Women's pilgrimages
Pilgrimages that are not only journeys, but an opportunity for rest, spiritual renewal, education, empowerment, and encountering God through the intercession of the saints. Through their lives, they testify how suffering, weakness, and inner turmoil can become a source of transformation into joy, strength, and peace.
"I understand that you love your country and your people, and that despite these ties you impatiently await the moment to cross lands and seas – to go far away – because you are spurred on by a longing for the harvest", writes St. Josemaría Escrivá in his book The Way. He continues, speaking of women on the journey and the apostolate: "I pray to God that, if any woman reads this, she may be filled with a holy envy, full of effectiveness. Woman is stronger and more faithful than man in the hour of suffering: Mary of Magdala and Mary Cleophas and Salome! What a work for souls could be done in the world with a group of valiant women like these, closely united to Our Lady of Sorrows!"
The words of St. Josemaría inspired this story – a pilgrimage for women ready for the harvest and the apostolate of goodness, united by a preparatory novena to Our Lady of Sorrows. Uniting ourselves with Our Lady's sorrows, recognizing our own, and seeking her intercession, we set out on our pilgrimage exactly on the anniversary of the Medjugorje apparitions.
The destinations, tours, and accommodations are a blend of monastic silence, nature, and modern lodging, the scent of Italian croissants and coffee, all with a touch of the priceless legacy of holiness.
Lucca – Assisi – Cascia: On the path of saints who teach inner strength
Elena Guerra • Gemma Galgani • Zita of Lucca • Clare of Assisi • Jacoba of Rome • Angela of Foligno • Rita of Cascia
Women's pilgrimage and education – six days / four nights in Italy. Walking in the footsteps of female saints who, through suffering, faith, and love, fulfilled their mission and became role models for women across all times. The spiritual aspect of the program will be accompanied by an educational one; exploring topics of personal development and the discovery of talents with educator Ivona Zgrabljić.
In collaboration with the agency Stay With Martha
- Departure
- June 25th, 2026.
- Duration
- 6 days / 4 nights with half board
- Price
- 680 EUR / person
- Route
- Mostar → Dugopolje → Rijeka → Lucca → Assisi → Cascia
Itinerary by days (A detailed itinerary will be sent a few days before departure to protect its content; for any inquiries, please contact us via email).
Departure from Mostar in the early morning hours. Driving through Dugopolje, Rijeka, and Zagreb with boarding along the way. Arrival in Lucca in the late evening. Accommodation in an old, hidden monastery on top of a hill. Check-in. Dinner. Prayer. Rest.
*The pilgrimage itinerary is subject to change for the well-being of the pilgrims.
The pilgrimage price includes:
· Travel by a high-class tourist bus on the route Mostar – Dugopolje – Rijeka – Lucca – Assisi – Cascia – Mostar
· Accommodation in Lucca, two nights with half board
· Accommodation in Assisi, two nights in a 3-star hotel with half board
· Tourist taxes and travel insurance
· Entrance fees and local spiritual guidance when visiting specific sites
· Expert and spiritual guidance
· Educational materials and training sessions with Ivona Zgrabljić, an ID coach for personal, career, and organizational development
· Working materials
Ivona Zgrabljić
Certified talent coach (Gallup Strengths Finder coach)
Ivona is a wife and a mother of three, a certified talent coach (*Gallup Strengths Finder coach*) with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and organizations.
She is the founder of Edukator Kreator and the creator of the EDUKATOR ID model – an approach that helps individuals discover themselves, their talents, and their values, enabling them to live in harmony with their identity.
She serves as the president of the Talent4You talent development center, whose work is deeply rooted in Catholic anthropology – understanding the human person as a beloved child of God who carries within both gifts and a calling. Through the Talent4You programs, more than 2,000 individuals – including the lay faithful, communities, seminarians, and priests – have gone through the process of discovering their talents, growing in their identity, and more clearly recognizing their path in life.
She is the author of the socially responsible program Virtograd, designed to develop talents in children, as well as picture books, manuals, a children's novel, and songs that help children discover their inherent worth and gifts.
Through her own personal journey, she rediscovered her musical talent and released a singer-songwriter album, Izgubljeno / Nađeno (Lost / Found), as a testimony of returning to a once-buried gift.
She believes that true fulfillment is found not merely in discovering our talents, but in living them out and using them to serve others in love – because we have received these gifts to glorify God's name and for the total gift of self.
What awaits us at the workshops?
- ✓Accepting ourselves and building the courage for new steps in life
- ✓Discovering personal talents and hidden potential
- ✓Recognizing our own strengths through faith and personal development
- ✓Getting to know the human side of the female saints
- ✓How to transform suffering and weakness into strength – a blend of spirituality and practical action