The Crown of Mary
Montserrat Pilgrimage
with Kyle Gray
5-8 February, 2027
Montserrat, Spain, is one of the most ancient and sacred places of devotion to Mother Mary in the world. Rising high above the landscape of Catalonia, near Barcelona, this extraordinary mountain has been a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and mysticism for more than a thousand years.
For centuries, pilgrims from around the globe have journeyed up the mountain to pray before Our Lady of Montserrat, the beloved Black Madonna known locally as La Moreneta. Enshrined within the 1,000-year-old Benedictine monastery, she has become a symbol of the loving presence, protection, and guidance of Mother Mary.
According to tradition, in the year 880, the sacred image of Our Lady of Montserrat was discovered when a mysterious light was seen shining from a cave. Following the light, the local people discovered the Santa Cova (the Sacred Cave), where an image of the Black Madonna was found.
Recovering this sacred image, the people discovered that as they tried to bring her down the mountain, she became heavier and heavier — a sign that she wanted to remain on the mountain. In response, a place of prayer and devotion was established in her honour, and the sacred cave became a chapel visited by pilgrims from around the world.
Journey to Montserrat, experience the Black Madonna, and open yourself up to the care, guidance, and protection of The Blessed Mother Mary.
Is Mary Calling You?
Going on pilgrimage gives us the opportunity to disconnect from the noise of the world and create space in our hearts for clarity, guidance, healing, and even transformation.
Sometimes having a meditation practice, a prayer life, or a spiritual devotion isn't enough. Sometimes we feel called to journey somewhere sacred, where the experience itself becomes part of the shift we're seeking.
Montserrat offers a potent opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life and journey into the presence of Mother Mary. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have climbed this sacred mountain to seek her guidance, place their prayers before her, and open themselves to the grace, counsel, comfort, and protection of the Divine Mother.
During the crucifixion, Jesus presented His mother to the world. And so Mary became a spiritual mother figure for anyone who feels called to her, regardless of their spiritual or religious background.
If you feel called to connect with Mother Mary, it's because her love can support you on your journey. Montserrat is one of the physical places on Earth where you can intentionally step away from the world, enter into stillness, and create the space to listen for the wisdom and guidance she is personally offering you in your life.
Schedule
Friday 5th February
Encountering Mary
Your pilgrimage begins from the moment we meet at Barcelona Airport. From there, we'll journey together by private coach into the mountains of Catalonia, arriving at Montserrat — the sacred mountain that will be our home for the next three nights.
When we arrive, you'll have time to explore the surroundings, take in the incredible landscape, and begin connecting with the energy of this sacred place.
Together, we'll explore the mystery of Mother Mary, her love, care, and protection, and how we can embody more of her qualities in our own lives. Through meditation, contemplation, and prayer, we'll prepare our hearts for our first encounter with Our Lady of Montserrat.
That evening, our opening session will lead us directly into our first journey to the Black Madonna. We'll come before the sacred image that, for centuries, pilgrims have journeyed to Montserrat to experience, opening ourselves to Mary's presence and to whatever this pilgrimage is ready to reveal.
Saturday 6th February
The Protection of Mary
Our second day is dedicated to experiencing Mother Mary as a source of protection and guidance, and releasing anything that may be standing between us and our freedom.
After breakfast, we'll journey down the mountain to the Santa Cova, the Sacred Cave where, according to tradition, the image of Our Lady of Montserrat was first discovered. Along the way, we'll reflect on Mary as our Divine Mother before gathering in the cave for prayer, meditation, and the lighting of candles.
Later, we'll draw inspiration from St. Ignatius of Loyola, who came to Montserrat as a warrior and famously laid down his sword before the Black Madonna, marking a turning point in his life.
And we'll ask ourselves the question, what sword am I ready to lay down?
That evening, we'll return to the Black Madonna and place before her anything we are ready to release, entrusting ourselves to Mary's protection and care.
After dinner, we'll experience a spectacular light and sound show within the monastery, bringing our day to a beautiful close.
Sunday 7th February
The Miracles of Mary
Our final full day is dedicated to opening ourselves to the healing, blessings, and grace of Mother Mary.
In the morning, we'll return to the Black Madonna for a final encounter. Having answered Mary's call and laid down what we are ready to release, this time we'll come ready to receive — bringing forward our prayers, intentions, and anything in our lives that is calling for healing or Divine intervention.
