Monday, 24th November 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 Rome and will relax with lunch in a typical local restaurant. 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 have time for prayer before the tomb of Pope Francis, 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, 25th November St. Peter's Basilica, Basilica of St. John Lateran & Irish College

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 make our pilgrimage through the Holy Door before embarking on 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.

After free time for lunch, we will drive to 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.

The Pontifical Irish College, with its wonderful location within walking distance of the Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs, attracts visitors and pilgrims who arrive in abundance each year. Our day will conclude with the celebration of 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.


Wednesday, 26th November Papal Audience & Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona

This morning, we gather with fellow pilgrims in St. Peter's Square to attend the Papal Audience and afterwards have time at leisure.

After free time for lunch, we will celebrate Mass in St. Isidore's College, founded in 1625 by Irish Franciscan Luke Wadding OFM and now home to an international fraternity of OFM Franciscans. We will enjoy a walking tour of the main sights of Rome, as we stroll along the quaint cobbled streets that will lead us to Trevi Fountain, pass by the Pantheon before arriving in elegant Piazza Navona - a true symbol of Baroque Rome, with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers dominating the square.


Thursday, 27th November Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls & Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

This morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Since 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. We will celebrate Mass and have time for private prayer before departing Rome to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare and resting place of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

We will check into our hotel and after time to relax will visit the nearby 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.


Friday, 28th November Assisi

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, and the tomb of St. Clare, founder of the Order of the Poor Clares. Afterwards, 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.

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. This afternoon we will visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, the resting place of the future saint, and where the young Francis of Assisi publicly relinquished his lavish lifestyle, in favour of a life of prayer. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure will allow for shopping and personal sightseeing.


Saturday, 29th November Return home

This morning, we will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli before driving to Fiumicino Airport for our afternoon flight to Dublin, concluding our memorable Jubilee pilgrimage.