In the beginning...

We, Robert and Christine di Cecco, have been parishioners of Christ the King Church (formally St. Ignatius Retreat House) in Ridgefield, Connecticut for 25 years, which is serviced by the priests of the Society of St. Pius X.

About 12 years ago, a long-time friend and fellow parishioner suggested that we organize a pilgrimage to France after returning from a pilgrimage led by Fr. François Laisney to Lourdes and Fatima.

Why us?

The reason was that these friends of ours know that I (Christine) am French, and that Robert and I traveled back and forth to visit family as well as the shrines and holy places in France.  They told us "you should organize a pilgrimage to France... you know the language and the good places out of the tourist traps..."

At first we were reluctant, but they convinced us and with the help of our pastor, Fr. Jean Luc Lafitte, we drafted our first pilgrimage itinerary through Catholic France.

The first pilgrimage

So in Spring 1991, our first pilgrimage took off with 50 pilgrims and 50 more on a waiting list, which we scheduled for July 1991 under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Dominique Bourmaud.

The result

Everyone came back so spiritually uplifted and had learned so much about their Catholic Religion that they wanted another one for the following year through Spain and Fatima, which we did.

Picking the right name

It was appropriate at that time to come up with the name of St. Pius X Pilgrimage Co. as we represent the Society of St. Pius X as we travel throughout Europe on our pilgrimages.

An apostolate, not a business

We take our pilgrims to all the Shrines of Europe, some unknown to most people, to learn more about the Blessed Virgin Mary, her apparitions, her messages, the Saints and our Faith.

We do these pilgrimages as an apostolate, not as a business, to save souls and help people with affordable prices to go and receive the graces awaiting for them at the Shrines. It is worry free for the pilgrim, everything is included, just open your heart and received the graces.

We have witnesses many conversions, holy deaths, cures, spiritual conversions, miracles, and mostly many graces brought back to strengthen our faith and help our families and friends.

Doing all our actions with Mary, in Mary, through Mary and for Mary, for the Glory of God.

And so it continues...

Over the years we have had at least 80% of pilgrims returning, and of all ages, from babies to 80's, and we all made many wonderful friends.  We have built up a good reputation for the Society of St. Pius X and have a good following, thanks be to God, and as long God permits it we will continue to do pilgrimages for the good and salvation of souls.

Christine di Cecco