and there are STILL spaces available for YOU to come along too!

There is no story in all recorded history like that of Joan of Arc. God willing, in June 2005, we will again lead a Joan of Arc pilgrimage. This time, our focus will be on her roots and her deep spirituality. One of the advantages of exploring her roots is that we will often be in ‘la France profonde’. This means ‘the deep France’, i.e. the lovely pastoral countryside that few tourists ever see, much less experience. Such an area is the little village of Domremy, Jeanne’s birthplace, and the surrounding countryside. Located in a rural and beautiful part of France, Domremy is the logical place to begin looking for the roots of Jeanne’s spirituality and upbringing. We took these things into consideration when choosing Domremy as our home base for this pilgrimage.

However, there were other important factors involved in this choice. As you might imagine, there is a wealth of Joan of Arc experts living in this area. In the past, they have been very generous to us with both their time and their expertise, and given the focus of the pilgrimage of 2005, we felt it was essential to take advantage of this again.

Also, the people in this part of France, time after time, have welcomed us with their own brand of warm hospitality.

At Rheims (Reims), where we’ll spend 2 nights, we’ll attend the Joan of Arc Festival, including ‘le Grand Cortege des Sacres’, complete with costumes, ceremonies, etc. We hope to have the flavor of what Jeanne d’Arc would have witnessed while there for the anointing and crowning of her King, Charles VII.

Of course, we’ll visit Orleans, and also the nearby Chateau de Sully (where Joan stayed for 1-2 months just before her capture). While in Orleans, among other things, we’ll go to Joan of Arc’s house (where she stayed in 1429) and the great Cathedral of her time, St Croix.

We’ll stay 2 nights at the very famous monastery St-Benoit-sur-Loire. We’ll have a guided tour of the Basilica by one of the brothers there. St Benoit is the best example of the Full Romanesque era in the Loire Valley. Jeanne passed by here, and a plaque is in the Basilica telling the story. For those of you interested, we’ll have the opportunity to meet some of the monks there, attend some of their services, and learn something about their lives. See below itinerary for more information regarding Orleans and St Benoit.

Our last night will be spent in a little town (le Mesnil Ameulot) next to Paris, close to the airport, where we will have our farewell dinner in a family run restaurant.

The philosophy we are aiming for on this trip, as on the first 2 pilgrimages we led, is one of going back to the essentials, of simplicity, of quality time in some places instead of ‘rush-rush’ in many. We will indeed see much, but we want to experience the places we visit more as spiritual travelers than as consumers. Indeed, our goal will be to first see things through the eyes of believers, and then from other perspectives, such as historical, architectural, sociological, as tourists, etc.

Half of the time, we will be staying in a monastery or a religious community. This will help to keep us from the usual tourist traps that are found on most tours. As monasteries are designed to give the soul rest, they provide a peaceful atmosphere.

So how will this all translate? Well for example, with most tours, there is often only 20-30 minutes of time given to visit your day’s destination site. We’ll take 1-2 hours to try and absorb some of what we’ll be seeing. Also, we feel that the better prepared you are before departure, the more you will be able to take advantage of this pilgrimage. Consequently we’ll be sending to all participants 2 information packages before departure (some info by email, and some by post). There will be quite a bit of information regarding historical and religious significance, specifics on some of what we’ll be seeing, the France of today, recommendations regarding reading and videos, practicalities of travel to and in France, etc…

Before our departure, we’ll also have a ‘get together’ for all of those able and interested in coming to our house one evening, to go over some specifics, and to get to know each other a little. This is the approach we’ve used in the past, and people tell us they have appreciated and found it helpful. For those who are unable to come that evening, we’ll keep you all up to date via email and/or mail, about all pertinent travel details as we get closer and closer to departure. We’ll also send you a little info about the other participants coming (with their permission).

ITINERARY

On Saturday, June 11, 2005, we will all meet at Charles De Gaulle airport at a specific rendezvous place and time, in the early afternoon. This worked well for the last pilgrimage. This way, those of you just arriving from the states will not have to go into Paris in order to link up with the pilgrimage. Also, as many people have expressed a desire to be able to use their frequent flyer miles, and/or to be able to be more flexible before or after the pilgrimage, it is better for everyone to make their own flights arrangements. Consequently the price has been reduced accordingly to take this aspect into consideration. From there we will depart together and drive immediately to Reims (about 90 minutes by car), where we will be staying at a religious community just outside of the city, in the countryside. We feel this is a much more beautiful and relaxing place, than staying in the hustle and bustle of the city. We’ll settle in, and you’ll have time to relax. We have chosen these dates so we will be able to attend some of the festivities and ceremonies dedicated to Jeanne at Reims.

Sunday, June 12---Reims: We’ll spend this day in Reims attending the Joan of Arc festivities, and then spend the night again in the same religious community.

