We gather at our parish and board a motor coach for our transfer to the airport. With hearts full of
anticipation, we embark on our overnight flight to Rome, eager to begin our pilgrimage.

Upon arrival in Rome, we are greeted by our local guide and embark on a panoramic tour of the Eternal City, taking in iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Piazza Venezia. Afterward, we check into our hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner together, and settle in for our first night in Rome.

Today, we visit the four major basilicas of Rome, starting with St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, and the Holy Stairs. We continue to St. Mary Major, one of the oldest churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and then to St. Paul Outside the Walls, where we venerate the tomb of St. Paul. We pass through the Holy Doors at each basilica as part of our pilgrimage. We celebrate Mass and return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Rome.

We embark on a full-day trip to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. We visit the Basilica of St. Francis, admiring its stunning frescoes and venerating his tomb. We continue to the Basilica of St. Clare to see the San Damiano Cross and visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, where we venerate the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis. After celebrating Mass, we return to Rome for dinner and overnight.

We begin the day by attending the Sunday Angelus with the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square. Afterward, we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, passing through the Holy Door and praying at the tomb of St. John Paul II. We tour the Vatican Museums, marveling at the treasures of the Church, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling. We celebrate Mass at a Vatican chapel and return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, we depart Rome and travel to San Giovanni Rotondo. En route, we stop at Monte Cassino, the historic abbey founded by St. Benedict, to visit the monastery and celebrate Mass. We continue our journey to San Giovanni Rotondo, check into our hotel, and enjoy dinner and overnight.

We spend the day exploring San Giovanni Rotondo, home of St. Padre Pio. We visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Padre Pio celebrated Mass, and the new basilica where his remains are enshrined. We also visit the Capuchin monastery and the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). We celebrate Mass and have time for personal reflection and prayer before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

We depart San Giovanni Rotondo and journey back to Rome. Along the way, we stop in Lanciano to visit the site of the Eucharistic Miracle, where the consecrated host and wine turned into actual flesh and blood. We celebrate Mass at the shrine and reflect on the profound significance of this miracle. We continue to Rome, check into our hotel, and enjoy a farewell dinner together.

We transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for our flight back home, carrying with us the spiritual graces,
friendships, and unforgettable experiences from our pilgrimage.