At 11am, we'll attend Sunday Mass in the Basilica of Montserrat, where the world-famous Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir traditionally sings as part of the Sunday liturgy. Following Mass, we'll have the opportunity to hear the choir sing the Salve Regina and Virolai — one of Montserrat's most cherished traditions.
The afternoon will offer space for personal reflection, exploring the monastery and mountain, journaling, or simply allowing everything we've experienced to settle.
That evening, we'll gather for our closing 'Crowning of Mary' ceremony.
Together, we'll honour Mary as Queen of the Angels and crown her as a symbol of our love and devotion, bringing our pilgrimage to a beautiful close.
Monday 8th February
Breakfast & Departures
After breakfast and a final morning on the mountain, we'll check out of our hotel and say goodbye to Montserrat.
At 10 am, our private coach will depart from the monastery and take us back to Barcelona Airport for our onward journeys home.
As you leave the mountain, we invite you to carry with you the blessings, prayers, and connection with Mother Mary that have unfolded throughout our pilgrimage.
A Small & Intimate Pilgrimage
This pilgrimage has been intentionally designed as a curated experience so that every participant has the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the journey.
We have just 40 rooms available within the monastery at Montserrat, with a combination of single occupancy rooms and shared twin rooms available.
The investment for this pilgrimage is £2,049 per person, based on single occupancy and including three nights of full-board accommodation.
For those travelling with a friend, partner, or family member, a shared twin room supplement of £1,600 can be added at checkout. Please note that, in keeping with the traditional monastery accommodation, shared rooms have twin beds.
If you feel called to join us, we encourage you to reserve your place as soon as possible. Once all 40 rooms have been allocated, registration for this pilgrimage will close.
What's Included
3 days of guided pilgrimage with Kyle Gray which includes daily teachings, meditations, and spiritual guidance throughout the pilgrimage.
3-night stay within the monastery at Montserrat, with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Private return coach transfers from Barcelona Airport to Montserrat.
A live online welcome and preparation session before departure.
Pilgrimage resources and preparation materials to help you arrive spiritually ready.
Reserved timed access to Our Lady of Montserrat, the Black Madonna, along with a pilgrimage to the Santa Cova, the Sacred Cave of Montserrat.
Sunday Mass in the Basilica of Montserrat, where the world-famous Escolania boys' choir traditionally sings.
An immersive light and sound experience within the monastery.
A special 'Crowning of Mary' ceremony.
Exclusive Pilgrim Welcome Pack, including pilgrimage gifts and resources created especially for your journey.
Time for personal prayer, reflection, and exploration.
A curated pilgrimage limited to a maximum of 60 participants.
Helpful Information
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Accommodation: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night accommodation in either a single room, or twin-sharing is included.
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Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with one final breakfast Monday before we depart.
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Walking: Please be prepared for a walking-based pilgrimage, including pathways and inclines around the mountain.
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Weather: February on Montserrat can be cold, particularly in the mornings and evenings, so warm layers and suitable footwear are essential.
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Travel: Flights are not included. Return coach transfers are included.
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Support: Kieran will be your main point of contact throughout the pilgrimage.
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Barcelona Airport (BCN) is served by regular direct flights from major UK, European, and international airports. Please ensure your flight arrives in sufficient time to meet our 12pm group coach departure on Friday 5 February.
- For your return journey, our group coach will leave Montserrat at 10am on Monday 8 February, travelling directly to Barcelona Airport. Please allow sufficient time for check-in and security when choosing your return flight.
- All bookings are non-refundable once confirmed. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances. If you are no longer able to attend and notify us more than 30 days before 5 February, we will make every reasonable effort to fill your place. If we are successful, we will refund your booking less any costs already incurred. Please note that we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fill your place, and if we are unable to do so, no refund will be available.
Staying on the sacred mountain...
Montserrat becomes our home.
For three nights, Montserrat itself will become our home.
We'll be staying at Hotel Abat Cisneros, situated within the monastery complex at Montserrat, allowing us to experience the mountain after the day visitors have departed and to fully immerse ourselves in the rhythm and atmosphere of this sacred place.
In keeping with the spirit of Montserrat, the accommodation is traditional, comfortable, and simple — giving us the unique experience of living alongside a working Benedictine monastery for the duration of our pilgrimage.
