Mission Trip to India
INCREDIBLE INDIA
Our mission trips are extremely rewarding, our pilgrimages are immensely uplifting, and our immersion experiences are incredible. You will make memories for a lifetime regardless of which trip you go on. If there are groups that prefer a different time during the year, custom trips can be arranged as well. Teens must be accompanied by parents or approved chaperones. Our trips are not suitable for pre-teens and seniors who cannot walk 3-5 miles a day including some stairs. Tight on cash? No worries. We’ll help you fundraise, so you can travel for FREE!
YOUR GUIDE
My name is Anand. I live in Dallas with my wife, Lindsey, and our four children, Sophia, Damien, Giovanni, and Elliot. When I was a young boy, I had the opportunity to meet Mother Teresa, and that experience ended up changing the trajectory of my life. Like most Indians, I grew up in a small house, walked to my school, played cricket barefoot, worked hard in college, got a moped, and landed a good job by the grace of God.
At 22, I moved to the land of opportunities to further my I.T. career, but the teachings of Mother Teresa led me from the corporate world to serving the spiritually poor on college campuses. During that time with FOCUS, I began conducting mission trips for college students to India.
In 2013, I began organizing trips to India for all age groups, so everyone could enjoy the beauty, goodness, and truth about Jesus Christ from a very different culture in a completely new way. It is during one of these trips I found my call within a call. All the way from meeting Mother Teresa as a 10 year old boy till filming her canonization in 2016, I was meant to find my own Calcutta. In 2019, I launched Project Finding Calcutta.
These pilgrimages usually last 1-4 weeks, and allow participants to journey in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Teresa of Calcutta.
The pilgrimage is built on three pillars:
Experiencing the Culture – You will be immersed in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of India. It will be an explosion of the senses. We’ll visit the places that make India distinct and beautiful, like the majestic Taj Mahal, the royal Palaces of Jaipur, and the historic monuments of New Delhi. We’ll also visit the southern state of Kerala, which has been called “God’s own country” for its natural beauty and peaceful backwaters. We will ride trains, tuk tuks, houseboats, and elephants too!
Serving the Poor – We will visit the home of Mother Teresa, attend daily mass at her tomb, and serve the poorest of the poor alongside her sisters, the Missionaries of Charity. Our service to the orphaned babies, children with special needs, and the dying homeless will take us into the heart of need in Calcutta — the surrounding slums.
Cultivating the Heart of a Pilgrim – Along with the missionary spirit of service, we will also take time for a pilgrimage to South India. St. Thomas the Apostle built the earliest Christian churches in Kerala. Tracing his footsteps, we will visit some of those churches, experience Eastern rite Catholic Mass, pray in silence and retreat on a houseboat, and unpack our experiences of the trip together. In Tamil Nadu we will visit the place where St. Thomas was martyred and attend Mass at his Tomb. Finally, we will immerse ourselves in Portuguese culture in Goa. Five centuries ago St. Francis Xavier reintroduced Catholicism which later spread to all corners of the nation. His incorrupt body is still at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa.
Missions
Do you want to walk in the footsteps of Mother Teresa, get to know the Missionaries of Charity sisters,
serve the poorest of the poor with like-minded people from all over the world?
Fast Pace | International Flights | Simple Hotels | Local Restaurants | Cultural Experiences | Breakfast & Dinner included
Attend Mass at the tomb of Mother Teresa, serve the poorest of the poor with the MC sisters most days, visit the very inspiring museum, and mingle with other volunteers from all over the world. One day we’ll make a special trip through the slums of Calcutta to visit the Leper Colony that was founded 5 decades ago. Longer trips will include sightseeing across the country. There will be time to relax, explore and shop locally as well.
Relaxed Pace | Star Hotels | Fancy Restaurants | Cultural Experiences | Travels Within India | Breakfast included
Walk in the footsteps of 3 amazing Saints – Mother Teresa, St. Thomas the Apostle, and St. Francis Xavier. Encounter the rich culture and unique traditions from all corners of the subcontinent. Our special attractions include Mass at the tomb of Mother Teresa, 2000 year old Churches built by St. Thomas and the incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier. Enjoy the majestic Taj Mahal and the other beautiful monuments. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Goa and retreat on a houseboat in the pleasant backwaters of Kerala.
Testimonials
Kate C, 2022 Trip India is a wild and beautiful place that reminds me much of the garden of my own heart. At first glance, all I see is chaos and dirt but when I take just one moment of pause, I see the stunning, irreplaceable beauty and color of God’s creation that makes it all worth it.
Rachael M, 2018 Trip Greatest adventure of my life thus far and I cannot wait to do this again.
