Monday, 1st September Arrive San Giovanni Rotondo

This morning, we will fly from Dublin to Naples and upon arrival meet our Marian Pilgrimages representative who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. We will have lunch on arrival and enjoy an afternoon drive with wonderful views of the picturesque landscapes as we drive to San Giovanni Rotondo, home to Padre Pio for over fifty years. Upon arrival at our hotel, we will check into our rooms and afterwards celebrate the opening Mass of our pilgrimage. L,D.
Tuesday, 2nd September English Office, Capuchin friary & Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

The English Office was founded by Fr. Alessio Parente to welcome English-speaking pilgrims arriving in San Giovanni Rotondo. After the celebration of morning Mass, we will visit the English Office and learn more of the life of Padre Pio before receiving a blessing with the glove and crucifix used by the humble friar. In the afternoon, our guided tour of the sanctuary will allow us to walk in the footsteps of Padre Pio during his years in San Giovanni Rotondo. Our guide will take us to the ancient Church of Our Lady of Grace where Padre Pio celebrated Mass and heard confessions before continuing onto the capuchin friary, where we will learn more about the �poor friar who prays� as Padre Pio often described himself. Our day will conclude in the Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina where there will be time for private prayer before the remains of the great saint of our time. B,L,D.
Wednesday, 3rd September Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel

After breakfast, we will drive to the town of Monte Sant'Angelo, the oldest shrine in Western Europe dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Today we will hear of the apparitions of the Archangel Michael in the Gargano and have the privilege of celebrating Mass in the sacred cave. We will have time to stroll through the cobbled streets of this quaint town before returning to San Giovanni Rotondo for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the historical centre of San Giovanni Rotondo, hearing of the deep affinity Padre Pio had for the townspeople, visiting the Church of San Nicola where Padre Pio celebrated Mass and the Piazza that was named in his honour, dominated by the beautiful bronze monument which highlights episodes in the life of the humble friar. This evening, we will have at leisure with the opportunity for personal sightseeing or to visit some of the many trattorias serving typical local dishes. B,L.
Thursday, 4th September Monastery of the Resurrection & Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza

Nestled into the side of the mountain is the Monastery of the Resurrection, home to the Capuchin Poor Clares Sisters. In the tranquil setting we will celebrate morning Mass and afterwards have time for private prayer. In 1956 Padre Pio presented to the world his greatest gift, �Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza� which today is one of the most important hospitals in Italy. An important part in the story of Padre Pio, this morning we will learn of the history behind what is regarded as Padre Pio's greatest creation. We will have the afternoon at leisure for confession and to return to the crypt of St. Pio. B,L,D.
Friday, 5th September Pietrelcina

This morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive to Pietrelcina, birthplace of Padre Pio. Our walking tour of the town will take us to the Forgione family home where Padre Pio was born, the Church of Sant'Anna where he was baptised and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli where he celebrated his first Mass. After free time for lunch, we will visit Piana Romana where the Forgione family had their farm and where Padre Pio received the first signs of the stigmata. In these tranquil surroundings we will walk the recently inaugurated Way of the Cross, which will allow us as Christians to pause and enter reflectively into those last moments of Jesus's journey of love - a fitting way to conclude our pilgrimage. We will drive the short distance to our hotel in Avellino where we will check in and come together for dinner. B,D.
Saturday, 6th September Return home

After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to Naples airport, concluding our pilgrimage in the footsteps of one of the great saints of our time. B.