2 spaces available
$2500 per person
In honor of the Order of the Black Madonna’s Magdalene Year 2024, the Temple is making a pilgrimage from May 22-29 to the south of France for the festival of Sara-la-Kali in Ste-Marie-de-la-Mer, followed by a tour of the Magdalene sites near Marseilles. Our group will land in the Camargue to join in the celebration of Sara-la-Kali, the Miraculous Mother of the Romani people. After participating in her famous rituals, including bathing the statue in the sea, we will journey onward to see the Sainte-Baume Cave and Grotto, honoring the mystical presence of Mary Magdalene.
Do you hear the call to join us?
Arrive Marseille
May 22: When you arrive at the Marseille Provence Airport, you will meet the group and make the short journey to our home away from home in the Camargue. Famous throughout the world for its pink flamingos, the Camargue is a diverse area of reed beds, sandy beaches and salt marshes. Upon arrival, we will have dinner and rest after our day of travel, so that we can be ready for the festivities of Ste-Marie-de-la-Mer the next day.
Sara-la-Kali
May 23-26: Sara-la-Kali holds significant cultural and spiritual importance among the Romani people. She represents a complex blend of ancient goddess worship and Christian influences, associated with protection, fertility, and the well-being of the Romani community. Pilgrimages to her shrine in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are a testament to her enduring significance. Romani communities from various parts of the world come to celebrate their shared identity and pay homage to Sara la Kali not only in the religious and spiritual context but also in fostering a sense of unity, tradition, and cultural continuity among the dispersed Romani people.
To the Sea
May 24: On this day Sara-la-Kali is ceremoniously taken to the ocean. Prior to this, within the Church, the reliquaries housing her relics are gradually lowered from the "High Chapel" using a winch, accompanied by songs and praises. The Romani carry the statue of Sara-la-Kali to the beach and wash her in the sea, symbolizing the anticipation and welcome of Saints Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome.
The Two Marys
May 25: After the morning's reverent mass, the craft bearing statues of the Two Marys proceeds to the sea, escorted by a diverse assembly of Romani and non-Romani pilgrims, horseback-riding ranchers, and Arlésienne girls in traditional attire. The carriers wade into the sea, symbolically marking the arrival of Saints Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome. From aboard one of the traditional fishing boats, the Bishop imparts blessings upon the sea, the region, and the pilgrims. The joyous procession returns to the Church amid cheers, accompanied by musical instruments and ringing bells.
Sainte-Baume
May 26-28: After the incomparable experience of being present for the incredible devotional events in Ste-Marie-de-la-Mer, our group will adjourn to Marseille. On May 27 we will visit the Basilica de Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume to visit the reliquary skull of Mary Magdalene, and the Sainte-Baume Cave, where her relics were found. On May 28 we will tour Marseille’s famous Le Panier district. During these two days, we will hold nightly candle-lighting ceremonies and devotionals to connect with the wisdom and spirit of the Magdalene within.
Fly Away Home
May 29: Our time in France will come to an end on May 29, when you are dropped off at the Marseille Provence Airport to depart for home or onward journeys.
Reverent Healing
For many Goddess women, there is a painful divide between the beloved Virgin Mary and the Goddess. During this tour, we will actively create pathways of reverence and healing that acknowledge the emotional complexity of embracing the Blessed Virgin while rejecting patriarchal religious trappings. This trip is designed to help us find a creative third path that allows for our heart devotion and our freedom to coexist.
Special Pricing for 2 or more trips!
If, in addition to the Magdalene Tour, you also book the Mt Shasta Goddess Temple’s Moura Encantada trip to Portugal from May 9-19, or the Rose of Thrace Tour of Bulgaria from May 29-June 5, you will receive a discount on your trip fee. Make the magic last a little longer by extending your tour with us!
Lodging
Prices for this trip are based on single occupancy for each room, with a total of 3 guests plus Priestess Yeshe.
Meals
Your trip fee includes breakfast daily. Every day, breakfast options will be provided including cereal, milk, yogurt, vegan options, eggs, toast, coffee, tea, and fruit.
Lunch and dinner will typically occur while we are out sightseeing, with each person taking responsibility for paying for two group meals.
If you have special needs related to food, such as gluten intolerance or allergies, please let us know so that we can support you in preparing for a happy, healthy journey.
Price Details
The price for this trip is $2500 per person. If you'd like to book, please see below.
Inclusions
pick-up at Marseille Provence International Airport on May 22, drop off on May 29
breakfast each day
lodging in a personal or shared room (please inquire about shared room option)
ground transportation to all sites and activities
Divination for each guest
Luncheon on our day touring Mary Magdalene’s sites
Rituals and ceremonies
goodie bag with items to support your Magdalene journey
pre-trip planning assistance
Exclusions
flights to and from Marseille
lunch and dinner expenses (estimate $200)
admission to any additional sites or events
spending money
Personal expenses- laundry, toiletries, offerings at sacred sites.
If you are interested in booking your space on this journey, an application and a $500 non-refundable deposit are required. Please use the button below to apply for this trip and schedule your deposit meeting with Priestess Yeshe.