Michelle S, 2018 Trip “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’” Matthew 25:40
These words rang loud in my ears as I bathed the sick, fed the crippled, and danced with the orphaned children in Kolkata. This is Jesus here in my arms. I have Jesus in my heart. Together we are one body. The profound realization of this clear statement is one I will carry with me forever as I love my friends and family, encounter strangers, and meet new people along the path of my life. It is so easy to live out scripture when we set forth on a mission trip, but to live it daily is a greater challenge that I intend to work on. Kolkata taught me how significant the small things really are.
Sarah H, 2018 Trip Amazing, once in a lifetime adventure. I loved the trip and the new family I made along the way.
Johnny D, 2018 Trip Inspiring, informative and a great opportunity to grow.
Lindsey W, 2018 Trip India experience was beautiful, eye-opening, and one I will cherish always.
Krista K, 2014 Trip One of the most touching experiences of my time in India, was taking a tour of a Leprosy colony. This spoke volumes to me, because it was here that I saw Mother Teresa’s mission carried out so clearly, beautifully, and distinctly. I had never before seen people given dignity in such a way. These people are the ones shunned from Indian society, and Mother Teresa gave them Love, and let them know that they are equal in the eyes of God. This experience not only humbled me, but reminds me that no small act goes unseen, and every moment we are given is a gift, and an opportunity to Love.
Another Pilgrim, 2014 Trip At Mother Theresa’s Memorial Exhibit in Kolkata, her quote – “leprosy is a terrible and painful disease. But nothing is as painful as being completely forgotten, rejected, left alone as if you are nobody to nobody” – painted poverty and homeliness in a different light for me. It’s just not about having enough food, money, clothes… it’s about being completely shunned and ignored by the rest of society. It also reminded me that sometimes in life trying to help solve someone else’s problem during a tough time isn’t always what is most important…. just being there, letting that person know you care can be enough.
Matt L, 2014 Trip I was able to go see a church that St.Thomas himself founded nearly 2000 years ago. Being able to pray at an adoration chapel in the exact place where he preached was unbelievable and a very powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Yann L, 2014 Trip Visiting the orphans in Calcutta and seeing the work of the Missionaries of Charity was a touching experience for me. My eyes were opened up to the lack of authentic community that is so present in the US.
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2022 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A Trip of a lifetime in which we will walk as pilgrims in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle and encounter the eastern Catholic community he founded in Kerala which still exists today.
Visit the home of Blessed Mother Teresa and serve the poorest of the poor alongside Missionaries of Charity at the Home for the Dying in Kolkata.
Relax on the backwaters of Kerala, houseboat retreat, beautiful beaches and more! Behold the Great Wall of China, majestic Taj Mahal, Jaipur Palace, Elephant ride, historic monuments of New Delhi and more!
Details
Trip (1) INDIA North
Dec 27 – Jan 7 (10 days)
Trip (2) INDIA North and South
Dec 27 – Jan 13 (18 days)
Itinerary
Nov 16 – Meet in DC
Nov 17 – Flight to India
Nov 18 – Arrive in New Delhi
Nov 19 – Jaipur: Carnival
Nov 20 – Jaipur: Palaces
Nov 21 – Agra: Taj Mahal
Nov 22 – Kolkata
Nov 23 – Volunteer with the MCs
Nov 24 – Visit to the Leprosy Center
Nov 25 – Volunteer with the MCs
Nov 26 – Volunteer with the MCs
Nov 27 – Volunteer with the MCs
Nov 28 – Volunteer with the MCs
Nov 29 – Chennai: Tomb of St. Thomas
Nov 30 – Kerala: St. Thomas Church
Dec 01 – Kerala: Houseboat retreat
Dec 02 – Kerala: Kochi
Dec 03 – DC: Almost Home
2019 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A Trip of a lifetime in which we will walk as pilgrims in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle and encounter the eastern Catholic community he founded in Kerala which still exists today.
Visit the home of Blessed Mother Teresa and serve the poorest of the poor alongside Missionaries of Charity at the Home for the Dying in Kolkata.
Relax on the backwaters of Kerala, houseboat retreat, beautiful beaches and more! Behold the Great Wall of China, majestic Taj Mahal, Jaipur Palace, Elephant ride, historic monuments of New Delhi and more!
Details
INDIA North and South
Dec 27 – Jan 13 (18 days)
Itinerary
Dec 27 – Meet in LA
Dec 28 – Flight to India
Dec 29 – Arrive in New Delhi
Dec 30 – Agra: Taj Mahal
Dec 31 – Jaipur: Palaces
Jan 01 – Kolkata: Mother Teresa’s Tomb and Exhibition
Jan 02 – Volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity
Jan 03 – Volunteer with the MCs
Jan 04 – Visit to the Leprosy Center
Jan 05 – Volunteer with the MCs
Jan 06 – Volunteer with the MCs
Jan 07 – Chennai: Tomb of St. Thomas
Jan 08 – Kerala: St. Thomas Church
Jan 09 – Kerala: Kochi
Jan 10 – Kerala: Houseboat retreat
Jan 11 – Kerala: Beach
Jan 12 – New Delhi: Monuments
Jan 13 – Shanghai
2018 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A Trip of a lifetime in which we will walk as pilgrims in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle and encounter the eastern Catholic community he founded in Kerala which still exists today.
