Pilgrimage Itinerary

DAY 1 - Pietrelcina

We will depart in the morning from Dublin to Naples. On arrival, we will be greeted by our Marian Pilgrimages guide and driver. Our pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Pio will begin in his native town of Pietrelcina where the young Francesco Forgione grew up and, in the years that would follow would overcome many obstacles to realise his dream of becoming a monk with a beard. Our afternoon walking tour will include visits to the Forgione family home where Francesco was born, the Church of Sant Anna where he was baptised and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli where the newly ordained Padre Pio would celebrate his first Mass. Our visit to Pietrelcina will conclude with the celebration of the Mass in the Church of the Holy Family, and a visit to the museum which carefully preserves items dating back to Padre Pio's years in Pietrelcina. Our final visit of the day will be to nearby Piana Romana where Padre Pio would receive the first signs of the stigmata.


DAY 2 - English Office, Capuchin friary & Crypt of St. Pio

The English Office was founded by Fr. Alessio Parente to welcome English-speaking pilgrims arriving in San Giovanni Rotondo. After the celebration of morning Mass, we will visit the English Office and learn more of the life of Padre Pio before receiving a blessing with the glove and crucifix used by the humble friar.

In the afternoon, our guided tour of the sanctuary will allow us to walk in the footsteps of Padre Pio during his years in San Giovanni Rotondo. Our guide will take us to the ancient Church of Our Lady of Grace where Padre Pio celebrated Mass and heard confessions before continuing onto the capuchin friary, where we will learn more about the poor friar who prays as Padre Pio often described himself. Our day will conclude in the Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina where there will be time for private prayer before the remains of the great saint of our time.


DAY 3 - Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel & Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza

Padre Pio had a great devotion to St. Michael the Archangel and travelled on pilgrimage to the shrine in Monte Sant'Angelo. As we drive to the quaint town, we will hear of the apparitions of the Archangel Michael and celebrate Mass in the sacred cave.

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, after lunch we will learn of the history behind what is regarded as Padre Pio's greatest creation. We will have time at leisure for confessions and to return to the crypt of Padre Pio.


DAY 4 - Cathedral of Trani & Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari

After breakfast we will depart San Giovanni Rotondo as we begin our trip through the region of Puglia, experiencing some of the traditions of this picturesque and unique part of southern Italy. Our first stop is the town of Trani. Sitting right on the water's edge, mirrored in the water of the Adriatic Sea is Trani's iconic cathedral. This morning we will celebrate Mass in the cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas The Pilgrim and afterwards have free time for lunch.

In the afternoon we will drive to Bari and visit the famous Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari. Originally constructed to house the relics of St Nicholas (better known as Father Christmas). St Nicholas' remains, which are said to emanate a miraculous manna liquid with special powers, are ensconced in a shrine in the beautiful, vaulted crypt. After time for private prayer, we will continue our drive to Ostuni where we will stay in the four-star Primo Ostuni Hotel for the following four nights.


DAY 5 - Day at leisure in Ostuni

Today we will enjoy a relaxing day in the town of Ostuni, one of the most stunning towns in southern Italy, famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses. This morning our guide will take us on a walking tour of the town, with its series of small roads, alleys, and arches with hints of the Middle Ages at hand in every corner. The remainder of the day will be at leisure before we come together for dinner.


DAY 6 - Alberobello & Locorotondo

After breakfast we will travel to Alberobello, known as the Capital of the Trulli. Alberobello, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is lined with trulli famous for their conical roofs made without mortar, white-tipped as if dusted by snow. Our guide will take us through this unique town and afterwards we will have free time for lunch.

Before returning to Ostuni, we will visit the town of Locorotondo. Perched on a hill, our guide will take us to the wonderful historic centre of the town with its labyrinth of white alleys. A simply delightful place it will become clear why Locorotondo is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.


DAY 7 - Day at leisure in Ostuni

A day at leisure will allow us the opportunity to relax, with time for shopping and personal sightseeing.


DAY 8 - Lecce

This morning we will check out of our hotel and drive to the town of Lecce, often referred to as the Florence of the south. With its dazzling architectural surprises around every corner, Lecce is a minor Baroque masterpiece. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Santa Croce which boasts one of the finest and most intricate Baroque facades in Italy and afterwards have time to explore the town or relax in the many elegant caf�s and bars and observe the comings and goings of the locals as they go about their daily business. After time at leisure, we will drive to Brindisi airport for our return flight to Dublin.