^{FACADE OF THE BASILICA DELLA SANTA CASA: The Basilica of the Holy House enshrines the Holy House of Nazareth in Loreto, Italy. (Photo Credit: Marissa Romero)}

Written by Marissa Romero

The term “Holy House” refers to the place where it is believed that Mary accepted her role, as designed by God the Father, to become the Blessed Mother of His Son, Jesus.

When Mary responded to the Angel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), God received from Mary the supreme response of faith.

And after her fiat, her yes, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

According to tradition, this very Holy House of Nazareth miraculously arrived in Loreto, Italy, on December 10, 1294, and the Basilica of the Holy House of Mary in Loreto was built (1469-1587) around it to protect and venerate it.

Consequently, the Catholic Church celebrates on that date the Feast Day of Our Lady of Loreto, honoring the Holy House of Nazareth, where the Word of God was made flesh for the salvation of the human family.

Moreover, since December 10 falls within the Advent season, it further encourages the faithful to meditate on the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Lord.

Two accounts offer the story of the translation of the Holy House from Nazareth to Loreto.

First Version

The first devout narrative describes angels carrying the Holy House to Loreto.

Based on this belief, Pope Benedict XV in 1920 proclaimed Our Lady of Loreto the patroness of aviators and air travelers.

However, he connected this proclamation not only to the flight of the Holy House to Loreto by angels, but also to the flight of the Angel Gabriel to the Holy House of Nazareth to deliver the Annunciation message to Mary.

Pope Francis declared the Jubilee Year of Loreto (2019-2021), marking the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of Our Lady of Loreto as the patroness of aviation in 2020, and in reference to the Holy House, he said:

“Many people come to this oasis of silence and piety, from Italy and from all over the world, to draw strength and hope.”

The flight of the Holy House symbolizes spiritual elevation, encouraging pilgrims to fly high in faith, hope, and love.

206 Tours pilgrim Beata Moeller, from Avon, Indiana, recently visited the Holy House of Loreto and knelt beneath the window where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary.

“When I was kneeling and praying to Mary, I was at peace … I did not feel any pain for kneeling for a long time… I took that peace and love with me. ‘Thank you, Mary, for saying yes to God and becoming Jesus’ mother and ours,’” she said.

^{HOLY WINDOW: A structure of marble encloses the walls of the Holy House in Loreto except for the entrance and exit doors, and the Holy Window of the Annunciation. (Photo Credit: Marissa Romero)}

Second Version

The second practical version describes that Crusaders and other Christians expelled from the Holy Land transported the Holy House by ship across the Adriatic Sea, funded by the Angeli Christian Family.

Since the Crusaders saved multiple relics from the Holy Land from destruction by the Muslim forces, this second account is widely accepted.

However, it is worth noting that Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824), declared blessed in 2004 by St. John Paul II, in her work, Life of Jesus Christ, documented her vision of the transporting of the Holy House as follows:

“I have often in vision witnessed the transporting of the Holy House to Loretto. For a long time, I could not believe it, and yet I continued to see it. I saw the Holy House borne over the sea by seven angels. It had no foundation, but there was under it a shining surface of light.”

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich’s canonization process is currently in progress.

Angelic Intervention

Regardless of whether the Holy House was transported to Loreto by air or sea—both versions denote angelic intervention.

^{ANGELIC MOMS: 206 Tours pilgrim Moms holding white roses on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, during their pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Holy House of Loreto. (Photo Credit: Marissa Romero)}

Authenticity

Over the centuries, data has been collected to document the authenticity of the Holy House.

Pope Clement VII (pontificate 1523-1534) sent delegates to the Holy Land to measure the perimeter of the Grotto of Nazareth. They officially confirmed that it precisely matched the perimeter of the three walls of the Holy House at Loreto.

Multilayered testing has also confirmed that the materials used in the Holy House of Loreto correspond to those found in Palestine during Jesus’ time. Moreover, these materials do not align with traditional Italian construction models, further supporting the authenticity of the relics.

“The fact that [the Holy House in Loreto] has no foundation where it stands, and that the mortar and bricks in it are of the same type that existed in the Holy Land centuries ago, are interesting facts from a scientific viewpoint, if one were thinking about ‘proofs,’” said Lyra Rufino-Maceda, Executive Director of the Chesterton Academy of St. James in Menlo Park, California. She joined the 206 Tours pilgrimage to the Holy House of Loreto in 2018.

^{BACK OF THE BASILICA DELLA SANTA CASA: View of the back side of the Basilica of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy. (Photo Credit: Marissa Romero)}

Humility

Pope Benedict XVI, during his visit to the Holy House in Loreto in 2007, said,

“[The Holy House] is the Shrine of humility: the humility of God who took flesh, who made himself small.”

He also clarified that “the way of humility is not the way of renunciation but that of courage.”

206 Tours Pilgrim Rufino-Maceda said, “The humility of Our Lord [is shown] in coming as one of us, and in particular, as a baby, entrusting Himself in the hands of His creatures, subjecting Himself in obedience to Our Lady and St. Joseph.”

Many saints have visited the humble Holy House in Loreto. In 1887, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, aware of the profound significance of this unique site, wrote that she experienced an overwhelming sense of emotion.