Visit the home of Blessed Mother Teresa and serve the poorest of the poor alongside Missionaries of Charity at the Home for the Dying in Kolkata.
Relax on the backwaters of Kerala, houseboat retreat, beautiful beaches and more! Behold the Great Wall of China, majestic Taj Mahal, Jaipur Palace, Elephant ride, historic monuments of New Delhi and more!
Details
Trip (1) INDIA North
Dec 27 – Jan 7 (10 days)
Trip (2) INDIA North and South
Dec 27 – Jan 13 (18 days)
Itinerary
Dec 27 – Meet in LA (Group 1 and 2)
Dec 28 – Flight to India
Dec 29 – Arrive in New Delhi
Dec 30 – Agra: Taj Mahal
Dec 31 – Jaipur: Palaces
Jan 01 – Kolkata: Mother Teresa’s Tomb and Exhibition
Jan 02 – Volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity
Jan 03 – Volunteer with the MCs
Jan 04 – Visit to the Leprosy Center
Jan 05 – Volunteer with the MCs
Jan 06 – Volunteer with the MCs (Group 1 returns)
Jan 07 – Chennai: Tomb of St. Thomas
Jan 08 – Kerala: St. Thomas Church
Jan 09 – Kerala: Kochi
Jan 10 – Kerala: Houseboat retreat
Jan 11 – Kerala: Beach
Jan 12 – New Delhi: Monuments
Jan 13 – Shanghai (Group 2 returns)
2017 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A Trip of a lifetime in which we will walk as pilgrims in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle and encounter the eastern Catholic community he founded in Kerala which still exists today.
Visit the home of Blessed Mother Teresa and serve the poorest of the poor alongside Missionaries of Charity at the Home for the Dying in Kolkata.
Relax on the backwaters of Kerala, houseboat retreat, beautiful beaches and more! Behold the Great Wall of China, majestic Taj Mahal, Jaipur Palace, Elephant ride, historic monuments of New Delhi and more!
Details
Trip (1) INDIA North
Nov 21 – Dec 3 (12 days)
Trip (2) INDIA North and South
Nov 21 – Dec 9 (18 days)
Itinerary
Nov 21 – Travel by flight (Group 1 and 2)
Nov 22 – Travel by flight
Nov 23 – Beijing – The Great Wall
Nov 24 – New Delhi: monuments
Nov 25 – Jaipur: Palaces
Nov 26 – Jaipur: Elephant ride
Nov 27 – Agra: Taj Mahal
Nov 28 – Travel by train
Nov 29 – Kolkata: Mother Teresa’s Tomb and Exhibition
Nov 30 – Volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity
Dec 01 – Volunteer with the MCs
Dec 02 – Volunteer with the MCs (Group 1 returns)
Dec 03 – Volunteer with the MCs
Dec 04 – Kerala: St. Thomas Church
Dec 05 – Kerala: Kochi
Dec 06 – Kerala: Houseboat retreat
Dec 07 – Kerala: Beach
Dec 08 – New Delhi: Temples
Dec 09 – Travel by flight (Group 2 returns)
2016 INDIA & ITALY HIGHLIGHTS
The best way to walk in the footsteps of Mother Teresa is by joining us in India and Italy. In this 2.5 week long trip of a lifetime, we will serve the poorest of the poor in Kolkata first and then we journey to Rome to witness Mother Teresa’s canonization to Sainthood.
In incredible India we will visit the home and tomb of Mother Teresa and an exhibition of her legacy, volunteer at the Home for the Dying, and attend Mass and Eucharistic Adoration with the Missionaries of Charity sisters.
In beautiful Italy we will attend the Canonization ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, visit Sistine Chapel, Scavi Tour, Vatican Museum, Catacombs, Colosseum, Assisi, Pisa, Florence and more.
You have a few other options based on your availability and budget. If you can spare more time, you can experience more of India by visiting Taj Mahal, Jaipur palaces, New Delhi monuments, Ganges, etc. You also have the option to make a pilgrimage to France, which includes Lourdes, Lisieux and some leisure time in Paris.
