The Mystical Visions of St. Bridget: Island Retreat & Medjugorje
Jun 16 - 26, 2027
CROATIA
DATES
Jun 16 - 26, 2027
PLACE
CROATIA
This pilgrimage is more than a journey—it is a retreat centered on the mystical visions and enduring spiritual legacy of St. Bridget of Sweden, one of the Church’s greatest yet often overlooked mystics. Wife, mother, religious founder, and co-patroness of Europe, St. Bridget received extraordinary revelations that profoundly influenced Catholic spirituality, sacred art, and devotion to the Passion of Christ. During our five-day retreat on the private island of Badija, Fr. Stash Dailey will lead daily conferences exploring her remarkable life, her mystical writings, and her courageous role in the renewal of the Church during one of its most turbulent periods. Accompanied throughout the pilgrimage by two Bridgettine Sisters, we will then continue to Medjugorje, where five days of Marian pilgrimage, prayer, and the sacraments provide an opportunity to deepen and live the spiritual lessons encountered during our retreat.
Our pilgrimage begins on the private island of Badija, a hidden gem along Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian coast. After arriving in Split, we will travel by private motorcoach and boat to this peaceful island, home to a historic Franciscan monastery dating to the 15th century. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, Badija offers an extraordinary setting for retreat. Amid pine forests, olive groves, secluded beaches, and quiet walking paths, we will step away from the distractions of daily life and enter into a rhythm of prayer, reflection, and renewal.
Each morning begins with Holy Mass and inspiring retreat conferences led by Fr. Stash Dailey, who will guide us through the mystical spirituality of St. Bridget and its enduring relevance for Catholics today. Throughout our retreat, the Bridgettine Sisters will share in our prayer, conversations, and daily life, offering the witness of a religious community that continues the spiritual legacy of their foundress. There will also be generous time for personal prayer, quiet reflection, spiritual conversation, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of the island while allowing the Lord to speak in the silence.
Fr. Dailey has worked closely with the Bridgettine Sisters in Ohio, supporting their mission to establish a chapel dedicated to Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, and healing silence. His conferences and spiritual guidance encourage pilgrims to step away from the distractions of everyday life and encounter Christ through the sacramental life of the Church. Those who have made a pilgrimage with Fr. Dailey often speak of his pastoral warmth, thoughtful teaching, and unwavering focus on leading souls closer to Our Lord.
Pilgrimage Highlights
- Spend five nights on a private island retreat at the historic Franciscan monastery on the island of Badija.
- During your five-night retreat on the island of Badija, begin each day with inspiring morning retreat conferences led by Fr. Stash Dailey.
- Celebrate daily Holy Mass and participate in spiritual reflections led by Fr. Stash Dailey.
- Be accompanied throughout the pilgrimage by two Bridgettine Sisters, sharing in their witness of faith and religious life.
- Spend five nights in Medjugorje, immersed in pilgrimage, prayer, and the parish’s evening program. Spend an afternoon in the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Visit the Church of St. Blaise, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, enjoy lunch in the Old Town, and explore the marble streets, historic landmarks, shops, and cafés of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Celebrate daily Holy Mass and participate in the parish’s evening prayer program at St. James Church, including the Rosary, Holy Mass, and, depending on the day, Eucharistic Adoration or Veneration of the Holy Cross.
- Climb Apparition Hill (Podbrdo) and Cross Mountain (Mount Križevac), Medjugorje’s two most significant places of prayer and pilgrimage.
- Journey with an exceptional local guide who has lived in a nearby village since the earliest days of the reported apparitions, sharing firsthand stories, history, and spiritual insights.
- Visit Široki Brijeg and the Franciscan Monastery and Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where you’ll learn the inspiring story of the Martyrs of Široki Brijeg.
- Visit the historic city of Mostar, where you’ll visit the Franciscan Church and Monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, and cross the iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most).
- Pray at St. Elijah Church in Tihaljina, where Fr. Jozo Zovko faithfully served after his imprisonment, and venerate the beautiful statue of Our Lady of Grace.
- Visit the Shrine of the Croatian Martyrs in Udbina, one of Croatia’s most significant modern pilgrimage sites, honoring those who gave their lives for the Catholic faith.
- Visit the Shrine of St. Anthony in Humac, home to one of the oldest Franciscan monasteries in Bosnia and Herzegovina and an important center of Catholic life.
- Experience the hospitality of Herzegovina with a guided visit and wine tasting at the family-owned winery, where traditional viticulture and the region’s unique terroir produce some of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s finest wines.
