For over 45 years, Patt and I have traveled with Educational Opportunities Christian Tours and I served as National Director of EO Catholic Tours for several pre-pandemic years. We continue as EO Director of Travel Ministry registering clergy and others to host EO and ECO Catholic pilgrimages and other travel.
This section of my website features travel programs that we are currently offering. We would love to have you travel with us. Click the brochure below for more information on the next trip. If you register online, please list "Deacon Ray Defendorf" as your Tour Host. My Tour Host ID# is 03625.
Romantic Danube River Cruise with Fr. Greg Boyle
Patt and I are pleased to announce that NY Times best-selling author, popular speaker, and recipient of a 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ will travel with us on Ama Waterways' Romantic Danube River Cruise March 17 - 25, 2026.
Fr. Greg is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the world's largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program. Through this dynamic ministry, he has helped thousands of individuals turn their lives around, and his book Tattoos on the Heart has inspired tens of thousands more with heart-tugging, yet humorous stories of redemption. His latest book, Cherished Belonging was published in 2024.
We have cruised with Fr. Greg and several of his Homeboys and girls in Alaska and witnessed his powerful talks many times at the Chautauqua Institution in Western NY. We are blest to call him a friend, as will you when you get to know him "up close and personal" on this cruise.
March 17 - 25, 2026
When you register please designate Deacon Ray Defendorf 03625 as your Tour Host.
We plan on taking the Prague Pre-Tour. We have been privileged to visit Prague and enjoy this Romantic Danube itinerary. Don't miss this chance to tour one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
But, Ama Waterways River Cruises fill up fast and only a limited number of cabins remain. You must register now to avoid disappointment.
Gentle Spirit, rest in my smile, be in my touch as gentle as You. Gentle Spirit. Powerful God Let your love shine through me. Let your love shine through me.
Joining preschoolers in a Thanksgiving song.
MUSIC AND LYRICS
During fourteen years as founder and director of Celebrate Life, a music ministry for teens, Deacon Ray first composed, performed and recorded many of his original prayer-songs.
Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
Champions for the poor:
Help Me Build a home in Bon patay
BUILT
more than 107,000 housing units to shelter the poor
EDUCATED
children in developing countries by building 368 schools
PLANTED
more than 2 million fruit trees to provide nutrition to the poor
SHIPPED
more than 75,000 containers of life-saving aid supplies
PROTECTED
the poor from deadly disease with more than 2,286 drinking water systems