Details
Trip (1) INDIA only
Aug 13 – Aug 27 (2 weeks)
Trip (2) ITALY & FRANCE
Aug 27 – Sep 15 (3 weeks)
Itinerary
EXPERIENCE INDIA
Aug 14 – Travel by flight
Aug 15 – Independence Day celebrations in Delhi
Aug 16 – New Delhi monuments
Aug 17 – Jaipur palaces
Aug 18 – Free day in Jaipur
Aug 19 – Taj Mahal in Agra
Aug 20 – Ganges at Varanasi
Aug 21 – Travel by train
ENCOUNTER INDIA
Aug 22 – Kolkata: Mother Teresa’s Tomb and Exhibition
Aug 23 – Volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity
Aug 24 – Volunteer with the MCs
Aug 25 – Volunteer with the MCs
Aug 26 – Mother Teresa’s Birthday Party
Aug 27 – Travel by flight
ENJOY ITALY
Aug 28 – Milan/Venice: Depending on the Airline chosen
Aug 29 – Venice/Padua
Aug 30 – Florence: Say ‘hello’ to Michelangelo and King David
Aug 31 – Pisa: Lean on the leaning tower
Sep 1 – Assisi: Relax with St. Francis
Sep 2 – Rome: St. Peter’s and Scavi Tour
Sep 3 – Rome: Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum
Sep 4 – Rome: Mother Teresa’s Canonization
Sep 5 – Rome: Free day
Sep 6 – Rome: Colosseum and other attractions
Sep 7 – Travel to Lourdes
EXPLORE FRANCE
Sep 8 – Lourdes
Sep 9 – Lourdes
Sep 10 – Travel to Paris
Sep 11 – Lisieux
Sep 12 – Paris
Sep 13 – Paris
Sep 14 – Paris
Sep 15 – Travel by flight
2015 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Two week long trip of a lifetime in which we will walk as pilgrims in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle and encounter the eastern Catholic community he founded in Kerala which still exists today.
Visit the home of Blessed Mother Teresa and serve the poorest of the poor at the Home for the Dying in Kolkata.
Relax on the backwaters of Kerala, beautiful beaches and more! Behold the majestic Taj Mahal, Ganges, Jaipur Palaces, and the historic monuments of New Delhi and the Great Wall of China.
Yes, we will spend a day in Beijing. BONUS!
Dates
Dec 26 – Jan 9
Itinerary
Day 0 – Orientation
Day 1 – Travel – By Flight
Day 2 – Beijing, China: The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace
Day 3 – Jaipur: City Palace, Elephants and Camels
Day 4 – Amber Palace, Fathehpur Sikri
Day 5 – Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort
Day 6 – Travel – By Train (New Year’s Eve party)
Day 7 – Kolkata: Visit Mother Teresa’s tomb and volunteer
Day 8 – Volunteer with the MCs & shopping
Day 9 – Volunteer with the MCs (flight to Kochi)
Day 10 – Visit the 1st Church of India and an ancient Synagogue
Day 11 – Houseboat Retreat with a Bishop
Day 12 – Beach Day & shopping (flight to New Delhi)
Day 13 – New Delhi: Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Akshardham
Day 14 – Travel – By flight
Raffle winner announced (a Rafflecopter giveaway “>MELISSA KEATING, Denver)!
2014 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A 9-day trip of a lifetime in which we will walk as pilgrims in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle and encounter the eastern Catholic community he founded in Kerala which still exists today. Once in every 10 years the incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier will be displayed.
It will be an amazing experience to learn how evangelization worked five centuries ago by one of the greatest missionaries ever existed. Visit the home of Blessed Mother Teresa and serve the poorest of the poor at the Home for the Dying in Kolkata. To have this opportunity (optional), you must have an additional few days.
Behold the majestic Taj Mahal, backwaters of Kerala, beautiful beaches of Goa and more!
Dates
Nov 22 – Dec 1 (9 days)
Raffle winner announced (DONNA P)!
2013 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A 11-day trip of a lifetime in which we will walk as pilgrims in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Francis Xavier, and Mother Teresa.
Behold the majestic Taj Mahal, backwaters of Kerala, beautiful beaches of Goa, waters of Ganges, etc!
Dates
June (11 days)
2007 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
We spent a month in India, mostly volunteering with the sisters of the MC in Calcutta, and then we also visited the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, the shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni, and some historic monuments like Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, etc.
Dates
June (4 weeks)
2006 INDIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A 3 weeks long pilot was launched through FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) to see if it would be a suitable mission trip for college students. Fr. Mark, the Focus Chaplain, and a few Focus campus missionaries were brave enough to be the pioneers to embark on a new adventure.
We worked along side of MC sisters to serve the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, visited the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, prayed at the most visited Asian Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni, and stopped at Taj Mahal and other historic monuments.
The best part was, two of them now entered religious life. Please keep Fr. Evan Koop and Sr. Julia in your prayers.
Dates
June (3 weeks)