Friday, 23 May - Basilica of St. John Lateran, Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs, Irish College

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. 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.

We will celebrate the opening Mass of our pilgrimage in the nearby Pontifical Irish College and afterwards learn more of the College which is steeped in history and faith and the last of many Irish Colleges that were once scattered throughout Europe. 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. We will check into our hotel and have the evening at leisure.


Saturday, 24 May - St. Peters Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona

After breakfast, we will walk the short distance to St. Peter's Basilica. One of the holiest temples of Christendom and home to artistic masterpieces by artists of the calibre of Michelangelo and Bernini amongst countless others, this morning we will explore the basilica and afterwards have time for prayer before the tombs of the great saints; St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII.

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 afternoon our walking tour 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 our day will conclude with the celebration of Mass in the Church of St. Agnes in Agone, dedicated to the young virgin martyr.


Sunday, 25 May - Angelus, Basilica of St. Mary Major

This morning, we will gather with the fellow pilgrims in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus and afterwards have time at leisure for lunch.

In the afternoon we will visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four Papal Basilicas in Rome. 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 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. After Mass we will have time for private prayer before the image of Salus Populi Romani. We will return to our hotel and have the evening at leisure.


Monday, 26 May - Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and drive to the nearby Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, founded in the place where once was an ancient church built over the tomb of the Apostle Paul. Here we will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage before driving to Fiumicino airport for our return flight to Dublin.


CASA MARIA ALLE FORNACI

Housed in an early 20th century building, Casa Santa Maria Alle Fornaci is a religious residence located approximately 10-minutes' walk from 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

As precise details of the Jubilee Programme have yet to be released, 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.