Indeed, a very memorable pilgrimage made possible by the ALMIGHTY through His instruments, KAREN & KEITH. Praise and thank the Lord.

Thankful to: Karen & Keith for all the arrangements thoughtfully made for a comfortable, hassle-free travel, accommodation and meals, Fr. Michael for the inspiring, thought-provoking and enlightening homilies, reflections and explanations. The EVEREADY Rabia (our guide) for her meticulous guidance, wit, professionalism, and the BIG SMILE in all situations, not forgetting the monkey. Emra (our driver) for driving us safely and on time to all destinations, helping out with our luggage and guiding us in whatever way, although he was not able to converse in our language.

Although we were strangers, the Almighty brought us together for a few days to test our bonding, and we DID pass the test in our eyes. Hope HE too was happy with us. If GOD willing, hoping to meet you all again. Love you all.

Our gratitude knows no bounds to each and every one of you for such a blessed and meaningful pilgrimage, as it’s our first to be led by a spiritual leader, made all the more special by Fr Michael. I can’t list out everyone,

but rest assured that each of you, including Karen, Keith, Ronilla, Rabiah, Esma and the rest, through your contributions made it an honour and privilege for us to have been on this pilgrimage.

I would like to thank Shalom Catholic Tours for organising a wonderful and spirit-filled pilgrimage to Kibeho, starting with the retreat. The trip was well organised. Carina, our Team Leader, is a very good leader, organised, respectful, considerate and inclusive. She was there to make our trip memorable, always on top of things, and leading and guiding regardless of circumstances. Carina, I salute you. I am looking forward to another trip together to seek the face of God. As a mother, you made me proud. Keep up your good leadership.

Dearest brothers and sisters,

This pilgrimage was a complete gift for me. It was a pleasure sharing this Lenten pilgrimage experience with you. We are so blessed to practice our faith while contemplating the persecution of the early Christians. You will be in my prayers. Until we meet again!

I went on a tour in September of this year and had the most amazing experience. Seeing the sights you read about in the Bible and walking where Jesus walked- such a great experience. Going with Shalom Catholic Tours was the right choice. Everything was taken care of, and everything was included. This way I knew how much money I had on hand to spend on buying along the way 😜. Karen was always available if an issue arose and really cared about each tour member. She went out of her way to ensure each person had a great experience. I would not hesitate to recommend Shalom Catholic Tours. 10/10 to you, Shalom Catholic Tours. Thank you for giving me this wonderful experience to always treasure.

The 11-day pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes and Medjugorje by Shalom Tours was most blessed and well-organised to the finest detail (creature comforts, guides, transportation, hotels, F&B, and sufficient me-time). Ours was also a group of 11 – what a lovely bunch! And there were also windows of fun through Lisbon and Paris. Many thanks to the tour organiser, Karen Heiden, supported by Alana D’cruz and led by Sr. Faustina on ground. I would strongly recommend Shalom Catholic Tours for those who are looking to rekindle their connection with God. Delivered with love and sincerity.

Indeed, it was a gift from God to all of us to be given the opportunity to travel together to the most memorable and unforgettable Holy Land. May the precious memories and lived experience help us and encourage a stronger faith and our walk with Jesus Christ. God bless each of you.

We thank and praise our Almighty God for the pilgrimage to Türkiye.

How blessed we all are to have had Fr Michael with us on this journey to the land of the early Christians. Thank you, Karen, for putting this all together. And to Keith and Ronilla for the support provided by you, and to all our fellow pilgrims for all the prayers, joy, love and laughter. Indeed, we were an amazing group where everyone bonded with each other so very well. So now let’s look forward to many more “next times” with much, much more inspiring stories to tell from ‘yours truly’. God bless everyone.

Hi Karen,

Would like to thank you, Karen, for the most memorable time spent on the 2016 Pilgrimage you organised. The 19 days in 6 countries, going to 12 significant religious & famous places, made all my dreams unexpectedly come true. With Fr. Martin celebrating Mass each day, it was wonderful getting to know and experience God more deeply. I hold wonderful memories forever of Assisi and attending the churches of St Francis & St Clare, known from my childhood. Next to Padua & St Anthony’s tomb, then onto Venice and seeing the gondolas, bridges and the glass factory. Most amazing was viewing and venerating St Padre Pio’s exposed incorrupt body, as he is one of my favourite saints. Other significant places were the Rhine Falls and the magnificent cable ride 30,000 feet up the mountain, enjoying a fabulous lunch whilst viewing Europe’s largest waterfalls. Then it was onto Lourdes, witnessing so many people of many countries praying together and venerating Mary, our Mother and Jesus.

Visited next Lisbon, then Fatima, and was taken back actually seeing where in Fatima the children Lucy, Jacinta and Francisco lived and experienced seeing Our Blessed Mother Mary & St Michael the Archangel. Santiago de Compostela the shrine now restored with the remains of St James, was wonderful, especially seeing the large swinging thuribles. Another Saint Teresa of Avila, whom I learnt about in my childhood, Alba de Tomes, with her remains, was breathtaking with its beautiful shrine. Then to the UK at Ramsgate, Kent, celebrating your 50th Birthday and the 3-day charismatic retreat, which I had never attended and learnt so much. It was fabulous sharing my faith with like-minded persons of faith.

Absolutely have no regrets, instead just a smile with an inner joy when remembering various places seen on TV or simply places that pop into my mind or when different saints are celebrated at Mass. Thank you, Karen, for all your hard work organising and assisting pilgrims. It was truly the most enjoyable and memorable experience. God bless you.

Voilà, I have done two pilgrimages with Karen / Shalom Catholic Tours. The first was in 2014 to the Holy Land. For me, it was an open eye to my Christian life, and it has brought me closer to my Lord. We visited so many places where Jesus lived, preached and hid from the people who later killed Him. The accommodation, transport, and food were super, and we finished the pilgrimage by attending a retreat at the Divine Retreat Centre in Potta, India, with Fr Augustine Vallooran. We were so blessed.

The second pilgrimage was in 2016 in Europe. Again, I must say it was a real blessing to see so many holy places and churches and to learn about many saints about whom I didn’t know much before. This brought me closer to all the saints. The highlight of this trip was the privilege of attending Mother Teresa’s canonisation at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. Once again, the pilgrimage ended with a retreat at the Divine Retreat Centre in Ramsgate, UK, led by three holy priests: Fr Joseph Edattu, Fr Anthony Parankimallil, and Fr George Panackal, the pioneer founder of the Divine Retreat Centre in Kerala, India.

I would definitely like to recommend Karen and Shalom pilgrimages to my family and friends, and the prices are very affordable. I would love to do it again in the future. My wish is for all of humanity to be together and be grateful for what we have.

Thanks so much, Karen and Keith, for arranging this beautiful pilgrimage and for the wonderful fellowship we had with each other, and also the love, support and concern shown to me. Thank you Rev Father Michael, for the word of knowledge and the kindness and care shown to us. May God shower His blessings on Fr Michael and all the pilgrims who took part in this pilgrimage.

Dear Karen,

Winlita and I are so grateful to you for all the wonderful memories that you helped us experience together with the wonderful people in the group.

We thank God every day for this. May God bless you and your family always.