Pilgrimage Itinerary

DAY 1

This morning we will depart from Dublin to Naples. In the arrivals hall we will be greeted by our Marian Pilgrimages guide and driver who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. We will catch our first glimpse of the picturesque countryside as we drive to Pietrelcina, birthplace of Padre Pio.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we will begin to learn of the early years of Francesco Forgione (the future Padre Pio) as we walk through the town, visiting the home of the Forgione family where baby Francesco was born and the Church of Sant ‘Anna where he was baptised.

In nearby Piana Romana we will have time for prayer before the tree beneath which Padre Pio received the first signs of the stigmata before walking the Way of the Cross which will allow us as Christians, to pause and enter reflectively into those last moments of Jesus’s journey of love.

We will enjoy breath-taking and contrasting landscapes as we drive to San Giovanni Rotondo. Arriving at our hotel, located just a five-minute walk from the sanctuary, we will check into our rooms and come together for evening meal.


DAY 2

This morning we will walk in the footsteps of Padre Pio during his time in San Giovanni Rotondo. In the ancient Church of Our Lady of Grace where millions of pilgrims arrived from all parts to confess to Padre Pio, we will see the confessional where Padre Pio spent so many hours each day.

Visiting the capuchin friary will allow us to learn more about the “poor friar who prays” as he often described himself. Here we will have the opportunity to see the cell once occupied by the humble friar and the crucifix before which he received the stigmata. Our morning will conclude with a visit to the Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina where we will have time for private prayer before the mortal remains of the great saint of our time.

Padre Pio had a great devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. After lunch we will drive to the nearby town of Monte Sant’Angelo. In the sacred cave we will have time for private prayer and afterwards to enjoy a stroll through the cobbled streets of this unique town with its quaint whitewash houses.


DAY 3

After morning Mass, we will visit the English Office and receive a blessing with the glove and crucifix used by Padre Pio.

Padre Pio through his life endured great pain and suffering. He presented to the world his greatest gift, the hospital, "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza". An important part in the story of Padre Pio, this morning we will learn of the history behind what is regarded as Padre Pio’s greatest miracle.

In the afternoon we will visit the nearby St. Matthew’s monastery where we will receive a blessing with the relic of St. Matthew and Holy Oil. As we return to San Giovanni Rotondo we will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.


DAY 4

This morning we will check out of our hotel and drive to Naples airport for our return flight to Dublin returning to our homes, filled with a sense of tranquillity, rejuvenation, and peace in our hearts.