Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *



Monday, 29th September 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. 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 driving to our accommodation 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.

Tuesday, 30th September Papal Audience, Basilica of St. John Lateran & Irish College
This morning, we will gather with fellow pilgrims for the Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square. In the afternoon we will celebrate Mass in the Pontifical Irish College and afterwards learn of the history of the college that is still a seminary from the many that were once scattered over Europe. We will walk to the nearby 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.

Wednesday, 1st October St. Peter's Basilica & Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia
St. Peter's Basilica is without doubt one of the holiest temples of Christendom. This morning, we will make our pilgrimage through the Holy Door and have time for private prayer at the tombs of the great saints; St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII. Accompanied by our guide we will enjoy a tour of the basilica which is home to masterpieces by artists of the calibre of Michelangelo and Bernini amongst countless others. In the afternoon, in the nearby Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia (The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Rome), we will celebrate Mass and afterwards have time for prayer before the image of the Merciful Jesus, the statue of St. Sister Faustina Kowalska and her reliquary donated by the Holy Father John Paul II after her canonization.

Thursday, 2nd October Optional Day Trip to Assisi
This morning, we will drive through the �Green Heart of Italy� to the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis & St. Clare, and resting place of Blessed Carlo Acutis. We will begin at the Basilica of St. Clare, where we will have time for private prayer before the tomb of the Founder of the Order of the Poor Clares. The name Carlo Acutis became known throughout the world when on the 10th of October 2020, in the presence of his parents and siblings, he was beatified in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The young Carlo had the capacity to enjoy life in a simple way, and just like St. Francis of Assisi was not impressed by material things. We will visit the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the resting place of the first millennial beatified, and future saint, and where the young Francis of Assisi publicly relinquished his lavish lifestyle. In this place of great significance, will hear more of the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis and have time for private prayer at his Tomb. After free time for lunch, accompanied by our guide, we will enjoy a walking tour of the medieval town of Assisi during which time we will hear of the lives of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how they relinquished lavish St. Oliver Plunkett Parish Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Rome lifestyles in favour of a life of charity and prayer. Our tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Francis where we can admire the impressive frescoes and later have time for prayer at the tomb of the �Poor Man of Assisi.� Our day trip to Assisi will conclude with the celebration of Mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a sacred place for Franciscans, and home to the Chapel of the Porziuncola where Francis began to realise his true calling and where Clare was accepted into the Order. the Chapel of the Transito where Francis died and the famous Rose Garden. We will return to Rome, stopping enroute to enjoy dinner in a typical Italian Restaurant.

Friday, 3rd October Walking tour of Rome & Afternoon at leisure
After morning Mass, we will embark 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. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure will give us the opportunity for shopping and private sightseeing. This evening, we will come together for dinner in a typical Roman restaurant with the opportunity to sample some fine local produce.

Saturday, 4th October Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage before driving 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, the saint's tomb being under the Papal Altar. We will conclude our pilgrimage in this sacred place before driving to Fiumicino airport for our return flight to Dublin.

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. Should you have mobility difficulties we strongly advise that you bring a companion with you.