Pilgrimage Itinerary

DAY 1 - Benevento

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 Italian countryside as we drive towards Benevento, stopping off at a typical Italian restaurant for lunch before arriving at the San Giovanni Rotondo Palace Hotel where we will check in and have time to relax in our rooms.

Padre Pio realised his dream when he was ordained to the priesthood on the 10th of August 1910 by Monsignor Paolo Schinosi. This afternoon we will celebrate the opening Mass of our pilgrimage in the cathedral in Benevento where Padre Pio was ordained.


DAY 2 - Pietrelcina & Piana Romana

This morning we will drive to the town of Pietrelcina and begin to learn of the early years of Francesco Forgione (the future Padre Pio) and how he overcame many obstacles to fulfil his dream of becoming �a monk with a beard.�

During a walking tour of the town of Pietrelcina, we will learn of the early life of Francesco Forgione with a visit to his family home and the Church of Sant' Anna where he was baptised. We will celebrate Mass in the Church of the Holy Family and later visit the museum where precious items have been preserved dating back to Padre Pio's early years in Pietrelcina.

During our visit to nearby Piana Romana, we will see the farmhouse of the Forgione family and have time for prayer before the tree beneath which Padre Pio received the first signs of the stigmata.

We will continue our drive through the countryside before arriving in the town of San Giovanni Rotondo, home to Padre Pio for over fifty years. We will check into our hotel, located just a five-minute walk from the sanctuary, and come together for our evening meal.


DAY 3 - English Office, Capuchin friary & Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

This morning we will celebrate Mass in the ancient Church of Our Lady of Grace where Padre Pio spent many hours each day hearing confessions and afterwards in the English Office will receive a blessing with the glove used by the capuchin friar.

During our afternoon guided tour of the sanctuary, we will learn of the life of Padre Pio during his time in San Giovanni Rotondo. 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.

In 1956 Padre Pio presented to the world his greatest gift, �Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza� which today is now one of the most important hospitals in Europe. An important part in the story of Padre Pio, we will learn of the history behind what is regarded as Padre Pio's greatest creation.

Our day will conclude with a visit to the Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina where we will have the remainder of the afternoon for private prayer before the remains of St. Pio.


DAY 4 - 20th Anniversary of the Canonisation of St. Pio of Pietrelcina


Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel & St. Matthew's Monastery


This morning we will have the opportunity to partake in the celebrations taking place at the sanctuary as we mark the 20th Anniversary of the Canonisation of one of the great saints of our time.

In the afternoon we will drive to the town of Monte Sant'Angelo, home to the Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel. In the sacred cave we will celebrate Mass and afterwards have time to stroll through the cobbled streets of this unique town with its quaint, white-washed houses. Before returning to San Giovanni Rotondo for lunch, we will visit the nearby St. Matthew's monastery where we will receive a blessing with the relic of St. Matthew and Holy Oil.


DAY 5 - Return home

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, joy and peace in our hearts.