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Will we someday be traveling to Iran?

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Writing this post on March 11, 2026, we are anxious to see how well it will age….we won’t take it down, we’ll just watch it play out.

A country dominating the news these days, Iran poses both a threat and a promise for peace not only in the Middle East but the entire world.

We are reminded of a quote from the fictional movie “Margin Call” (2011), where the C.E.O. John Tuld (Jeremy Irons) explains his role in the company during the crisis portrayed in the movie (the market has just collapsed), talking about the phrase “when the music stops”.

The quote is: “I’m here for one reason and one reason alone. I’m here to guess what the music might do a week, a month, a year from now. That’s it. Nothing more. And standing here tonight, I’m afraid that I don’t hear – a – thing. Just… silence.”

Note: it is a shame that the movie is laced with profanity…it really adds nothing of any value, and the plot can stand on its own.

So…when the music stops in Iran…it can be weeks or months away, but it will almost certainly stop….what will Iran look like? What will the Middle East look like? What will the world look like?

We wish we were like the John Tuld character…able to see in to the future, but we are not. We can, however, see some of the possibilities. Some are hopeful, some not.

With Shah waiting in the wings, it seems likely to us that a new government will be formed with him as a leader….but not as a dictator, or so we are promised.

Can democracy flourish, or even survive, in the Middle East?  To be sure, there are few countries in the area that offer freedom (Israel being the main exception).  Turkey became fairly secular under Kemal Attaturk , but over the past decade has become increasingly autocratic.

Even more important, can Christianity and Islam really co-exist?

Iran offers several places of interest to Catholics, but at what risk? Probably not today…but perhaps soon?  When predicting events in the Middle East, we are certainly no John Tuld.

 

 

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Traveling to the Middle East

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With all the headlines concerning the fighting in Iran, people are naturally wondering about travel to the Middle East.

We realize how difficult it must be  to decide whether to travel now or postpone your trip. Tell someone that you are traveling to the Middle East and you will likely get a highly negative response. 

Back in the 1990″s when we were traveling to Medjugorje in the midst of the war in Bosnia & Herzegovina, we heard them all: “don’t you know there is a war going on there?”…… “are you crazy?”.…. etc. etc.  But the reality was different….yes, there was a war going on, but thousands of pilgrims visited during those days and did not come to harm…the fighting was close, but Medjugorje was spared. 

How odd it was to sit outside in a cafe having a cappuccino while the folks back home thought we were hiding out in a foxhole.  So, while we don’t minimize the dangers in travel, neither do we wish to blow it out of proportion.

We are sharing this email from Select International Tours that they sent to those getting ready to travel to the Middle East.

Fellow Pilgrims,

The events in the Middle East have been difficult to watch; we’re sure you agree. This is especially true when we consider the real toll that these military actions have on the people living there. Thankfully, all of our friends and partners in the Holy Land are safe. The staff at Select International Tours are praying for peace, and we hope that you are praying along with us. We especially remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living in the affected areas. May God watch over them and keep them safe.

As you might imagine, the last few days have been a whirlwind of activity in our office. We have had countless meetings with people much closer to the events than we are. We have spoken with partners in the affected region, friends in the State Department, group leaders, and pilgrims…the list goes on. In all these meetings, the overwhelming sentiment has been hope: hope that this will be short-lived and pave the way for a safer region in the future. This is what we are praying for.

We will never send pilgrims into harm’s way, and thankfully, we have no groups in the Holy Land at this time.

Our next group to the Holy Land is scheduled to depart the first week of April. The priest leading the group met with the pilgrims last weekend, and together they decided to go, if travel is possible at that time. Likewise, three other groups are planning to depart in May, and the group leaders are committed to traveling unless circumstances prevent them. Their faith and dedication are inspiring and uplifting to us as we wade through all the challenges.

We understand that it is easy to give way to fear when the news cycle is constantly broadcasting the worst, but in this time of Lent, let us remember, in the midst of our earthly struggles, we look ahead to Easter. As we prepare our hearts, let’s pray together for an end to violence and place our hope in the Resurrection.

“O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!”

Sincerely,

Edita Krunic

President of Select International Tours

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Pope Leo will travel to Italy

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On February 19 the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV will travel to six destinations across Italy this year, all either day or half-day trips, ranging from the south to the north of Italy.

OK, we created that headline to see if you were paying attention….as you probably know, Pope Leo does not live in Italy….he lives in the Vatican City State…in effect, a separate country…..sharing its entire 2-mile (approx. 3.2 kilometer  land border exclusively with Italy…..Vatican City-state is actually an enclave situated surrounded by the city of Rome. So, whenever he ventures more than a few hundred yards, he is in Italy.

