Monday, 31 March - Arrive Rome - 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. 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 prays before embarking, and upon returning from each international Apostolic journey.
We will celebrate the opening Mass our pilgrimage in this wonderful basilica and afterwards spend time in prayer before this precious image of Salus Populi Romani before we drive to our hotel 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, 01 April - 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. Accompanied by our guide, this morning we will explore the basilica and afterwards have time for prayer at the tombs of the great saints; St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII. 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 Francis. 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, 02 April - Papal Audience, Catacombs of St. Sebastian & Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

This morning, we gather with fellow pilgrims in St. Peter's Square to attend the Papal Audience.

Afterwards we will drive to the Catacombs of St. Sebastian. Known as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, the 12-kilometre-long catacombs owe their name to St Sebastian, a soldier who became a martyr for converting to Christianity. Built above the ancient burial grounds is the basilica which has carefully preserved the arrow that allegedly struck St. Sebastian during his murder and a set of marble footprints, that are attributed to Jesus, during his walk to Rome along the Via Appia.

Just a short drive away is the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Since 1300, 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, the saint's tomb being under the Papal Altar.


Thursday - 03 April - Walking tour of historical centre, Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona

After morning Mass our guide will take us on a walking tour of Rome, as we stroll along the quaint cobbled streets that will lead us to Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and the elegant Piazza Navona - a true symbol of Baroque Rome, with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers dominating the square. We will have the afternoon free and the evening at leisure to dine in one of the many restaurants throughout Rome, sampling some of the fine Italian produce.


Friday, 04 April - Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli & Chapel of the Porziuncola

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and enjoy a morning drive through the �Green Heart of Italy� to the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis & St. Clare, and resting place of Carlo Acutis. After time at leisure for lunch 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.


Saturday, 05 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 and have time for prayer at the tomb of the founder of the Order of the Poor Clares. 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 Renunciation, the resting place of the first millennial beatified, and future saint, and where the young Francis of Assisi publicly relinquished his lavish lifestyle, in favour of a life of 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.


Sunday, 06 April - Siena

After breakfast we will drive to the Tuscan town of Siena. Starting in the vibrant Piazza del Campo, our guided walking tour which will take us through the ancient streets of this medieval town. Sitting atop Siena's highest point and visible for miles around, we will visit the Cathedral, embellished with great art including works of Michelangelo and Bernini. Our tour will take us to the Shrine of the house of St. Catherine where we will hear of the austere lifestyle the young Catherine chose to follow, and the great works of charity which earned her the title of �The Lady with the Lamp.� Our day trip to Siena will conclude with Mass in the Basilica of St. Dominic.


Monday, 07 April - 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 after time at leisure will drive to Fiumicino airport for our return flight to Dublin.


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.