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We depart Phoenix on our overnight flight(s) to Rome, Italy. Drinks and meals will be served on board.
Upon arrival in Rome, we will gather our bags and meet our tour manager. We will board our bus and transfer to Florence to check in at our hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner for our pilgrimage in the evening.
Dinner and Overnight in Florence
Today we wake up in the cradle of the Renaissance. After breakfast we will start with a visit to the L’Accadamia Museum to view Michelangelo’s “David” as well as other works of art. Next, we’re off to the Basilica di San Lorenzo, then continue through Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore 13th century cathedral. After Mass at the Cathedral, we’ll depart for Assisi.
Dinner and overnight in Assisi
After breakfast, we begin our day in the lower village of Assisi, visiting St. Mary of the Angels, where St. Francis spent a significant part of his life. We will explore the Chapel Portiuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint retreated for prayer. Next, we will proceed to the Church of St. Clare to view the Saint’s body, incorrupt since her death centuries ago. St. Clare was the foundress of the Order of Poor Clare’s. We will have some free time for lunch at Piazza della comuna followed by a visit to St. Mary Major. Today we will also visit the Basilica of St. Francis where Father will celebrate Mass. Finally, we will take time to visit the Shrine of the Renunciation, where the millennial saint Blessed Carlo Acutis’ body is interred, and learn more about his life and spirituality.
Dinner and overnight in Assisi
Today we will make our way to San Giovanni, in route we will visit the town of Loreto and celebrate Mass at the Basilica Della Santa Casa, housing The Holy House of Loreto. Continuing our journey, we will visit Lanciano, the site of the Eucharistic Miracle from the eighth century. Finally, we will head to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit the shrine of St. Padre Pio.
Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo
Today is dedicated to the town where St. Padre Pio lived for most of his life. We will visit the church of Santa Maria Della Grazie, where the tomb of St. Padre Pio is located, and offer Mass. In the afternoon, we will visit the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo.
Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo
All Roads lead to Rome… Following breakfast, we set off on a scenic bus ride, heading to Monte Cassino, where the ancient Roman town of Casinum once stood. Our first stop is the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino, the original home of the Benedictine Order, established by St. Benedict around 529. Here we will enjoy lunch and celebrate Mass. In the afternoon we will transfer to Rome.
Dinner and overnight in Rome
In the morning, we head to Saint Peter’s Square for the Papal general audience with Pope Francis (subject to his schedule). Afterward, we will have a private Mass nearby. Following a brief lunch, we tour the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, marveling at the incredible art and history. Today we will be able to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peters Basilica.
Dinner and overnight in Rome
After breakfast, we will embark on a historic tour of Ancient Rome. We will stroll along Cobblestone streets, lined with majestic stone pines, and visit the Colosseum, a grand amphitheater of the ancient world. Along the way we’ll stop for prayer at the Basilica of Saint Clement. Passing by the Roman Forum, we will witness the ruins of ancient government buildings. We’ll finish the day visiting the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, a resting place of several popes from the 2nd to 4th centuries. Optional walking tour of the Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps this evening.
Dinner and overnight in Rome
Today we will visit and have an opportunity to walk through the Holy Doors at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran which symbolizes passing into the presence of God by way of our Lord Jesus, who called himself the “gate.” Those who pass through a Holy Door can also receive a plenary indulgence. At the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran we also will have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps and attend Mass.
Dinner and overnight in Rome
With a renewed sense of pilgrimage, and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we transfer to the Rome Fiumicino Airport and board our return flight(s) home.