The announcement of the Italian trips comes amid speculation about Pope Leo’s international travels. The Vatican has yet to officially confirm any international papal travel in 2026 (we might point out that since Vatican City-State is a separate country, any travel outside of Vatican City is technically “international”).

Here is Pope Leo’s travel schedule in Italy for May 2026:

As mentioned, these are short trips, either half-day or full-day.  In each case he will return to the Vatican each night.

May 8
Pompeii:  The most symbolic of the trips will bring the pope south to the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii on the first anniversary of his election to the Papacy on May 8, 2025. which is also the The Feast of Our Lady of Pompeii (also known as Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii), to whom Pope Leo entrusted his mission as pope. He will offer Mass here.

Naples: He will then travel to nearby Naples for an afternoon visit, where he will meet with clergy and religious at the city’s cathedral and greet the faithful in the Piazza Plebiscito, one of the largest public squares in Italy.

May 23
Acerra (the ‘Land of Fires’):  On May 23, the pope is scheduled to visit Acerra, a town of roughly 60,000 people located about nine miles northeast of Naples in a region known as the Terre dei Fuochi, or “Land of Fires.” For decades, the area has been afflicted by illegal waste dumping and burning, much of it linked to organized crime, causing elevated rates of illness among local residents. Pope Leo has chosen to visit on the eve of the anniversary of “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical on care for the environment.

June 20
Pavia: the final resting place of St. Augustine.  On June 20, the Augustinian pope will travel north to Pavia, a city in Lombardy, to pay tribute to St. Augustine of Hippo. The Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro in Pavia houses the remains of the fourth-century bishop and theologian, one of the most influential figures in Christian history. Augustine, born in what is now Algeria, died in A.D. 430. His relics were transferred north to Lombardy in the eighth century.

July 4
Lampedusa: Pope Leo will visit Lampedusa, the tiny Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea that lies closer to the coast of Tunisia, roughly 70 miles away, than to Sicily, some 127 miles to the north. Pope Francis visited Lampedusa in July 2013 to draw attention to those who had lost their lives attempting the crossing from the African coast, making it the first trip of his pontificate. The island has since remained a powerful symbol of the global migration crisis, serving as a primary European entry point for migrants, many coming from Libya and Tunisia.

August 6
Assisi: Pope Leo will travel to Assisi today, the Umbrian hill town and birthplace of St. Francis, to offer Mass and meet with young Europeans as part of the Church’s celebration of the special jubilee year marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s death. The papal visit coincides with the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord and falls a few days after the annual celebration for Assisi’s Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the 16th-century Church built over the small chapel where St. Francis founded the Franciscan order. Each year during the first week of August pilgrims to the basilica can receive a plenary indulgence (under the usual conditions), recalling St. Francis mystical experience at the site in 1216 in which St. Francis asked Christ to offer complete remission of all sins, to all those who, repented and confessed, within that Church.

August 22
Rimini: The final announced visit will take Pope Leo to Rimini on Aug. 22 for the Meeting for Friendship Amongst Peoples, an annual gathering organized by Communion and Liberation, a Catholic lay movement with roots in Italy. Pope Leo will be the first pope to attend the event, known informally as the Rimini Meeting, and will also offer Mass with Catholics of the diocese.

Although not officially confirmed, the following are often mentioned:

Bishops in Angola and Equatorial Guinea have referenced upcoming papal visits, and Church officials in Spain have similarly indicated they expect Pope Leo in June.

A one-day visit to Monaco and a year-end return to Peru, where Pope Leo spent significant years of his ministry before his election to the papacy, has also been the subject of discussion.

A Vatican spokesman confirmed earlier this month that there are no plans for Pope Leo to travel to the United States or Mexico this year.

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Pope Leo apostolic journey to Africa: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea,

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The Vatican announced on February 25, 2026, that he will undertake a 10-day apostolic journey to four African countries from April 13 to 23, 2026. This marks his first pastoral trip to the continent as pope and highlights the rapid growth of Catholicism in Africa, where the number of Catholics is increasing faster than anywhere else in the world.

Key Stops include:

Algeria (April 13–15): Algiers and Annaba (following in the footsteps of St. Augustine, born in what is now Algeria; this will be the first-ever papal visit to the country).

Cameroon (April 15–18): Yaoundé (capital), Douala (economic hub), and Bamenda (in the restive Northwest region amid ongoing conflict).

Angola (April 18–21): Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo.

Equatorial Guinea (April 21–23): Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata (the continent’s only Spanish-speaking nation).

