Guardians of the Faith: A Private Island Retreat with Bishop Schneider
Jun 8 - 15, 2027
Croatia
DATES
Jun 8 - 15, 2027
PLACE
Croatia
Embark on a transformative spiritual journey to the stunning Dalmatian coastline of Croatia, where you will spend six nights on the peaceful Adriatic island of Badija. The centuries-old Franciscan Monastery of the Assumption of Mary has long been a sanctuary of refuge, silence, and spiritual renewal. Free from cars and everyday distractions, this serene island provides an ideal setting for prayer, reflection, and rest in the presence of the Lord.
During our retreat, Bishop Athanasius Schneider will celebrate daily Mass in the Traditional Latin Rite and will offer Adoration, Benediction, retreat talks, guided reflections, and times of prayer. Known throughout the Church for his deep reverence for the Holy Eucharist and his faithful witness to Catholic teaching, Bishop Schneider will accompany us as a true shepherd and spiritual father during our time on Badija.
The rhythm of each day on the island will begin with Holy Mass, followed by breakfast at the monastery. Each morning will include a retreat talk offered by Bishop Schneider. After lunch, the afternoon will allow time for personal prayer, quiet reflection, swimming in the clear Adriatic waters, a leisurely walk along the three-mile path that circles the island, or simply time to rest and ponder the morning’s reflections.
In the late afternoon, we will gather again for another retreat session with Bishop Schneider, followed by a Rosary walk around the island before dinner. After dinner, we will conclude the day before Our Lord with Compline, Adoration, and Benediction.
On the last full day of the retreat, pilgrims will have free time to continue enjoying the peace of Badija or, at their own expense, have the option to take a public taxi boat to the nearby island of Korčula.
On our final morning on the island, we will depart by private boat to the mainland, where we will board our private motorcoach for the journey to Split.
Pilgrims continuing on to Medjugorje will board a private motorcoach to their hotel in Medjugorje.
That afternoon and evening in Split, pilgrims will have free time to explore the historic city on their own before departing for home the following day.
This is a true retreat pilgrimage—peaceful, unhurried, and centered on Christ—inviting each pilgrim to listen, pray, and be renewed.
Bishop Athanasius Schneider is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Mary Most Holy in Astana, Kazakhstan, and a member of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross of Coimbra. He was born Anton Schneider on April 7, 1961, in Tokmok, in what is now Kyrgyzstan, into a devout Catholic family of German heritage who suffered persecution for their faith under the Soviet regime. His family later emigrated to West Germany, where he entered religious life and was ordained a priest in 1990. He was appointed a bishop in 2006.
Bishop Schneider is known throughout the universal Church for his profound reverence for the Holy Eucharist and his clear, faithful teaching on Catholic doctrine. Through his writing, preaching, and pastoral ministry, he seeks to help the faithful grow in love for Christ and devotion to the Church’s tradition. His prayerful presence and fatherly guidance make him a deeply respected shepherd and spiritual leader.
Pilgrimage Highlights
Retreat with Bishop Schneider, June 2027
Six-night private island retreat with Bishop Schneider at an ancient, recently restored monastery of the Assumption of Mary on Badija
Daily Mass celebrated in the Traditional Latin Rite
Free time to pray, explore the island, swim in the blue Adriatic waters, walk with other pilgrims along the island path, and travel to nearby islands in a public boat taxi
One night in Split with time to explore the city on your own
Optional Medjugorje extension following the retreat
Pilgrimage Overview
Day 1: Tues Jun 8, 2027
Today, we depart from Split for the island of Badija, where we will attend Mass and a welcome dinner.
Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Mass, Adoration, prayer time, and retreat talks led by Bishop Athanasius Schneider.
Bishop Schneider is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Mary Most Holy in Astana, Kazakhstan, and a member of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross of Coimbra. He is known throughout the Church for his profound reverence for the Holy Eucharist and his clear, faithful witness to Catholic teaching. His presence and reflections will help deepen our prayer and strengthen our understanding of the beauty of our Catholic faith.
Dinner Included.
Day 2: Wed Jun 9, 2027
Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will follow a peaceful rhythm of prayer, retreat, and reflection. Each morning will begin with Holy Mass, followed by retreat sessions led by Bishop Athanasius Schneider.
After lunch, there will be free time for personal prayer, swimming in the clear Adriatic waters, quiet reflection, leisurely walks around the island’s easy three-mile path, and conversation, learning, and sharing with fellow pilgrims—which often becomes one of the unexpected delights of the pilgrimage.
In the late afternoon, we will gather again for another retreat session with Bishop Schneider, followed by an optional Rosary walk around the island before dinner. After dinner, we will conclude the day with Compline, Adoration, and Benediction.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 3: Thur Jun 10, 2027
Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will follow a peaceful rhythm of prayer, retreat, and reflection. Each morning will begin with Holy Mass, followed by retreat sessions led by Bishop Athanasius Schneider.
After lunch, there will be free time for personal prayer, swimming in the clear Adriatic waters, quiet reflection, leisurely walks around the island’s easy three-mile path, and conversation, learning, and sharing with fellow pilgrims—which often becomes one of the unexpected delights of the pilgrimage.
