Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *

Tuesday, 20th January 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. We will drive to the centre of Rome and will relax with free time for lunch. 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 would pray 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 at the tomb of Pope Francis. As we drive to our hotel, 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.


Wednesday, 21st January Papal Audience, St. Peter's Basilica, St. Isidore's College, Trevi Fountain

This morning, we will join with fellow pilgrims for the Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square (subject to the Pope being in Rome).

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. This morning, we will enjoy a guided tour of the basilica, where we will have the chance to pray at the tombs of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII, and admire Michelangelo's Piet� and Bernini's intricate Baldachin.

In the afternoon we will celebrate Mass at the College of St. Isidore's, founded in 1625 by Irish Franciscan Luke Wadding OFM and now home to an international fraternity of OFM Franciscans. As we embark on a guided walking tour of Rome's historic centre we will see the world-famous Trevi Fountain, where tradition calls for tossing a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return to Rome, 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 by Bernini. Afterwards we will have time at leisure before returning to our hotel.


Thursday, 22nd January Pontifical Irish College, Basilica of St. John Lateran & Holy Stairs

The Pontifical Irish College, with its wonderful location within walking distance of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, 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. We will visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the �Mother Church of all Churches� and seat of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo. After time for private prayer, we will walk to 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 afternoon at leisure for last minute shopping and private sightseeing.


Friday, 23rd January Return home

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and drive Fiumicino Airport for our return flight to Dublin, concluding our memorable pilgrimage in Rome.