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Japan: Saints, Samurai, & Hidden Christians

May 14 - May 25, 2027

with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89 and Chris Stefanick ’98

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Register Now

12 Day Pilgrimage

“I will never forget Japan; indeed, I always pray for it. I will work with every effort for the salvation of Japanese souls. The Japanese are a people who really search for authentic religion, so they will obtain many graces from the Lord God.” – St. Maximilian Kolbe

Experience the holy sites of:

Tokyo • Akita • Osaka • Mt. Fuji • Osaka • Kyoto • Hiroshima • Nagasaki

May 14 - May 25, 2027

Japan: Saints, Samurai, & Hidden Christians

Estimated Package Price

Without Airfare (Land Only) - $7,887

$9537

Register Now

$500 deposit due at time of registration

*If within 90 days prior to departure, Full Payment is due at time of Registration.

Enrollment Deadline: LIMITED CAPACITY - RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Itinerary for Japan: Saints, Samurai, & Hidden Christians

Subject to change

1

Friday, May 14

Day 1

  • Depart USA
2

Saturday, May 15

Day 2

  • Arrival in Tokyo
3

Sunday, May 16

Day 3

  • Tokyo
4

Monday, May 17

Day 4

  • Tokyo
  • Mt. Fuji
  • Tokyo
5

Tuesday, May 18

Day 5

  • Tokyo
  • Akita
6

Wednesday, May 19

Day 6

  • Akita
  • Osaka
  • Kyoto
7

Thursday, May 20

Day 7

  • Kyoto
8

Friday, May 21

Day 8

  • Kyoto
  • Hiroshima
9

Saturday, May 22

Day 9

  • Hiroshima
  • Nagasaki
10

Sunday, May 23

Day 10

  • Nagasaki
11

Monday, May 24

Day 11

  • Nagasaki
12

Tuesday, May 25

Day 12

  • Departure to USA
Franciscan Univeristy has partnered with 206 Tours to journey with you on this pilgrimage.

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996. Father Pivonka held leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008 including as vice president for Mission and Planning. For his province, he directed Post-Novitiate Formation (2008-2012) and Franciscan Pathways ministry (2012-2019). He has hosted multiple video series including The Wild Goose on the Holy Spirit, Sign of Contradiction on St. Francis of Assisi, Metanoia on conversion, and in 2024, 10th Hour Production’s My father’s Father on God the Father. He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021) and his most recent, Joyful Sons and Daughters: Embracing the Father’s Love (Word Among Us, 2024). Father Pivonka also hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN and the In Person, In Focus, and the My father's Father series on Faith and Reason.

Chris Stefanick ’98

Chris Stefanick is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and television host who has devoted his life to inspiring people to live a bold, contagious faith. His live events reach over 85,000 annually; his reality TV show, Real Life Catholic, videos, and radio spots reach millions. Chosen, a confirmation program he authored, has already formed over 500,000 teens. A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Chris is founder and president of Real Life Catholic, a nonprofit operating as the headquarters for his various initiatives. Above all, Chris is proud to be husband to wife, Natalie, and father to their six children.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Register Now

Why should you go on a Catholic pilgrimage?

Our lives can become very busy. That busyness can overwhelm us, and often times, we need to intentionally set aside time to quiet our hearts and turn our attention to God.

On a Catholic pilgrimage, you will not only experience a silence and atmosphere helpful for prayer, but you will travel in community, guided by spiritual leaders and supported by fellow pilgrims.

We invite you to join the Franciscan University community as we embark on a pilgrimage of faith!

Questions? Contact us!

740-284-5847

pilgrimages@franciscan.edu

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