Bienvenidos! Bem-vindos! Welcome!
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association in partnership with G/Hardy Tours is thrilled to offer this once in a lifetime trip to Spain and Portugal: Sacred Encounters Catholic Teachers and Friends Explore Abrahamic Faiths in Portugal & Spain. This thoughtfully curated program offers a meaningful blend of cultural discovery, historical insight, and faith-centered activities and experiences across Madrid, Seville, Lisbon, and Fátima. All of this while having a lot of fun!
All are welcome! This 10 day, 11-night trip from July 5-15, 2027 trip is open to OECTA members and their guests. Led by Inter-religious dialogue expert Dr. Murray Watson, equity in Catholicism researcher and PD staff officer Dr. Yvonne Runstedler, and GHardy Tours experienced trip leader Bryan Bonnah (bios below), join us for one-of-a-kind and once-in-a-lifetime cultural and faith experience, rooted in our rich Catholic faith through an inter-religious dialogue lens.
This experiential trip allows for bridge-building, the creation of a community who journeys together, opportunities to better understand the Catholic, Jewish and Muslim histories in the European diaspora, and to have a lot of fun with other teachers! From the sacred atmosphere of Fátima to the architectural and religious heritage of Madrid, Seville and Lisbon, this journey invites participants to deepen their faith within the rich histories and cultures of these two great countries. We welcome you to join us on what will surely be a memorable trip!
Registration is now open, and space is limited.
To register, please click the following link and select "book now" to access the registration form:
Spain Portugal Sacred Encounters Trip Link If you have travel related questions about the trip, please contact Bryan at G/ Hardy Tours:
bryan@ghardytours.com.
Your Tour leaders:
Murray Watson
Dr. Murray Watson (he/him) is a Catholic Biblical scholar and interreligious educator. For the last 30 years, Murray has been a leader in dialogue with Jewish and Muslim communities, and has worked in interfaith relations locally, nationally, and internationally. He has studied and taught in Rome, Jerusalem, and Dublin, has served on the staff of the International Council of Christians and Jews, and was a co-founder of what is today the Centre for Interreligious Learning and Dialogue at King's University College in London. He has worked closely with Jewish and Muslim communities and their leaders, and writes and teaches regularly on the history of the rich-and enriching-relationships among the three Abrahamic faiths.
Dr. Yvonne Runstedler (she/her) has held a variety of roles in Catholic education from teacher, OECTA release officer, to program coordinator, and now is a staff officer in the Professional Development Department at OECTA's Provincial Office. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to fostering dialogue centering those historically marginalized within Catholic spaces. Her groundbreaking research on the experiences of trans students in Catholic school won the Outstanding Work by a Graduate Student Award at Wilfrid Laurier University. Yvonne's equity-centered facilitation creates the space to name, claim, critically examine, and celebrate Catholic identities.
Bryan Bonnah, OCT is a retired educator with more than 30 years of experience in Catholic education and a former member of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association. As a Tour Director with G/Hardy Tours, Bryan combines his extensive educational background with his passion for travel. During this journey through Spain and Portugal, he will oversee the day-to-day logistics of the tour, working closely with local guides and service providers to ensure a safe, well-organized, and enjoyable experience for all participants. Bryan is dedicated to supporting travelers throughout the trip, allowing them to focus on the rich spiritual, cultural, and educational opportunities the journey offers.