Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *

DAY 1 - Tuesday, 19th May Arrive Brescia

This afternoon we will depart from Knock to Milan (Bergamo) and upon arrival meet our guide who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. We will drive to our accommodation and have time to relax in our rooms before dinner.


DAY 2 - Wednesday, 20th May Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Star of Cellatica

Today we will celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Star which stands on a hill located between the towns of Concesio, Cellatica and Gussago, where on May 31st, 1536, the Virgin Mary appeared to a deaf shepherd. who was grazing his sheep in the hills between San Vigilio and Cellatica . The shepherd received the order from the Madonna to invite the inhabitants of the surrounding villages to dedicate a place of worship to her in that place, and as a reward he regained the ability to speak.

On June 2nd, 1537, construction works began, which lasted approximately two years. The sanctuary was continually embellished over the years, in particular with the addition of the paintings of the flagellation and coronation of Christ in 1696, the marble altar of the �Madonna with Child� by Romanino and many other treasures that testify to the response of the Brescian faithful who in time, and still today, visit the sanctuary.


DAY 3 - Thursday, 21st May Full day Brescia

After morning Mass, we will enjoy a day at leisure in Brescia, with the opportunity to visit some of the main attractions.

Brescia Castle
Brescia Castle, a fascinating fortified complex, the castle still preserves the contributions of past eras. The building rises majestically on the Colle Cidneo, close to the historic centre and is known as the �Falcon of Italy.� (Entrance to museums payable locally).

Old & New Cathedrals of Brescia
Visit Piazza Paolo VI, also known as Piazza dei due Duomi (Square of the Two Cathedrals), as it houses the Summer Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (the new cathedral), with its Baroque fa�ade and majestic dome, and the Winter Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (the old cathedral), with its cylindrical structure dating back to Romanesque times. (Entrance payable locally).

Piazza della Loggia, Piazza Vittoria & Piazza Mercato

Just a few steps from the two cathedrals, three squares open up: Piazza della Loggia, with its Venetian influence, dominated by the palace of the same name; Piazza Vittoria, with its incredible suspended rhinoceros installation; and Piazza Mercato, with monuments belonging to different eras, from the 15th to the 20th century.


DAY 4 - Friday, 22nd May Sanctuary of Our Lady of Miracles

After morning Mass, we will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Miracles.

This north Italian shrine in Lombardy originated with a painting of the Blessed Virgin on the outside of a house. During an epidemic of bubonic plague that devastated Brescia in 1478, it is recorded that it became the occasion of miracles of healing.

The church of Our Lady of Miracles in Brescia was built to honour the image of the Blessed Virgin before which so many people were miraculously healed. Construction began in 1488 in thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin for those who survived, but work was not completed until 1500. The image that was once seen on the house near the church can now be seen in the church's apse. The church was struck by allied bombs during World War II, and was so damaged that it had to be almost completely rebuilt after the war, with the exception of the fa�ade which was preserved, thanks to the intervention of the local people.


DAY 5 - Saturday, 23rd May Sanctuary of Mary Mystical, Rose of Montichiari

After morning Mass, we will visit the Sanctuary of Mary Mystical, Rose of Montichiari.

The apparitions of Maria Rosa Mystica to Pierina Gilli have given rise to a strong devotion at the Sanctuary of Rosa Mystica in Montichiari.

It was to Pierina Gilli, a nurse and consecrated woman born in 1911 at Montichiari to a modest family of peasants, that the Blessed Mother began to appear, calling herself Rosa Mystica and Mother of the Mystical Body, the Church.

After a long series of private messages, beginning in 1947, Rosa Mystica appeared to Pierina in a series of public apparitions at the cathedral of Montichiari (from November 16 to December 8). Further apparitions would follow some years later. Although, it has taken a long time for the processes of recognition for the Shrine and the apparitions to be carried out by the official Church, devotion to Rosa Mystica immediately has spread throughout the world.

DAY 6 - Sunday, 24th May Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Miracles

This morning, we will return to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Miracles for Mass and enjoy a day for private prayer and reflection.


DAY 7 - Monday, 25th May Day at leisure in Brescia

After morning Mass in the town of Brescia, we will enjoy a day at leisure for shopping and sightseeing.


DAY 8 - Tuesday, 26th May Return home

After breakfast, we will check out of our accommodation and drive to Bergamo airport for our return flight to Knock.