In the late afternoon, we will gather again for another retreat session with Bishop Schneider, followed by an optional Rosary walk around the island before dinner. After dinner, we will conclude the day with Compline, Adoration, and Benediction.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 4: Fri Jun 11, 2027
Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will follow a peaceful rhythm of prayer, retreat, and reflection. Each morning will begin with Holy Mass, followed by retreat sessions led by Bishop Athanasius Schneider.
After lunch, there will be free time for personal prayer, swimming in the clear Adriatic waters, quiet reflection, leisurely walks around the island’s easy three-mile path, and conversation, learning, and sharing with fellow pilgrims—which often becomes one of the unexpected delights of the pilgrimage.
In the late afternoon, we will gather again for another retreat session with Bishop Schneider, followed by an optional Rosary walk around the island before dinner. After dinner, we will conclude the day with Compline, Adoration, and Benediction.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 5: Sat Jun 12, 2027
Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will follow a peaceful rhythm of prayer, retreat, and reflection. Each morning will begin with Holy Mass, followed by retreat sessions led by Bishop Athanasius Schneider.
After lunch, there will be free time for personal prayer, swimming in the clear Adriatic waters, quiet reflection, leisurely walks around the island’s easy three-mile path, and conversation, learning, and sharing with fellow pilgrims—which often becomes one of the unexpected delights of the pilgrimage.
In the late afternoon, we will gather again for our final retreat session with Bishop Schneider, followed by an optional Rosary walk around the island before dinner. After dinner, we will conclude the day with Compline, Adoration, and Benediction.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 6: Sun Jun 13, 2027
Badija
Today, our last full day on the Island of Badija, will begin with Sunday Mass. The rest of the day will be free for prayer, rest, and reflection.
Pilgrims may choose to remain on Badija to swim, walk the peaceful island path, enjoy quiet time before the Lord, or spend time in conversation with fellow pilgrims. Those who wish may also take a public taxi boat to the nearby island of Korčula at their own expense.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7: Mon Jun 14, 2027
Badija – Split
After breakfast, we will depart by private boat to the mainland, where we will meet our private coach and continue to our hotel in Split. The evening will be free, and dinner will be on your own in Split.
(For those joining the optional add-on to Medjugorje, a private bus will take you to our hotel in Medjugorje upon reaching the mainland.)
Breakfast included
Day 8: Tues Jun 15, 2027
Arrivederci! Until we meet again…
Early morning transfers will take you to the airport for your departure home. Arrivederci, fellow pilgrims—until we meet again!
Breakfast Included
Tour Details & Guidelines
Air Travel:
This pilgrimage is offered as a Land Only Package. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own air travel for the Guardians of the Faith: Private Island Retreat with Bishop Schneider. After you book, you will receive the name and contact information of our recommended travel agent.
Arrival Information:
- Airport: St. Jerome Airport (SPU), formerly the Split Airport
- Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2027 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
- Flight Arrival Time: Before 1:00 PM (Local Time) This arrival time allows approximately 1/2 hour to pass through passport control and retrieve baggage before the group transfer.
- Transfer: A group transfer will depart at 1:30 PM from the airport to the port at Orebić, followed by a private boat transport to the Island of Badija. Participants must arrive in time to join this scheduled group transfer.
If a participant misses the group transfer, they will be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of transportation to the island, either the same day or the following day. While ITVP can provide general guidance when possible, ITVP staff and the group will depart as scheduled, and the group transfer will not be delayed due to flight delays.
If you choose to arrive early, please contact our office for the recommended hotel for early arrival. On Day 1, the group transfer will pick up participants from this hotel, along with the group pick-up at the airport. Please note that if you arrive one day early, the cost of the hotel and the transfer from the airport will be the participant’s financial responsibility. If you require assistance with this transfer, please let us know, and we will be happy to help coordinate it.
It is strongly recommended that participants from the United States consider arriving on Monday, June 7, 2027, one day before the pilgrimage begins on Tuesday, June 8, 2028. Arriving early not only allows time to rest and provides greater flexibility when selecting flight options, but it also helps ensure that your flight arrival time aligns with the scheduled private boat transfer to the island of Badija.
Departure Information:
- Airport: St. Jerome Airport (SPU), formerly the Split Airport
- Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2027 (Day 8 of the pilgrimage)
- Flight Departure Time: After 8:00 AM (Local Time)
- Transfer: The group transfer from the hotel to St. Jerome Airport will depart at 5:30 AM. This schedule accommodates flights departing at 8:00 AM. or later.
One (1) group transfer from the hotel to St. Jerome Airport is included. To participate in this group transfer, the Participant’s flight must depart at or after 8:00 AM. If you prefer a later departure, a private transfer may be requested and, if available, can be arranged at the Participant’s expense.
Recommended Travel Agency:
For booking flights, we recommend using an experienced travel agency. They will handle your airline reservations and forward the details to our office, ensuring a seamless process. You will receive the contact information for Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages’ recommended seasoned travel agent in your Welcome Letter, which is sent immediately after you register.
To get an idea of the cost and availability of flights, we recommend using Google Flights as a helpful and simple tool for initial research.