- Enjoy a memorable lunch at a beautiful riverside restaurant, where you can experience the warm hospitality and traditional cuisine of Herzegovina.
- Meet members of the local community whose lives have been transformed by Medjugorje, offering a deeper understanding of the village’s enduring spiritual impact.
- Enjoy free time for personal prayer, shopping, quiet reflection, and exploring the village of Medjugorje at your own pace.
- A peaceful, unhurried retreat-style pilgrimage
Pilgrimage Overview
Day 1: WED Jun 16, 2027
Arrive in Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Mass, Adoration, prayer time, and retreat talks led by Father Stash Dailey.
There will also be opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around the Island of Badija (an easy three-mile walk), and time for personal prayer and reflection.
Dinner Included
Day 2: THU Jun 17, 2027
Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Holy Mass, Adoration, prayer, retreat talks led by Father Stash Dailey, and time with two Bridgettine Sisters. There will also be time to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the island, with opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around Badija’s easy three-mile path, personal prayer and reflection, and conversation, learning, and sharing with fellow pilgrims—which often becomes one of the unexpected delights of the pilgrimage.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
Day 3: FRI Jun 18 2027
Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Holy Mass, Adoration, prayer, retreat talks led by Father Stash Dailey, and time with two Bridgettine Sisters. There will also be time to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the island, with opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around Badija’s easy three-mile path, personal prayer and reflection, and conversation, learning, and sharing with fellow pilgrims—which often becomes one of the unexpected delights of the pilgrimage.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
Day 4: SAT Jun 19, 2027
Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Holy Mass, Adoration, prayer, retreat talks led by Father Stash Dailey, and time with two Bridgettine Sisters. There will also be time to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the island, with opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around Badija’s easy three-mile path, personal prayer and reflection, and conversation, learning, and sharing with fellow pilgrims—which often becomes one of the unexpected delights of the pilgrimage.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.
Day 5: SUN Jun 20, 2027
Badija
Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Holy Mass, Adoration, prayer, retreat talks led by Father Stash Dailey, and time with two Bridgettine Sisters. There will also be time to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the island, with opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around Badija’s easy three-mile path, personal prayer and reflection, and conversation, learning, and sharing with fellow pilgrims—which often becomes one of the unexpected delights of the pilgrimage.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 6: MON Jun 21, 2027
Badija-Medjugorje
After Holy Mass and breakfast, we will depart the Island of Badija by private boat for the short seven-minute ride to the nearby island of Korčula. From there, we will board a large fast catamaran to Dubrovnik, with onboard restrooms and a coffee bar offering drinks and snacks for purchase.
Upon arrival at the port in Dubrovnik, we will be met by our private motorcoach and transferred to the Old Town. Here, we will have several hours to visit the Church of St. Blaise, the Cathedral of the Assumption, and the historic streets and squares of this beautiful walled city. There will also be time to enjoy lunch on your own, browse the outdoor market, and shop for local goods and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, we will board our private motorcoach and continue to Medjugorje, arriving in time for dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner Included.
Day 7: TUE Jun 22, 2027
Medjugorje
During our time in Medjugorje, we will be present for both significant anniversary days: June 24, the day Our Lady is said to have first appeared to the children, and June 25, the day she first spoke to them. These days will be especially meaningful as we join pilgrims from around the world in prayer, remembrance, and thanksgiving.
Our days in Medjugorje will be centered around prayer, reflection, and the spiritual life of the village. Each day will include time for Holy Mass, participation in the parish prayer program at St. James Church, and opportunities for Confession, Adoration, the Rosary, and quiet personal prayer.
During our stay, we will visit the most important prayer sites in and around Medjugorje, including Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, the Risen Christ Statue, the Blue Cross, and the Cenacolo Community. We will also visit important places in the surrounding region, including the Široki Brijeg Franciscan Monastery and Martyrs’ Shrine, St. Elijah Church in Tihaljina, Mostar, the Kravica Waterfalls, and a local Herzegovinian winery.
Our time will also include lunch in a historic local cottage, an important and memorable place connected to the region’s faith, culture, and history. These days will also include meetings with visionaries, the Pope’s representative in Medjugorje, local witnesses, and others who will help us better understand the history, message, and spiritual fruit of Medjugorje.
Because some meetings and special opportunities can only be confirmed close to our arrival, the final daily schedule for Medjugorje will be provided shortly before or during the pilgrimage. This flexibility allows us to make the most of the unique opportunities available during our time there.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.
