Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *

Thursday, 21 May Arrive Italy

This afternoon, we will fly from Dublin to Rome and upon arrival meet our Marian Pilgrimages representative who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. As we drive to our hotel we will hear of the traditions of Italy and of the plans for the forthcoming days. After checking into our hotel, we will have time to relax in our rooms before dinner.


Friday, 22 May Assisi

The picturesque Italian landscape will make for an enjoyable drive to the town of Greccio, birthplace of the nativity scene. The sanctuary at Greccio rises straight up from the edge of a sheer cliff and sits on the site where Saint Francis of Assisi staged the first-ever nativity scene in 1223, marking the beginning of the tradition of the manger scene which soon spread throughout Catholic Europe. We will celebrate morning Mass at the sanctuary and after free time for lunch will continue our drive through the Green Heart of Italy to Assisi, the town of St. Francis , St. Clare and resting place of Blessed Carlo Acutis. After checking into our rooms in the Domus Pacis, located in the valley below the town of Assisi, we will have time to relax before visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. During this special year for Franciscans, as we mark the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi, we will visit the Chapel of the Porziuncola where Francis realised his true calling and the Chapel of the Transito where Francis died on the 3rd of October 1226 - a truly sacred place for Franciscans.


Saturday, 23 May Assisi

This morning, we will celebrate Mass in the basilica dedicated to St. Clare and afterwards venerate the original San Damiano Cross before which Francis was praying when he heard the famous words of the Lord. In the crypt of the basilica rest the remains of St. Clare and the Museum which carefully preserves items connected with the lives of both saints. The name of Carlo Acutis became known the world over when in October 2020 he became the first millennial beatified. We will have time for prayer at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was very impressed by the figure of St. Francis of Assisi, and hear of his great faith and of his love for the poor. As we walk along the cobbled streets of the ancient town, we will learn of the life of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how they chose to relinquish their lavish lifestyles in favour of a life of poverty and prayer. Our day will conclude in the Basilica of St. Francis where we will admire the famous frescoes and pray at the tomb of the founder of the Franciscan Order.


Sunday, 24 May Norcia & Cascia

This morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive to Norcia, birthplace of St. Benedict. Despite suffering damage following an earthquake in 2016, the statue of St. Benedict has remained, reflecting the resilient nature of the people and their sense of faith. During our visit we will hear about the life of St. Benedict and the events that brought him to become the founder of monasticism in the Western World. We will have time at leisure for shopping or to relax in the piazza before continuing our drive to Cascia, town of St. Rita.

We will check into our rooms and afterwards walk to the Basilica of St. Rita where we will celebrate Mass and have time for private prayer at the tomb of the Saint of the Impossible.


Monday, 25 May Roccaporena

Immersed in a natural landscape of rivers and streams, this morning we will visit to the town of Roccaporena and hear details of Rita's years spent as a daughter, wife, mother and widow with visits to her marital home, the Scoglio where tradition has it that Rita ascended to pray and feel closer to God and the Garden of the Miracle where took place the famous miracle of the Rose and two figs. After the celebration of Mass, we will return to Cascia and enjoy a tour of the monastery where Rita lived as an Augustinian Nun for over forty years. The remainder of our afternoon will be at leisure for private sightseeing and prayer.


Tuesday, 26 May Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Genazzano

According to tradition, in the year 1467, during the festivities for the Feast of Saint Mark, the residents of the town of Genazzano suddenly heard beautiful music. A mysterious cloud was then said to have descended and obscured an unfinished wall of the parish church. Then, as everyone watched, the cloud dissipated, and a beautiful fresco appeared of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. This event naturally led to increased devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel. The sanctuary has been visited by many Popes through the centuries including Pope John Paul II in 1993 and Pope Leo XIV who chose to visit the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano on his first trip to take outside the Vatican after his election as Pope. Today we will celebrate Mass at the shrine and venerate the ancient image before continuing our drive to the Eternal City.


Wednesday, 27 May Papal Audience

This morning, we will gather with fellow pilgrims in St. Peter's Square to attend the Papal Audience, at the end of which the Holy Father will impart on us his Blessing.

St. Peter's Basilica is without doubt one of the holiest temples of Christendom. Today our guide will take us through the basilica, home to some of the masterpieces by artists of the calibre of Michelangelo and Bernini. In the afternoon we will embark on a guided walking tour of Rome's historic centre where we will see the world-famous Trevi Fountain, pass by the Pantheon before arriving in Piazza Navona, Rome's most famous square, known for its lively atmosphere and the beautiful fountain of the Four Rivers.


Thursday, 28 May Return home

After morning Mass, we will check out of our hotel and drive the short distance to Fiumicino airport, concluding our pilgrimage, having walked in the footsteps of some of the great saints of our time.