Pilgrimage Itinerary

Saturday, 26 April - Basilica of St. Mary Major

This morning, we will fly from Dublin to Rome and upon arrival meet our Marian Pilgrimages representative and driver who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. The Basilica of St. Mary Major is the largest Catholic Marian Church in Rome and home to the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani; an Icon of the Virgin Mother and Child, credited with saving the city of Rome from the plague during the late sixth century. It is before this icon that Pope Francis prays before embarking, and upon returning from each international Apostolic journey.

This afternoon we will celebrate the opening Mass our pilgrimage in this wonderful basilica and afterwards spend time in prayer before this precious image of Salus Populi Romani before we drive to our hotel during which time we will catch glimpses of some of the many ancient monuments scattered throughout Rome, evidence that the �Eternal City� has a history and an appeal like no other city in the world.


Sunday, 27 April - St. Peter's Basilica, Basilica

After morning Mass, we will gather with fellow pilgrims in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus.

St. Peter's Basilica is without doubt one of the holiest temples of Christendom and home to masterpieces by artists of the calibre of Michelangelo and Bernini amongst countless others. Accompanied by our guide, this morning we will explore the basilica and afterwards have time for prayer at the tombs of the great saints; St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII.


Monday, 28 April - St. Isidore's College, Trevi Fountain. Piazza Navona

This morning, we will celebrate Mass at St. Isidore's College, the Irish National Church in Rome and afterwards hear of the history of the college and its founder, Luke Wadding. Our guide will take us on a walking tour of Rome, as we stroll along the quaint cobbled streets that will lead us to Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and the elegant Piazza Navona - a true symbol of Baroque Rome, with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers dominating the square. We will have free time for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon at leisure for shopping and private sightseeing.


Tuesday, 29 April - Irish College, Basilica of St. John Lateran

The Pontifical Irish College, with its wonderful location within walking distance of the Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs, attracts visitors and pilgrims who arrive in abundance each year. This morning we will celebrate Mass in the college which is the last of the many Irish Colleges that is still a seminary from the many that were once scattered over Europe.

After free time for lunch, we will walk to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the �Mother Church of all churches� and seat of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis. After time for private prayer, we will visit the nearby Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs. According to tradition, the Holy Stairs are the steps which led up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ climbed on his way to trial. The sanctuary attracts millions of pilgrims each year who wish to honour the Passion of Jesus Christ.

We will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure for shopping and personal sightseeing.


Wednesday, 30 April -St. Paul Outside the Walls

This morning we will check out of our hotel and drive to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Since 1300, the date of the first Holy Year, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls has been part of the Jubilee itinerary to obtain the indulgence and stands on the site that tradition indicates as that of the burial place of the Apostle Paul. After time for private prayer we will drive to Fiumicino airport for our return flight.



CASA SANTA MARIA ALLE FORNACI

Housed in an early 20th century building, Casa Santa Maria Alle Fornaci is a religious residence located approximately 10-minutes' walk from St. Peter's Square. The residence has air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, each with a private bathroom and shower. Within walking distance is a selection of restaurants serving typical Roman and international cuisine.


ITINERARY

As precise details of the Jubilee Programme have yet to be released, the above itinerary is subject to change.


IMPORTANT

Due to traffic restrictions in Rome, it is not always possible for coaches to arrive close to the main tourist sites, therefore a certain level of walking is involved. The ancient, cobbled streets of Rome are not suitable for wheelchair users or those using mobility aids. As a result, there are no official local facilities for hire of wheelchairs or mobility aids.