DAY 1 - Saturday, 26th April - Arrive Rome

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 have lunch in a local restaurant before checking into our accommodation, located within walking distance of St. Peter's Square.

It was with deep shock and profound sadness that this week we learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a humble shepherd who led the Church with extraordinary compassion, courage, and simplicity.

He inspired the world with his warmth, his deep pastoral heart, and his call for a Church that is poor and for the poor. His legacy will live on in his commitment to dialogue, healing, and bridge-building - both within the Church and beyond.

This afternoon we will celebrate Mass in the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia (The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Rome), located just off St. Peter's Square, as we give thanks to God for the extraordinary gift Pope Francis has been to our Church and to the world and to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

Afterwards, we will visit the Chapel of Divine Mercy where we will have time for prayer before the image of the Merciful Jesus, the statue of St. Sister Faustina Kowalska and her reliquary donated by John Paul II after her canonization.


DAY 2 - Sunday, 27th April - DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

The historical centre of Rome boasts such sites as the Pantheon. Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona - a true symbol of Baroque Rome with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers dominating the square. This morning we will embark on a walking tour which will take us through the narrow-cobbled streets as we make our way from Trevi Fountain, pass the famous Pantheon before arriving in the vibrant square of Piazza Navona where we will have free time for lunch.

We will return to our hotel and in the afternoon visit St. Peter's Square, home to one of the holiest temples of Christendom. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, and the day that marks the Anniversary of the Canonisation of another great Pope, St. John Paul II, we will gather together in prayer. We will celebrate evening Mass before enjoying dinner in a typical Roman restaurant.


DAY 3 - Monday, 28th April - FULL DAY ASSISI

From the moment he chose the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis signalled a papacy rooted in humility, peace, care for the poor, and love for all of God's creation. Like his namesake, Pope Francis became a voice for the voiceless, a champion of mercy, and a witness to the Gospel through action as well as word.

One of the first pilgrimages Pope Francis took after his election as Pope was to the town of the Poor Man of Assisi. Today we will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis as we drive to the Green Heart of Italy to the birthplace of St. Francis, St. Clare and resting place of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Pope Francis presented Carlo Acutis as a role model for young people today and as Pilgrims of Hope the figure of Carlo Acutis is proof that we are all called to be saints.

As we walk through the medieval town, accompanied by our guide, we will hear also of the life of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how they chose a life of charity and prayer. Our time in the town of Assisi will conclude with Mass before our return to Rome.


DAY 4 - Tuesday, 29th April - St. Peters Basilica, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Irish College

This morning we will have time at leisure for personal sightseeing and private prayer around St. Peter's Square.

After free time for lunch, we will visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the �Mother Church of all churches� and seat of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis. After a visit to the basilica and time for private prayer, we will walk to the nearby Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs. According to tradition, the Holy Stairs were transported from Jerusalem to Rome in 326 and 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 Holy Stairs attract millions of pilgrims each year who wish to honour the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Our day will conclude with the celebration of Mass in the nearby Pontifical Irish College.


DAY 5 - Wednesday, 30th April Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia

This morning, we will return to of Santo Spirito in Sassia for the closing Mass of our pilgrimage. We will have some time at leisure around St. Peter's Square before driving to Fiumicino airport, as we conclude our Jubilee pilgrimage.


CASA MARIA ALLE FORNACI

Housed in an early 20th century building, Casa Santa Maria Alle Fornaci is a religious residence located within walking distance of 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

Please note entrance to St. Peter's Square will be controlled by Vatican authorities. As we must follow the instructions of both Vatican and Roman authorities 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. Should you have mobility difficulties we strongly advise that you bring a companion with you.