Description

After twenty-five years of leading pilgrimages to Catholic shrines across Europe, tour guide K. Troy has encountered nearly every possible situation—long lines, transportation strikes, broken-down buses, rebellious tourists, and countless unexpected moments. But through it all, one thing has remained clear: God’s immense providence. With wit and charm, Troy’s book In the Stars the Glory of His Eyes offers a captivating, first-hand account of how Christ’s presence is felt and experienced in the sometimes chaotic, but always transformative, world of pilgrimage.

The stories unfold in some of the most evocative and spiritually rich Catholic settings around Europe. Readers will journey to Vatican City, the heart of the Catholic Church, where the Pope resides; the Holy House of Nazareth in Loreto, Italy, which houses the sacred home of Mary; the shrine of Saint Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, where pilgrims seek healing and spiritual renewal; the Carmel of Saint Thérèse in Lisieux, France, where the Little Flower’s influence still inspires devotion; the Cathedral of Wawel in Krakow, Poland, with its majestic history; and the magnificent Abbey of Montecassino in Italy, among many others. Each destination comes alive with vivid stories and new perspectives, offering a fresh understanding of these famous shrines and their significance.

Alongside these Irish pilgrims, Troy’s deep historical knowledge provides fascinating insights into the lives of beloved saints such as Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Padre Pio, Saint Catherine of Siena, and many others. Through his storytelling, Troy demonstrates how pilgrimage continues to offer a personal encounter with these saints, showing that it is still possible to form a relationship—perhaps even a friendship—with the great heroes of the Church. Through humor, wonder, and profound spiritual reflection, In the Stars the Glory of His Eyes reminds readers of the beauty and transformative power of pilgrimage in the modern world.