and Fr. Joseph are buried. Return to our hotel
for lunch. This afternoon we visit St. Matthew’s
monastery where we will receive a blessing
with the relic of St. Matthew and the holy oil.
We will return to San Giovanni Rotondo and
have the afternoon at leisure.
Day 7 - San Giovanni Rotondo
This morning we celebrate Mass in the hospital,
‘Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza’ and have a
guided tour of what is considered Padre Pio’s
greatest creation. Participate in the Stations
of the Cross before returning to our hotel for
lunch. We will have the afternoon at leisure for
private prayer and sightseeing.
Day 8 - Pietrelcina & Pompeii
This morning we depart San Giovanni
Rotondo and travel to the Sanctuary of Our
Lady of Incoronata. Tradition has it that, in
April 1001, Our Lady appeared on an oak tree
in the forest of Cervaro to the Count of Ariano
Irpino and asked that a church be built on the
site. We will have time for prayer and receive a
blessing with the holy oil. Continue onto Piana
Romana where Mass will be celebrated. Visit
the chapel dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and
see the tree beneath which Padre Pio received
the invisible stigmata. Afterwards transfer to
nearby Pietrelcina, birthplace of St. Pio and
have a walking tour of the picturesque town
visiting the Forgione family home where Padre
Pio was born and the parish church where he
celebrated his first Mass. After free time for
lunch, we transfer to Pompeii. Visit the Basilica
of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii,
once visited by the young Francesco Forgione.
We will venerate the painting of ‘Our Lady of
the Rosary’ and have time for prayer. Check
into our hotel in Pompeii where we will stay for
one night on a half board basis.
Day 9 - Depart Naples
This morning we will celebrate the closingMass
of our pilgrimage in the basilica and afterwards
transfer to Naples airport for our return flight.
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