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Our pilgrimage to Italy begins as we board our flight from Boston for an overnight flight to Rome, Italy.
Upon arrival into Rome, we transfer via deluxe motor coach to Assisi, home of the Franciscan Order. Following hotel check-in and some leisure time, we will celebrate Mass at the Hermitage of Carceri, located in the hills of Assisi.
Overnight Athens
We will visit the quaint hilltop birthplace of St. Francis that still retains the atmosphere of the early 1200s, when St. Francis began his ministry. We will visit one of the trattorias in Assisi for lunch before proceeding to the Church of St. Clare, who was the foundress of the Order of Poor Clare’s. Her body has remained incorrupt since her death centuries ago and will be able to be viewed. From there we will continue to the Basilica of St. Francis, to view the saint’s possessions and the many frescoes depicting his life. While at the Basilica, our Spiritual Directors will celebrate Mass (at tomb, if possible). We will also visit Santuario della Spogliazione, to view the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be declared Blessed and is set to be canonized. After we will take a short bus ride to the lower village for dinner.
Overnight in Assisi
We will leave the hilltop town for the lower village of Assisi to visit the basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, where St. Francis spent most of his life. After mass, we will continue to the Chapel Portiuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint retired for prayer. Next, we’ll continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, and the shrine of St. Padre Pio.
Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Today we spend the day visiting the town where St. Padre Pio, the Capuchin priest who bore our Lord’s stigmata for most of his life, spent much of his life. We’ll visit the church of Santa Maria Della Grazie, home of the tomb of St. Padre Pio, and offer mass.
Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
All roads lead to Rome… After breakfast, we will depart San Giovanni Rotondo for Rome. En route we will visit St. Michael’s cave and celebrate Mass. Next, will continue to Monte Cassino, where the ancient Roman town of Casinum once stood. We will visit the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino, the original home of the Benedictine Order, established by St. Benedict around 529.
Dinner and overnight in Rome
Today is dedicated to the Major Basilicas. We will start at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and visit the burial site of St. Paul, next we’re off to the Church of St. Mary Major where pilgrims can view what is said to be the wood relics of the Holy Crib of the Nativity of Jesus. And finally, we visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the “Mother of all Churches in the World,” and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Here, we will celebrate Mass and have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Rome.
We will have the opportunity to walk through all three Holy Doors at each Basilica.
We will celebrate Mass at the Church of Santa Maria Ara Coeli, before visiting San Andrea della Fratte, the chapel of the apparition of Our Lady to Ratisbonne. Then we will explore Ancient Rome, starting with the Mamertine Prison where St. Peter and St. Paul were imprisoned for 9 months. After which, we will visit the remnants of the Roman Forum around the Colosseum. We will also visit the Church of San Clemente, where each of its three levels has historical and spiritual significance. After dinner, there will be an opportunity for an optional walking tour to Piazza Navona, where you can enjoy the beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers while tasting some Italian Gelato. Overnight in Rome
We will have an early departure for St. Peter’s Square to participate in the Papal Audience (subject to the Pope’s schedule). After lunch, we have a guided tour of the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Mass will be offered in St. Peter’s Basilica or nearby church. Farwell dinner and overnight in Rome.
Today we will have the opportunity to walk through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
With a revitalized love of our Catholic faith, we will board our plane for our return flight home.
