In Friday’s RNS report, Mary Radigan looks at how companies are responding to the increased interest in spiritual tours: Tom and Geri Kartes are about to become pilgrims. They plan to take a lot of photos and record the experience when they go on a faith-based trip to Italy and Bosnia in May. The Grand Rapids couple will visit the Vatican, as well as religious sites in Monte Ste. Angelo, Loreto and Lanciano. In Bosnia, the city of Medjugorje holds a place where the Blessed Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to children every day since 1981. Their goal is to join a growing niche in the travel industry by developing programs and trips for those interested in religious-themed tours and vacations. Launching their own business, they want to jump onto the growing interest in faith-based excursions.
Suzanne Popadin reports on bread with heavenly credentials: A chain letter. Yes. A chain e-mail. Sure. But chain bread? This most unlikely pass-along commodity is said to have begun in an equally unlikely place-the Vatican. But while it may be unlikely, it’s probably lucky. If you’re going to eat something that’s been kicking around for a long time, a celestial component can only be a good thing. The foodstuff in question is called The Holy Bread of Padre Pio. Once given, the rules say, it can’t be refused, and participation is a once-in-a-lifetime undertaking. It is said to bring good luck to those who eat it.