When night falls and the visitors leave, Montserrat becomes beautifully still. You'll be surrounded by the silence of the mountain, broken only by the sound of the monastery bells — creating a rare opportunity for contemplation, prayer, and deep inner stillness.
Our stay is full board, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, allowing you to relax fully into the pilgrimage without having to leave the mountain.
Save Your Space!
Places are limited, so save your space now.
If you are adding a second guest, you can do so at checkout.
Cancellation Policy
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
Due to the nature of this pilgrimage, accommodation and associated costs are committed well in advance and are non-refundable.
If you are no longer able to attend and notify us more than 30 days before 5 February, we will make every reasonable effort to fill your place. If we are successful, we will refund your booking less any costs already incurred.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fill your place, and if we are unable to do so, no refund will be available.
We strongly recommend that all pilgrims take out comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation cover, at the time of booking.
Why I'm Leading This Pilgrimage
I'm Kyle Gray, a Sunday Times bestselling author and spiritual teacher, and for more than 23 years I've been dedicated to making spirituality accessible, practical, and deeply personal.
My relationship with Mother Mary began when I was just four years old. During a difficult season in my family's life, after recovering from paralysis and while my beloved grandmother was dying in hospital, a neighbour took me to a Catholic church. Together, we lit a candle before a statue of Mother Mary and prayed for my grandmother.
Although I grew up in a Protestant family, something about Mary stayed with me. I couldn't explain it then, but I carried a fascination with her throughout my life and into my spiritual work.
Years later, after my own mother passed away, Mary appeared to me in a dream and said, "I'll be your mother now." That moment changed everything.
It opened the door to a profound new chapter in my spiritual life, eventually leading me to the Catholic faith while also deepening the mystical path I had already been walking for many years.
Today, I consider myself both Catholic and mystical. My spiritual life brings together personal spiritual experience, theology, mysticism, prayer, meditation, and tradition. I don't see these as separate paths, but as different ways of entering more deeply into the mystery of the Divine.
And through it all, Mary has become a deeply personal spiritual presence in my life — a source of love, guidance, and protection who has supported me through some of life's greatest challenges and transformed my relationship with Christ in ways I could never have imagined.
FAQs
What's included in my booking?
Are airport transfers included?
Is the pilgrimage accessible?
Is my booking refundable?
How will we get around during the weekend?
What time is hotel check-in and check-out?
Can I book extra nights at the hotel?
Can I bring a partner or friend?
Who do I contact if I'm delayed or unable to attend?
What is the weather like in Montserrat?
What is the elevation in Montserrat?
Do I need to be Catholic or religious to attend?
Can I attend mass during the trip?
How much walking is involved?
Do I need to take part in every activity?
What should I pack?
Are meals included?
Will there be free time?
Is travel insurance recommended?
Working Schedule of the Montserrat Pilgrimage
Below is our current working schedule for the Montserrat Pilgrimage, taking place from 5–8 February 2027.
Please note that this itinerary is intended as a guide, and some timings and activities may be refined as we get closer to the pilgrimage. Should any significant changes be made, we'll let you know in advance.
Sunday 7 February
The Miracles of Mary
Breakfast
Morning: The Miracles of Mary
A morning reflection on healing, grace, and divine intervention, and the many generations of pilgrims who have journeyed to Montserrat seeking the intercession of Our Lady.
We'll return to the Black Madonna, bringing our prayers and intentions before Mary and opening ourselves to the healing, blessings, and grace we are ready to receive.
11:00am
Sunday Mass in the Basilica
Together we'll attend Sunday Mass in the Basilica of Montserrat, where the world-famous Escolania boys' choir traditionally sings.
Afternoon
Free time for rest, personal prayer, reflection, and exploring Montserrat at your own pace.
Dinner
Evening: The Crowning of Mary & Closing Ceremony
Together we'll honour Our Lady and crown Mary as Queen of the Angels, entrusting ourselves, our loved ones, and the prayers we've carried to Montserrat into her loving care.
A beautiful closing to our pilgrimage and our final evening together on the mountain.
Monday 8 February
Breakfast
Time to enjoy our final morning on Montserrat.
Check-out
10:00am
Our private coach departs Montserrat for Barcelona Airport, bringing our pilgrimage together to a close.
