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Your Chaplain
Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the U.S. on our overnight fight to Milan, Italy. Meals will be served during our flight.
Morning arrival into Milan, we will board our deluxe motor coach and transfer to Turin, Italy. Today, we’ll make our way to the church to view the Holy Shroud (Subject to availability) and celebrate mass. Next, we will visit the church of Our Lady Help of Christians to visit the tomb of St. Don Bosco.
Overnight Turin
Morning departure for Pisa. First, we will visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral of Pisa. Next, we visit Santa Maria Della Spina where we will celebrate mass. After mass we’ll enjoy some leisure time before check-in and dinner at our hotel.
Overnight Pisa
Morning departure for Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. On arrival we will enjoy a tour which will include the magnificent Franciscan church of The Holy Cross or Santa Croce with its beautiful facade. Walking tour through Piazza Signoria, pass by Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio. Continue through Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore 13th century cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of St. John. Leisure time after dinner.
Overnight Florence
Today we will start with a visit to the L’Accadamia Museum to view Michelangelo’s “David” as well as other works of art. Enjoy some time at leisure. After lunch we will celebrate mass in the Basilica di San Lorenzo.
Overnight Florence
Depart Florence for Assisi. We will visit the quaint hilltop birthplace of St. Francis that still retains something of the atmosphere of the early 1200s, when St. Francis began his ministry. We begin with Mass at Chiesa Nuova, built in 1615 on the site of the birthplace of St. Francis. Next, we will proceed to the Church of St. Clare to see the Saint’s body and pray for her intercession. St. Clare was the foundress of the Order of Poor Clare’s. Then on to the basilica of St. Francis where we will pray over his tomb. The remainder of the day has been set aside for you to visit Assisi as you wish.
Overnight Assisi
Today we take an excursion to visit the medieval town of Greccio. Greccio itself, set on a beautiful mountaintop, is famous for its cool summer climate and its mineral springs. However, it is more renowned for its connections with St. Francis of Assisi and as the birthplace of the Christmas crèche. On Christmas Night 1223, St. Francis led shepherds to the top of a nearby hill where they gathered in a stable sheltering an ox and a donkey. According to legend, the Baby Jesus miraculously appeared in the manger. On this spot the Franciscan convent of Greccio was built, and the Chapel of The Crib was erected in 1228, the year St. Francis was canonized. Before we return to Assisi, we will make a stop in Rivotorto where St. Francis of Assisi started his life of austerity. We return to Assisi to visit St. Mary of the Angels where St. Francis spent most of his life. Here we’ll visit the Chapel Portiuncola, the rose bush and the cave where the saint retired for prayer.
Overnight Assisi
Today we will travel to La Verna. One of the best known of the Franciscan shrines it is the place where, on the 14th of September 1224, St. Francis of Assisi received the Stigmata. On the floor of the chapel of the Stigmata we will see a stone which marks the spot where the Saint received the ultimate mark of Christ. We will celebrate mass at the Franciscan Sanctuary.
Overnight Assisi
All roads lead to Rome. Early departure to visit the hill town of Orvieto where St. Thomas Aquinas taught and where the Eucharistic Miracle took place in 1263. Ascend by funicular to the Cathedral and its wonderful Fresco Cycle by Signorelli including “The Last Judgment.” After Mass here, there will be time for lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants. We will arrive in Rome by way of the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine and the Forum.
Overnight Rome
Today, we’ll visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Church of St. Peter in Chains as well as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. It is here (the Basilica of St. John Lateran) that St. Francis persuaded Pope Innocent III to give permission to begin the Franciscan Order. We will celebrate mass at one of the basilicas. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight Rome
Following breakfast, we 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 where we will celebrate mass in one of the chapels and pass through the Holy Door. On the last night of our pilgrimage, we gather for our farewell banquet.
Overnight Rome
With an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we board the plane for our return flight home.