Day 8: WED Jun 23, 2027
Medjugorje
Our days in Medjugorje will be centered around prayer, reflection, and the spiritual life of the village. Each day will include time for Holy Mass, participation in the parish prayer program at St. James Church, and opportunities for Confession, Adoration, the Rosary, and quiet personal prayer.
During our stay, we will visit the most important prayer sites in and around Medjugorje, including Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, the Risen Christ Statue, the Blue Cross, and the Cenacolo Community. We will also visit important places in the surrounding region, including the Široki Brijeg Franciscan Monastery and Martyrs’ Shrine, St. Elijah Church in Tihaljina, Mostar, the Kravica Waterfalls, and a local Herzegovinian winery.
Our time will also include lunch in a historic local cottage, an important and memorable place connected to the region’s faith, culture, and history. These days will also include meetings with visionaries, the Pope’s representative in Medjugorje, local witnesses, and others who will help us better understand the history, message, and spiritual fruit of Medjugorje.
Because some meetings and special opportunities can only be confirmed close to our arrival, the final daily schedule for Medjugorje will be provided shortly before or during the pilgrimage. This flexibility allows us to make the most of the unique opportunities available during our time there
Breakfast and Dinner Included.
Day 9: THU Jun 24, 2027
Medjugorje
Our days in Medjugorje will be centered around prayer, reflection, and the spiritual life of the village. Each day will include time for Holy Mass, participation in the parish prayer program at St. James Church, and opportunities for Confession, Adoration, the Rosary, and quiet personal prayer.
Our time will also include lunch in a historic local cottage, an important and memorable place connected to the region’s faith, culture, and history. These days will also include meetings with visionaries, the Pope’s representative in Medjugorje, local witnesses, and others who will help us better understand the history, message, and spiritual fruit of Medjugorje.
Because some meetings and special opportunities can only be confirmed close to our arrival, the final daily schedule for Medjugorje will be provided shortly before or during the pilgrimage. This flexibility allows us to make the most of the unique opportunities available during our time there
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 10: FRI Jun 25 2027
Medjugorje
During our time in Medjugorje, we will be present for both significant anniversary days: June 24, the day Our Lady is said to have first appeared to the children, and June 25, the day she first spoke to them. These days will be especially meaningful as we join pilgrims from around the world in prayer, remembrance, and thanksgiving.
Our days in Medjugorje will be centered around prayer, reflection, and the spiritual life of the village. Each day will include time for Holy Mass, participation in the parish prayer program at St. James Church, and opportunities for Confession, Adoration, the Rosary, and quiet personal prayer. During our stay, we will visit the most important prayer sites in and around Medjugorje, including Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, the Risen Christ Statue, the Blue Cross, and the Cenacolo Community. We will also visit important places in the surrounding region, including the Široki Brijeg Franciscan Monastery and Martyrs’ Shrine, St. Elijah Church in Tihaljina, Mostar, the Kravica Waterfalls, and a local Herzegovinian winery.
Our time will also include lunch in a historic local cottage, an important and memorable place connected to the region’s faith, culture, and history. These days will also include meetings with visionaries, the Pope’s representative in Medjugorje, local witnesses, and others who will help us better understand the history, message, and spiritual fruit of Medjugorje.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 11: SAT Jul 26, 2027
Arrivederci! Until we meet again…
After breakfast, 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 Mystical Visions of St. Bridget: Island Retreat & Medjugorje Pilgrimage.
Arrival Information:
- Airport: St. Jerome Airport (SPU)
- Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2027 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
- Flight Arrival Time: Before 1:00 PM (Local Time). This arrival time allows approximately 1/2 hour to 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. ITVP will provide clear guidance and practical instructions to assist the Participant in making these arrangements, so they are not left to figure it out on their own. Traveling to the island independently is not difficult when provided with the proper instructions; however, ITVP staff and the group must depart as scheduled, and the group transfer will not be delayed due to flight delays, baggage delays, or other travel disruptions.
If unexpected travel delays occur, our staff will do our best to guide you with clear nextsteps so you can reach the island safely and with confidence.
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 provide clear instructions and the contact information for our trusted private driver, who can meet you at the airport as you exit the secured area. The cost is typically comparable to a taxi.
Departure Information:
- Airport: St. Jerome Airport (SPU)
- Date: Sunday, June 26, 2027 (Day 11 of the pilgrimage)
- Flight Departure Time: After 8:00 AM (Local Time)
- Transfer: Group transfer from the hotel in Medjugorie to the airport
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 for the pilgrimage. you register.
If you would like to get an idea of the cost and availability of flights, we suggest checking Google Flights as a helpful and simple tool for initial research.