“I saw the little chamber of the Annunciation, where the Blessed Virgin Mary held Jesus in her arms after she had borne Him there in her virginal womb,” she said. “Our Lady had chosen an ideal spot in which to place her Holy House. Everything is poor, simple, and primitive.”

And so, even when two versions relate how the Holy House arrived in Loreto—by air or sea—this sacred place not only allows pilgrims to walk into the humble, holy physical space of the Annunciation but also to keep advancing into the pivotal moment of Jesus’ Incarnation and childhood.

Two versions, one miraculous reality!

^{PUBLIC POSTER OF THE HOLY HOUSE: Located in one of the corridors of the Basilica of the Holy House, this poster shows the three walls of the Holy House and the window of the Annunciation. (Photo Credit: Marissa Romero)}

Travel on a Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage and Visit the Holy House of Loreto: www.206tours.com/tour96

View our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages

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Pictured above: 206 Tours’ CEO & Founder, Milanka Lachman, prays during Holy Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

How do we as a Catholic business live out our faith in ways that make us different from the secular corporate world? Our CEO & Founder, Milanka Lachman, has 10 key business practices that are guiding principles as to how we approach our work in a way that gives glory to God:

1. Acknowledge the Human Dignity of Every Person

The most important gifts in this world are human beings made in the image and likeness of God. It is imperative that companies treat their clients (pilgrims), employees, and suppliers with fairness and respect, no matter what. Tough decisions, such as enforcing contracts, should aim to uphold justice, while at the same time having compassion for those who are in difficult situations.

2. Common Good

It is important to be fair, transparent, and oriented towards mutual benefit, not just profit. As a Catholic business owner, one must ensure that contracts are clear and equitable, avoiding predatory clauses. Every Catholic company should strengthen society, provide meaningful jobs, create a positive work atmosphere, and contribute towards making the world a better place.

3. Justice and Charity

Tough decisions, such as terminating a contract or pursuing payment, should balance justice (upholding what is owed) with charity (showing mercy where possible). The Gospel’s call to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39) continually inspires us to offer flexibility to clients in genuine need, while still maintaining strong principles and business integrity.

4. Integrity and Honesty

The 8th Commandment emphasizes truthfulness and respect for the rights of others. Terms and conditions should be applied consistently and transparently, avoiding deception or manipulation, even in competitive markets. We do not believe in cutting corners or manipulative tactics. By carrying out our work with clarity, fairness, and honesty, we have built a trusting network of pilgrims, staff, and company partnerships that have strengthened us for over 40 years.

5. Ethical Decision-Making

When faced with tough choices, we use a framework like the “See-Judge-Act” method (common in Catholic social teaching). Reflect on the situation (See), evaluate it against Gospel values and Church teaching (Judge), and act in a way that aligns with faith and reason (Act). By approaching issues in this way, the Church gives us a framework that helps us to approach decisions with clarity, charity, and confidence.

6. Clear Terms and Conditions

At 206 Tours, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that all Terms and Conditions are spelled out and acknowledged by our clients prior to having them make any financial investment. This allows for clarity on both sides so that the client knows exactly what is included when booking their Pilgrimage, ensuring that there are no hidden fees. We believe in transparency since that leads to trusting relationships between us and our clients.

7. Seeking Guidance from the Holy Spirit

Prayer, reading Scripture (e.g., Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount), and spiritual direction can help when discerning tough decisions. When we walk with Our Lord, He promises that we will never be alone. He will guide us as to how we can carry out His will. It is also extremely beneficial to build strong relationships with other trusted Catholic business leaders to be inspired by their example, learn from them, and share resources.

8. Utilizing Educational Resources

Resources such as the “Vocation of the Business Leader” (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 2012) offer practical Catholic guidance for integrating faith and business. Draw from the wisdom of Papal encyclicals, such as the writings on work by St. John Paul and others, which emphasize the dignity of the worker. They also give a clear understanding of the role Catholic business leaders play in the building of ethical, faith-filled work environments.

9. Addressing Tensions

It’s true that business can feel like a battleground at times. Profit pressures, competition, and client disputes can continually test one’s values. Yet, Catholicism encourages us to see these challenges as opportunities for growth in holiness. Our Lord will never give us more than we can handle. By keeping Him at the center of our lives, this will put everything else in the proper perspective. As Jesus says in Scripture, “For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36). The most important goal is reaching Heaven!

10. Grace of the Sacraments

Regular participation in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation, provides the strength to navigate challenges with grace. We take seriously Our Lord’s teaching that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). It is vital that we take advantage of the many graces available to us through the gift of the Sacraments. This is an important reason why daily Mass is celebrated on every 206 Tours Pilgrimage.

At 206 Tours, our Catholic faith is at the heart of everything that we do. The goal of every one of our Pilgrimages is to help others grow in their faith. We are continually working to provide excellence in all that we do while fostering a truly Catholic work environment.

That objective makes us different from your average company. In today’s corporate world, people are oftentimes treated like commodities, and the only priority is making money. For Catholics, however, the primary goal of our businesses should be to serve God as we carry out the mission He has entrusted to us. If we put Him first in all that we do, He will continually provide for us and bless our endeavors.

By traveling with 206 Tours, you are entrusting your Pilgrimage experience to a company that takes its Catholic faith seriously. It is our hope that 206 Tours leaves a lasting impact on everyone who encounters our work, inspiring them to live out the calling God has placed on their life.

View our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages

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