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Overnight Flight to Italy Today we embark on our pilgrimage with an overnight flight(s) from Dulles (IAD) to Rome. Enjoy meals and refreshments served on the plane.
After arriving into Rome Airport, we transfer by private motorcoach to the hilltop village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi and a UNESCO world heritage site known for its magnificent medieval architecture. Upon arriving, will take you up to the most beautiful view of the city. After our hotel check-in, we will gather for prayer and Mass.
Overnight in Assisi
Assisi Following breakfast, we will gather for our guided tour of Assisi. We begin at the Basilica of Saint Clare, one of the first followers of St. Francis. Here, we will descend to St. Clare’s lower crypt, where we will pray before her incorrupt body and reflect before many of her relics that remain with us today. We will also have a chance to pray before the San Damiano cross, the very cross that Christ spoke to St. Francis through, asking Francis to rebuild his Church. Continuing to the Basilica of Saint Francis, we will be guided through the meaning of the many frescoes that surround us, depicting his saintly life. We will then have an opportunity to descend to the lower crypt where we will pray before the tomb of St. Francis, and the remains of his first followers. Today we will also visit the Chiesa Nueova and San Francesco Piccolino.
Overnight in Assisi
Jubilee of Deacons Events Today we will make our way down into the valley of Assisi where we visit the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, home of the Chapel Portiuncula, where St. Francis lived and worked after founding the Franciscan order, and where Mother Mary appeared to Francis in 1216. We’ll also visit the miracle garden of the thornless rose. All roads lead to Rome. We arrive in time to participate in the Jubilee of Deacons related events.
Overnight in Rome
Jubilee of Deacons Events We will enjoy an exclusive breakfast at the Vatican with an early entrance tour of the Vatican Museums (pending availability). We will visit the Tomb of Saint Peter and the Necropolis under the Vatican Basilica, known as the Scavi Tour (pending availability). We will also participate in the events related to the “Jubilee of Deacons”. Details to follow.
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. The Holy Doors of Rome’s four major papal basilicas are opened only during times of jubilee, symbolize passing into the presence of God by way of our Lord Jesus, who called himself the “gate.” Those who walk through them are granted a plenary indulgence for the removal of temporal punishment for their sins. At the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran we also will have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps and attend Mass. Before we close the day, we will travel to the Pontifical North American College for a private tour, offering stunning views of Rome.
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. 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.
Overnight in Rome
In the morning, we will head to Saint Peter’s Square for the Papal general audience with Pope Francis (subject to the Pope’s schedule). Afterward, we will have a private Mass nearby. After lunch on your own, we’ll embark on a tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. At St. Peter’s Basilica we will walk through the final Holy Door. This door is one of three entrances into St. Peter’s Basilica, which along with the other Holy Doors usually remains closed, but when it is opened imparts an indulgence to those who walk through it. Tonight, we enjoy our farewell dinner.
Overnight in Rome
With a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we will board our plane for our flight home.