Monday, June 13-18---Domremy: We’ll arrive for lunch on the 13^th. During our time here, we’ll visit Joan’s house, the garden where she first heard her ‘voices’, the church where she was baptized, the beautiful Basilica that was erected in honor of her, see where the ’Fairy Tree’ once stood, the fountains which she spoke of at her trial, where she also heard her voices, the Joan of Arc Museum, and spend some time in the fields of Domremy, where Jeanne certainly must have played and worked as a young girl. We’ll also spend time with the local priest and some of the sisters who live and work there now. They have been very kind and generous of heart to us.

We’ll also go to the Chapel de Bermont (still located out in the woods as it was during her day), and spend some quality time with the President of the Association of Bermont. Among other things, he’ll enlighten us on the latest discoveries at the chapel. They have only recently found color paintings of a young girl painted on the walls there, and dated back to Jeanne’s time. They had been covered over with other paint over the centuries. The ruling consensus is that these are in all probability paintings of Jeanne during her time, by monks who knew her before she left Domremy.

He will also share with us his vast knowledge and admiration for la Pucelle, speaking to us about the history of Jeanne and her times, and putting all of this in proper context.

Another day we’ll go to Vaucouleurs. We’ll take our time there, see the chapel where she often went to pray while waiting to see Baudricourt. We’ll have as our guide an expert on Jeanne and her times, from Vaucouleurs, who’ll also be available to answer any questions she can, and to escort us through the Joan of Arc museum. We’ll also go to ‘La Porte de France’, still standing today. This is the gate where she rode out from on her way to the Dauphin. It sits on top of a hill overlooking the lovely countryside and the village of Vaucouleurs.

Saturday, June 18-20---Orleans/St Benoit-sur-Loire: We will settle in the beautiful Benedictine monastery called Abbaye de Fleury in the small town of St-Benoit-sur-Loire (founded in 630 AD, and where St Benedict’s remains are still located to this day). The monks still sing Gregorian chants there during the prayer services.

Five minutes form St Benoit is Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire, the castle where Joan spent much time before her capture. We will of course visit this amazing medieval fortress.

In 1429, Orleans was France’s last hope. It was the key city, and had been besieged by the English for 6 months. It was finally set at liberty by France’s unlikely heroine, Jeanne d’Arc on May 8, 1429.

One of the things we’ll do while in Orleans is visit the Joan of Arc ‘museum’ (the house where she stayed when there). One of the really interesting things there is a very impressive, clear, and informative model presentation of the battle of Orleans.

We’ll also spend time in Orleans’ great Cathedral, St Croix (where Joan went immediately after her victory at Orleans).

Monday June 20^th: We’ll spend the early part of the day at the monastery, and then head for Paris (about 2 hours) for our farewell dinner.

Tuesday, June 21^st: We’ll be taking the shuttle from the hotel to the airport this morning. For those of you also leaving by plane on this day, you are welcome to join us.

If this sounds somewhat like the way you would like to see France, then please give us a call with any questions that you may have.

FEEDBACK FROM 2004 JOAN OF ARC PILGRIMS

"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 blessing."

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. I 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. Thank you Chris and Catherine for being such wonderful people and spiritual friends."

Paul Ciholas, KY.

"At the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine, 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. I found that Jeanne lived most of her life in peaceful, tranquil, beautiful surroundings (regarding Domremy)."

Bob Perler, WA.

"Excellent company, very spiritual. Overall, 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 a 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 lead groups to Europe many times. No one is judging you here, but will want to embrace you with love and acceptance. Be ready to make new friends and be ready to ‘think outside 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.

Please feel free to contact any of the pilgrims below, who were with us on the Jeanne d’Arc pilgrimage last May, and have given us permission to use them as a reference.

Paul and Karin Ciholas: 859-236-7193

Bob Perler: 509-935-6003

La Juana West: 541-382-8521

Cynthia Metcalf: 214-679-9248

Ellen Campbell: 909-845-2280

Who is leading this pilgrimage?

Catherine Henon---Born in Valenciennes, France in 1958. A social worker in France, she met Chris at Taize, France in 1979, moved to the USA in 1981, and married Chris in 1995. She became a Registered Nurse in 1987, and is currently teaching Nursing Aide students in Dallas, TX. Speaks French and English fluently, and some German.

Chris Snidow---Born in West VA in 1948. Played drums, guitar, and piano in bands until 1985 in Texas, California, and also 5 years in France, Holland, and Northern Africa. Currently RN in charge of a day program for a homeless shelter (Austin Street Centre) in Dallas, and composer/producer of his own CDs. Speaks fluent French and English, and some Dutch.

Both are members of St James Episcopal Church in Dallas, and leaders of 2 previous French pilgrimages, in 2002 and 2004.

For More info:

Tel: 214-327-4579

Email: cowrind@ev1.net

Chris Snidow and Catherine Henon

9320 Biscayne Blvd.

Dallas, TX 75218

We are continuing to update our web site with new information regarding details for the pilgrimage. Here is the web site address:

(Don’t put ‘www’ in front of it)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Price $2,365.00

CONTRACT AGREEMENT