth, TX-(Eternal Italy, November 2007)
I have taken many tours throughout the years and I consider this tour to
be the greatest! Our tour guides were excellent and I never felt like I
had an insecure moment in our eleven days of traveling together.
Mary-Mineral Point, WI- (Inspiring Italy, November 2005)
An unforgettable trip! I was somewhat skeptical of a pilgrimage tour at
first since I had never been on this type. I was pleasantly surprised-the
spiritual aspect was so meaningful.
Mary, Mineral Point, WI- (Inspiring Italy, November 2005)
Thank you for the precious time and hours of putting together a wonderful
Pilgrimage of the Marian Shrines. I know you always have the highest goal,
our spiritual enrichment in your planning. I will always keep these
spiritual experiences close to my heart.
Barbara-Eastman, WI-(Shrines of Our Blessed Mother - France, Spain &
Portugal - October 2007)
I had a wonderful experience and Our Sweet Mother is healing me and my
family in many ways.
Teresa-Wheeling, IL- (Shrines of Our Blessed Mother - France, Spain &
Portugal - October 2008)
You provided an excellent spiritual program, great meals and hotels, and
excellent guides. WE plan to take many future trips with your travel
company.
The Wopat’s, Wisconsin - (Our Lady of Guadalupe, February 2007)
My first pilgrimage and it was an experience of a lifetime. I was
reluctant to do a “tour”. I can’t think of any way to have improved my
experience. I am eternally grateful.
Dennis- (Our Lady of Guadalupe, February 2007)
Again, Mater Dei Tours has come through with a wonderful pilgrimage. It
was like having an extended family reunion-meeting members like you,
seeking spiritual strengthening. (Our Lady of Guadalupe, February 2007)
This was my first pilgrimage but not my last. Every journey should be
relevant to our Faith as we pilgrimage to our final destination of eternal
life with Our Father. The path is much easier and fulfilling spent with
Relevant Journeys/ Mater Dei Tours.
Dennis & Marybeth (Our Lady of Guadalupe, February 2007)
Dear Juan, Muchas gracias x 100 !!! We can't begin to tell you what an
awesome pilgrimage this has been. The inspiration, care, knowledge, faith
& love you have shared, we will always cherish. We will pray for you, Erin
& Relevant Journeys and hope to join you again in the future. Susan, Bryan
& Mary
Thank you for that unforgettable trip to Italy. That was a trip of a
lifetime for me. Rita
We just wanted to thank you for helping us to have a wonderful pilgrimage
to Our Lady of Guadalupe. You and your company did so much for all of us.
We thoroughly enjoyed everything. We hope we will be able to be a part of
your other tours in the future. Tony & Mary Jane
Dear Juan, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you did
to make this a wonderful trip an experience I will remember forever. You
were always there to guide us, to explain what we didn't understand and
were always patient with everyone. The masses at all those beautiful
churches was overwhelming. Betty
Dear Juan, The pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine was beautiful
and faith filled. Your guidance, leadership and inspiring words were
commendable and wonderful. Thank you! Mary
Juan, our trip was a magnificent adventure. Thank you so much for your
efforts. Colleen and Howard from Missouri
Juan and Erin,
A note to say thank you for the pictures and the mailing directory. Mom
and I are still raving about the trip, even if we sometimes have a hard
time remembering names ...
We will surely pass on to future travelers your web information.
Regards -- Beth from Washington D.C.
Juan, just a short note to tell you how much I appreciate your
coordinating our trip to Lourdes and Rome. It was simply a wonderful .....
hassle free trip. We did not have a single problem. Thanks again Juan.
Norm from Wisconsin
I had a wonderful trip. The canonization and related events were awesome!
Everything went smoothly and I had no problems, whatsoever. I liked the
location of the hotel, since it was so close to the train station and
St.Mary Major. In spite of the large number of pilgrims, Rome was easy to
navigate. Thank you for all your help. Best regards,
Len from Wisconsin
Many thanks for your outstanding work in arranging and conducting this
tour (canonization tour) I am much in your debt. May god abundantly bless
you & your family & all of your professional endeavors. Gratefully & with
warm regards, Roland from Illinois
Dear Juan,
Thank you for a wonderful, holy and inspiring trip. Eileen from Wisconsin
God bless you, Juan. thank you so much for all your efforts in making my
trip to see Our Lady of Guadalupe such a very special experience. Keep up
your wonderful work. Eileen H.