The full official program of events has not yet been released, but the trip is expected to emphasize interfaith dialogue (especially Christian-Muslim relations in Algeria), support for development, community outreach, and strengthening ties with growing African Catholic communities.

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As Catholic Christians, how do we deal with immigration? Here’s what St Thomas Aquinas had to say.

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We don’t often go off topic, but we did find this interesting, so we will share it with you.

Immigration is a hot—and divisive–topic here in the U.S. and elsewhere. Divisive amongst the overall population and,  also,  amongst many Catholics. “Love thy neighbor” is often invoked when discussing immigration (taken a bit out of context, in our humble opinion).

Saint Thomas AquinasIn his Summa Theologiae (originally published in 1274 AD), Saint Thomas Aquinas laid out one of the most charitable, yet practical, arguments concerning immigration that effectively shaped the West for almost 1,000 years.

1. Immigration must always be proportionate so that foreigners can properly assimilate into the culture and mode of worship of the state.

2. Citizenship – and associated rights – should only ever be granted after the third generation to preserve the culture, mode of worship, and constitution of the state.

3. The common good of the citizens must remain the highest priority of the state, meaning, the state’s obligation to provide aid to its neighbors can never be at the expense of the citizens.

However, Aquinas ends with the sobering reminder that some peoples and states are incompatible with one another, and these must be held as “foes in perpetuity”.

By the way, getting back on topic, you can find the tomb of Saint Thomas Aquinas here in Toulouse, France.

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Are cruises still popular?

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The cruise industry has fully recovered from the pandemic and is setting repeated records in passenger numbers. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report:Global ocean-going passengers reached 34.6 million in 2024. That’s projected to grow to around 37.7 million in 2025 and continue upward to about 39.6 million in 2026 (with forecasts reaching 42 million by 2028).

This represents steady year-over-year growth, driven by new ships, expanded itineraries, and strong consumer demand.

In the U.S. (a major market), AAA’s forecasts show even clearer momentum:About 20.7 million Americans cruised in 2025 (higher than initial projections).
A record 21.7 million are expected in 2026—a 4.5% increase from 2025 and part of four straight years of record-breaking volume.

Other key signs of ongoing popularity include: High repeat intent: 82% of recent cruisers plan to cruise again.

Younger demographics joining in: Gen Z shows strong interest (e.g., 76% of those who’ve cruised before plan to return), with lines like Royal Caribbean reporting big increases in younger passengers.

Trends like mega-ships, shorter Caribbean trips (the top destination for U.S. cruisers at ~72%), solo cabins, multi-generational travel, and themed voyages (music, food, etc.) are fueling growth.

Overall, cruising remains one of the fastest-growing segments in travel, offering value (most everything is included), convenience, and variety that appeal across ages and interests. If anything, 2026 looks set to be another peak.

Ocean cruises and river cruises are two types of cruises, each with their own plusses and minuses.

And, you can usually incorporate your Catholic faith in any cruise….be on the lookout for cruises designed for Catholics, such as the river cruises offered by Select International Tours. You will travel with fellow Catholics, with daily Mass (a priest travels with the group) and an emphasis on Catholic sites visited.

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Pope Leo XIV possible visit to Monaco in March

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The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that a visit by Leo XIV to the Principality of Monaco is currently being considered for the end of March.

On January 17, 2026, Prince Albert II of Monaco traveled to the Vatican to meet the new Pope. On that occasion, he officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Monaco. A few weeks later, the Holy See Press Office told journalists that the project was indeed under consideration without specifying the final details. It could be a one-day trip, similar to Pope Francis’s short visit to Corsica on 15 December 2024.

If the visit goes ahead, it would be of considerable historical significance, as no Pope has ever visited Monaco. However, Monaco’s attachment to the new Pontiff is part of a tradition of respectful diplomatic relations and historically strong ties with the Holy See.

Catholicism is the state religion in Monaco, and it was precisely under the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII that Monaco gained its religious autonomy, with the creation of its own diocese in 1887. A symbolic detail that is sure to resonate: the current Leo XIV chose his papal name in reference to Leo XIII, known for his teachings on social justice.

The Principality also shares with the Vatican the status of being one of the smallest sovereign states in the world (less than one square mile in area, with some 39,000 inhabitants).

The short one-day format would limit the trip to central Monte Carlo/Monaco-Ville area, probably including a formal welcome, private audience, and possibly a meeting or address in the Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier) in Monaco-Ville: As the official residence of Prince Albert II, this would almost certainly feature.

We assume he would also visit Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate (also known as Saint Nicholas Cathedral), the main Catholic cathedral in Monaco, burial site of many Grimaldi family members (including Grace Kelly).

