DAY 1 - Capuchin Convent of Sant'Anna

We will depart in the morning from Dublin to Naples. On arrival, we will be greeted by our Marian Pilgrimages guide and driver who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. We will enjoy beautiful views of the Italian countryside, stopping enroute for lunch, before arriving at the Convent of Sant'Anna in Foggia where Padre Pio spent a brief period in 1916. We will celebrate the opening Mass of our pilgrimage and afterwards visit the cell occupied by the young friar during his 6 months stay. As we continue our drive to San Giovanni Rotondo we will hear of the early years of Padre Pio and the events that led him to the town where he would spend over fifty years. Upon arriving at our hotel, we will check into our rooms and have dinner.

DAY 2 - English Office, Capuchin friary, Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

After morning Mass, we will visit the English Office and receive a blessing with the glove of Padre Pio and the crucifix used by the humble friar.

In the afternoon, we will walk in the footsteps of Padre Pio during his time in San Giovanni Rotondo. Visting the Capuchin friary will allow us to learn more about the �poor friar who prays� as he so often described himself. Here we will see the cell where Padre Pio lived and died and the crucifix before which he received the stigmata. Our afternoon will conclude with a visit to the Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina where we will pray before the mortal remains of the great saint of our time.


DAY 3 - Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel & "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza

Padre Pio had a great devotion to St. Michael the Archangel and travelled on two occasions to the shrine in Monte Sant'Angelo. As we drive to the quaint town, we will hear of the apparitions of the Archangel Michael and upon arrival, celebrate Mass.

In 1956 Padre Pio presented to the world his greatest gift, �Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza� which today is now one of the most important hospitals in Europe. This afternoon we will learn of the history behind what is regarded as Padre Pio's greatest miracle. We will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure with the opportunity to return to the crypt of St. Pio for private prayer.

DAY 4 - Pietrelcina

This morning we will depart San Giovanni Rotondo and drive to Piana Romana and have time for prayer before the tree before which Padre Pio received the first signs of the stigmata. Afterwards we will drive the short journey to Pietrelcina, birthplace of Padre Pio, where we will enjoy a guided tour of the town, taking us to the Forgione family home where Padre Pio was born and Church of Sant'Anna where he was baptised. We will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage and afterwards enjoy a scenic drive to Naples airport as we return to our homes filled with a sense of joy, tranquillity, and peace in our hearts.