DAY 1 - Friday, 25th April Arrive Rome

This afternoon, 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.

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.


DAY 2 - Saturday, 26th April Basilica of St. John Lateran & Trevi Fountain

This morning, 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.

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. After free time for lunch 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 time for private sightseeing.


DAY 3 - Sunday, 27th April Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis

This morning, during Mass in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis will declare Carlo Acutis a saint, becoming the first millennial to be canonised.

Pope Francis has presented Carlo as a role model for young people today. Carlo is an authentic witness that adolescents can also experience the Gospel, and it is without doubt that the charisma of Carlo Acutis will continue to inspire young people throughout the world. As Pilgrims of Hope, the canonisation ceremony today is proof that we are all called to be saints.

Carlo Acutis had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, often saying that The Virgin Mary is the only woman in my life. Our pilgrimage will begin with a visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, 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 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. This afternoon we will cross the Holy Door of the basilica and have time for private prayer before the image of Salus Populi Romani.


DAY 4 - Monday, 28th April St. Peter's Basilica

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. We will have the afternoon at leisure for shopping and private sightseeing.


DAY 5 - Tuesday, 29th April Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

This morning, we check out of our hotel and drive to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. We will make our pilgrimage through the Holy Door and afterwards have time for private prayer.

In the afternoon we will depart the �Eternal City� and drive through the �Green Heart of Italy� to the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis & St. Clare, and resting place of Carlo Acutis. Upon arrival, we will visit 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 conclude our day with the celebration of Mass and afterwards have time for private prayer.


DAY 6 - Wednesday, 30th April Basilica of St. Clare, Basilica of St. Francis Tomb of Carlo Acutis

This morning, we will drive to Assisi and celebrate Mass in the Basilica of St. Clare, home to the original San Damiano Cross which has been carefully preserved through the centuries. As we walk through the medieval town, accompanied by our guide, we will hear of the lives of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how they relinquished lavish 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.

This afternoon we will visit the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the resting place of Carlo Acutis. It was in this part of Assisi where Francis stripped himself naked in front of the people of Assisi publicly demonstrating his decision to turn to a life of poverty and prayer. 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.


DAY 7 - Thursday, 1st May Church & Convent of San Damiano

Carlo Acutis had a passion for Information Technology and was fascinated by the potential good it could bring. With a small computer he did extraordinary things, creating a website on the Eucharistic Miracles - the contents of which formed an exhibition that would travel the world. Amongst the Eucharistic Miracles documented is that of St. Clare of Assisi which took place at the Convent of San Damiano. Located just outside the walls of Assisi, in this tranquil setting we will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage and afterwards visit the convent where we will see the refectory, the dormitory where St. Clare died and beautiful cloister.

We will return to Assisi and visit the Cathedral of San Rufino where we will venerate the heart relic of Carlo Acutis. We will have the remainder of the day at leisure for shopping and private sightseeing.


DAY 8 - Friday, 2nd May Return home

We will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and afterwards drive to Fiumicino airport as we conclude our Jubilee pilgrimage.


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 and Assisi 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.