The program would likely involve a Mass, meetings with clergy/authorities, and greetings to the faithful, emphasizing unity, peace, and Catholic values in a historic first for the principality.Official confirmation and a detailed schedule are expected in the coming weeks.

You can read moe Catholic places of interest in Monaco here.

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Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland to become a University Campus for Ave Maria University

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Mount Melleray Abbey was a historic Cistercian (Trappist) monastery on the slopes of the Knockmealdown Mountains near Cappoquin, County Waterford. It was founded in 1833 as the first post-Reformation Cistercian house established in Ireland in the post-Reformation period. It has served as a major Trappist community for nearly 200 years.

It was officially closed as an active monastic community in early 2025. By the time it closed, the community was down to single figures, yet the facilities were still there in a beautiful, peaceful setting.

Now, Ave Maria University is planning to use the famous monastery as a campus, keeping it open for Catholic purposes. Ave Maria University was founded by Tom Monaghan, who created Domino’s Pizza and his known for his Catholic philanthropic works.

Their main campus is Ave Maria, Florida.

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New exhibit at the Vatican: “Peter is here”

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“Pétros ení” (“Peter is here”) is an immersive exhibition exploring the story of the apostle Peter and the world’s largest Christian basilica. A journey that weaves together spirituality, art and technology in a unique blend of past and present.

The exhibition itinerary unfolds inside the Octagonal Halls, historic spaces located within one of the pillars supporting the Dome. These halls have been expertly restored for the occasion by the skilled artisans of the Fabbrica di San Pietro and opened to the public for the first time for this occasion.

The narrative journey follows two paths. One reveals the origins of the Basilica and its construction history, focusing on the tomb of Saint Peter. The other guides the visitor through the key events of the apostle’s life, up to his martyrdom. The story of Peter is interwoven with that of the Basilica, which is shown as it evolves through the centuries.

“Pétros ení: Saint Peter’s Digital Experience” is therefore a temporal and spiritual journey built around the figure of Saint Peter and the relevance of his testimony, which lives on reflected in the history of the Basilica and its living community.

The full experience lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes check-in at the meeting point, the transfer to the Octagonal Halls, the immersive exhibition (approx. 30 minutes), and access to the Vatican Grottoes, from where the self-guided Basilica tour with the Digital Audio Guide begins.

The project is the result of a wider collaboration between the Fabbrica di San Pietro, Microsoft, Iconem and other international partners. It centres on a process that made it possible to digitise Saint Peter’s Basilica in 3D using over 400,000 photographs, creating a faithful ‘digital twin’, supported in addition by artificial intelligence.

According to the Vatican, “This model not only allows visitors to virtually explore the Basilica in a totally innovative way — through a journey that began over two thousand years ago — but that also serves as a powerful tool for the maintenance, management and preservation of the immense artistic heritage contained within it“.

Source: Vatican News Service

Click here for the official website of the exhibit, including times and prices.

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Did you know that Parmesan Cheese was Catholic?

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Parmesan cheese, known as Parmigiano-Reggiano in its authentic form, originated in the Middle Ages (around the 12th–13th century) in the northern Italian region now comprising parts of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, specifically around the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna (west of the Reno River), and Mantua (south of the Po River).

A 1254 notarial document from Genoa mentions “caseus parmensis” (cheese from Parma), and similar references appear in Parma and other cities.

It was originally produced by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the area between Parma and Reggio Emilia, the heart of Italy’s “Food Valley” and the historic Emilia region, located along the ancient Via Aemilia. This fertile Po River plain area features rolling hills, castles, and historic villages like Colorno and Fontanellato who developed the technique of making large, hard, long-aging wheels, which help preserve milk in a region with hot summers and limited refrigeration to ensure even aging as well as for for efficient, historic transportation (rolling). The circular shape prevents mold from accumulating in sharp corners, allows for a consistent rind to form, and helps maintain a balanced moisture level throughout the cheese during maturation.

The cheese’s characteristic large wheels (about 84–100 lbs/ 38-45 kg each), granular texture, and ability to age for years were innovations that made it famous and valuable for trade across Europe as early as the 14th century (e.g., mentioned by Boccaccio in the Decameron, c. 1350).

Since 1996, Parmigiano-Reggiano is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product in the EU.

Only cheese made in the defined geographic zone, following strict traditional methods (raw cow’s milk, natural whey starter, no additives, minimum 12 months aging) can legally be called Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The term “Parmesan” is the anglicized/generic name and is used globally (especially in the U.S.) for similar hard grating cheeses, often with different production rules.

Here is one website that we think you will find interesting.

The website devoted to Parmesan (parmigianoreggiano.com) is in Italian….the English version is not active….it refers to itself as “still aging”…..quite a play on words!