To fulfill our Institute’s educational, social and recreational charter, we inaugurated a trip to Italy in April 2004. A group of 25 travelers visited Rome, Orvieto, Pienza and Florence. The focus was to explore the history, art and culture associated with the 16th century founder of the Oratory, Philip Neri. We intended to continue this work. In 2006, our trip was:

The Oratories of Spain / October 1-11, 2006 /
This trip will allow us to visit remarkable cities in Spain with oratories, some of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. We will visit Madrid (Alcala de Henares), Barcelona and Seville. These diverse locations will allow us to plan an itinerary filled with the spirit of the country and how Philip Neri’s spirit grew there. Plan ahead! Here is a working itinerary:

October 1 — Depart New York for Spain.

October 2 — Arrival Barcelona. Transfer from Airport to Superior Four-Star hotel. Welcome dinner. Overnight Barcelona.

October 3 — Full day guided sightseeing. Morning tour of Gothic quarter with visit to the Cathedral, Synagogue, Jewish Quarter, Oratory of San Felipe, Gaudi architecture. City bus tour. Overnight in Barcelona.

October 4 — Excursion to Monserrat and St. Ignatius Loyola's Manresa with local guides. Return to second Barcelona Oratory, Calle del Sol. Overnight Barcelona.

October 5 — At leisure. Overnight Barcelona.

October 6 — Travel to Alcala de Henares (outside of Madrid) home of Cervantes. Mass at Oratory. Dinner and overnight in Alcala.

October 7 — Day excursion to Madrid. Guided visit to city. Free afternoon.

October 8 — Morning in Alcala and travel to Seville. Dinner and overnight in Seville.

October 9 — Morning guided visit to Cathedral, Alcazar, Barrio Santa Cruz and visit to Oratories.

October 10 — Day of Leisure in Seville. Optional day trip to Cordoba. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Seville.

October 11 — Transfer to Seville for return flight to New York.