Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *

DAY 1 - Arrive Italy

This morning we will depart from Dublin airport to Rome. 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. The picturesque countryside will make for an enjoyable drive through the �Green Heart of Italy� to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare.

This afternoon we will celebrate Mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, home to the Chapel of the Porziuncola where Francis realised his true calling and where on Palm Sunday of 1212, he accepted Clare into the Order - a fitting place from which to begin our pilgrimage in Assisi. We will have time for private prayer in this sacred place and afterwards see the Chapel of the Transito where Francis died, and the famous Rose Garden where today grows the miraculous roses without thorns. We will return to our hotel for our evening meal.




DAY 2 - Assisi

This morning we will drive to the town of Assisi and celebrate Mass at the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, located close to the spot where Francis stripped himself of his fine clothes, thus relinquishing his wealthy lifestyle in favour of a life of poverty and prayer. In the Sanctuary of the Renunciation today rest the remains of Carlo Acutis, a young boy who was very much impressed by the figure of Francis of Assisi and who, just like Francis, liked nothing more than to help the poor. After Mass, we will hear about the life of Carlo Acutis and have time for prayer at the tomb of the boy whose story has inspired many to return to the faith.

After lunch we will enjoy a walking tour of the medieval town of Assisi. As we walk through the town, accompanied by our guide, we will hear of the lives of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how they relinquished lavish lifestyles in favour of a life of prayer. Our walking tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Francis where we can admire the impressive frescoes that adorn this magnificent basilica and later have time for prayer at the tomb of the Poor Man of Assisi.




DAY 3 - Convent of San Damiano & Cathedral of San Rufino

After breakfast we will travel to the Convent of San Damiano. Located in a beautiful setting just outside the walls of Assisi, this morning we will celebrate Mass at the Church of San Damiano and afterwards have a tour of the former home to the Order of the Poor Clares with visits to the Refectory, and Dormitory where St. Clare died.

As we return to the town of Assisi, we will visit the Cathedral of San Rufino, and after venerating the heart relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, we will have time for private prayer. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure will give us the opportunity for shopping and personal sightseeing.




DAY 4 - Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano

Our drive along the Adriatic Coast to the town of Lanciano will make for an enjoyable morning as we admire the wonderful landscape of this part of Italy. Upon arrival in Lanciano, after free time for lunch, we will celebrate Mass in the Church of St. Francis and later venerate the relics of the first Eucharistic Miracle of the Catholic Church which date back to the 8th century. After time for prayer, we drive to San Giovanni Rotondo, hearing of the early years of Padre Pio in the town of Pietrelcina and how he overcame many obstacles to fulfil his dream of becoming a monk with a beard. Upon arrival at our hotel, we will check into our rooms and have time to relax before dinner.




DAY 5 - 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 and crucifix used by the capuchin friar.

After lunch, we will hear 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.




DAY 6 - Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel & Way of the Cross

After breakfast we will drive to the town of Monte Sant Angelo, home to the Shrine of St. Michael theVArchangel. In the sacred cave we will celebrate Mass and afterwards have time to stroll the cobbled streets ofVthis unique town with its quaint, white-washed houses.

Walking the Way of the Cross in the afternoon will allow us as Christians, to pause and enter reflectively intoVthose last moments of Jesus's journey of love. We will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure for confessions and to return to the crypt of St. Pio.




DAY 7 - Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza

In 1956 Padre Pio presented to the world his greatest gift, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza which today is one of the most important hospitals in Italy. An important part in the story of Padre Pio, after Mass, we will learn of the history behind what is regarded as Padre Pio's greatest creation. The afternoon at leisure will allow us the opportunity to return to the crypt of Padre Pio for private prayer.




DAY 8 - Return home

After breakfast we will depart San Giovanni Rotondo and drive to Naples airport for our return flight to Dublin.


Please note as both Assisi & San Giovanni Rotondo are hill-top towns with a number of inclines which need to be negotiated to arrive at the sanctuary, neither are suitable for wheelchair users. As a result, there are no official local facilities for hire of wheelchairs or mobile aids.