Join Father John on a 10 day, 8 night pilgrimage to Germany and Austria, from July 17 to July 26, 2010, including a Oberammergau Passion Play ticket on Thursday, July 22, 2010.

Our pilgrimage includes, in addition to the Passion Play, the great Bavarian capital of Munich; the romantic and amazing Neuschwanstein Castle built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Mozart’s city of  Salzburg, the alpine city of Innsbruck and lovely, cosmopolitan Vienna in Austria.  Full day-by-day itinerary will be available by August 2009.

Don’t be disappointed!  Demand for the Oberammergau Passion Play is extremely high.  We lost our first performance date of July 2, 2010.  Your deposit of only $150 per person NOW reserves your ticket to the Oberammergau Passion Play performance on Thursday, July 22, 2010.  Your deposit is fully refundable less a $25 administration fee until April 2009.  Because of the high demand the deposit/reservation deadline is December 31, 2008.

Brief History of the Oberammergau Passion Play

The first Passion Play took place in a meadow in 1634 with the parts played by local villagers. The deadly and contagious disease known as the Black Plague had broken out in Europe, but one town in the south of Germany escaped: Oberammergau. The townspeople of Oberammergau made a vow that if they were spared, they would give a play about the “Passion of Christ” every ten years.  The fact that they were saved remains one of the most amazing mysteries in history.  The tradition remains to this day, with all of the roles played by locals.  The last performances were held in the Great Jubilee Year 2000 to sold out crowds from all over the world.  Now preparations are in full swing for 2010!  The play is an 8 hour event performed into the evening:  Part 1 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Part 2 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with dinner served during the intermission. Like an opera, it is in German with English playbills.

The village Oberammergau is a fantastic tourist destination every year. It has breath-taking alpine scenery, a clear, healthy climate, excellent food, comfortable accommodations, lovely paths for strolling, outdoor cafes, wine cellars, cultural events such as concerts and opera performances.