Spirit-filled Smokies
A capital city
Spirit-filled Smokies
PEACE LOVE PILGRIMAGE
Saint John Paul II National Shrine ; Washington , D . C .
A capital city
People of faith often embark on a pilgrimage to shrines and sacred places so they might pray and draw closer to their God . And for Kerin Buntin , the founder of FTA-member Peace Love Pilgrimage , prayer is the primary focus ; the destination is secondary .
“ A pilgrimage is an investment in your faith ,” Buntin says . “ Free of distraction , pilgrims give their hearts to God for a special purpose , and unexpected spiritual graces explode from the journey .”
The Carmel , Indiana , travel company ’ s programs highlight Catholic spirituality in both international and domestic settings ,
including a trip to Washington D . C . tailored for Catholic school eighth-grade students .
“ The D . C . tour is inspired by the late Saint Pope John Paul II ,” Buntin says . “ While cultural exhibits abound there , the Saint John Paul II National Shrine is an invitation for pilgrims to grow in Christian discipleship . His remarkable life and teachings bring a spiritual element to a cultural tour .”
The shrine holds a daily Mass , and a John Paul II exhibit includes personal artifacts , texts , images and interactive displays that educate visitors on his 25-year pontificate .
The three-day program also includes a guided walk at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and a prayerful visit to Arlington National Cemetery . All of Peace Love Pilgrimage ’ s tours include a daily service led by a Catholic priest accompanying the group .
For more information , visit peacelove pilgrimage . com or contact Buntin at info @ peacelovepilgrimage . com .
A motorcoach heading to the mountains of Tennessee can get loud — in a good way — says Jerry Varner of Making Memories Tours in Washburn , Missouri .
“ When we take groups to the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge , they really bond along the way ,” he says . “ There ’ s lots of singing on the bus .”
The weeklong event , set for Sept . 24 – 30 this year , attracts gospel music ’ s top names and their fans , according to Joy McNealy , Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism .
“ Most tour groups stay about three days — with two evenings of concerts — and some stay for the entire event ,” McNealy says . “ During the day they explore Pigeon Forge ’ s dining , shopping and attractions ; visit Dollywood ; or schedule a mountain tour with a step-on guide into the national park .”
“ It ’ s a different themed trip for us , and a lot of fun ,” Varner says . “ We do all the ground logistics and advertise on Southern gospel radio stations .” 2017 marks the 60th year of the event , and McNealy is grateful for the visitors . “ What a joyous time to see hundreds of coaches and church buses in Pigeon Forge that one week in September . Our town comes alive with the sound of gospel music everywhere .”
For more information about the annual event in Pigeon Forge , visit mypigeonforge . com or email McNealy at jmcnealy @ cityofpigeonforge . com .
NATIONAL QUARTET CONVENTION
National Quartet Convention ; Pigeon Forge , Tennessee
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