Saturday, 2nd May - Chapel of the Porziuncola

This morning, we will depart from Dublin to Rome and upon arrival meet our Marian Pilgrimages representative who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. The wonderful scenery of the �Green Heart of Italy� will make for an enjoyable afternoon drive to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare and resting place of Carlo Acutis.

After checking into our rooms in the Domus Pacis, located in the valley below the town of Assisi, we will have time to relax before visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli where we will celebrate the opening Mass of our pilgrimage. During this special year for Franciscans, as we mark the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi, we will visit the Chapel of the Porziuncola where Francis realised his true calling and the Chapel of the Transito where Francis died on the 3rd of October 1226 - a truly sacred place for Franciscans.

After dinner we will return to the basilica for the torchlight procession.


Sunday, 3rd May - Eremo delle Carceri, Convent of San Damiano, Tomb of Carlo Acutis

This morning, we will celebrate Mass at Eremo delle Carceri, an ancient Franciscan place situated on the forest clad slopes of Mount Subasio where Francis and his followers would retreat for periods of prayer. In the eight centuries of Franciscan history, hundreds of friars stayed here before embarking upon trips to spread the Gospel. Today our guide will take us to the ancient oratory of the simplistic friary where Francis and his companions would have often gathered and the cave where Francis would immerse himself in prayer.

Our next stop will be the church and convent of San Damiano. Located in a beautiful setting just outside the walls of Assisi, it is the place where St. Francis received his miraculous calling in 1205 and where St. Clare died in 1253 - an important stop on a pilgrimage to the Franciscan Holy City.

This afternoon we will visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, today the resting place of the first millennial beatified and another great follower of Francis of Assisi, the soon to be canonised Blessed Carlo Acutis. The name Carlo Acutis became known throughout the world when in 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 Francis was not impressed by material things. In this place of great significance, we will hear more of the life of Carlo and see his exhibition documenting the Eucharistic Miracles that took place through the centuries, including that which took place at the Convent of San Damiano. The remainder of our afternoon will be at leisure for private prayer at the tomb.


Monday, 4th May - Tomb of Carlo Acutis, Guided walking tour of Assisi

This morning, we will return to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation for Mass and afterwards embark on a walking tour of the medieval town of Assisi. Beginning at the Basilica of St. Clare, we will venerate the original San Damiano Cross and have time for prayer at the tomb of St. Clare. As we walk along the cobbled streets of the town, we will learn of the life of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how they chose a life of poverty and prayer. Our day will conclude in the Basilica of St. Francis where we will admire the famous frescoes and pray at the tomb of the founder of the Franciscan Order. An afternoon at leisure will give us the opportunity for shopping and personal sightseeing.


Tuesday, 5th May - Sanctuary of La Verna

Today we will drive to La Verna, one of the best known of the Franciscan shrines as the place where St. Francis received the Stigmata. We will celebrate Mass and afterwards enjoy a tour of the sanctuary which will include a visit to the Relics Chapel where are carefully preserved items belonging to St. Francis including a piece of rope, his walking stick and a relic of the Saint's blood. Our tour will conclude at The Chapel of the Stigmata which lies over the place where St. Francis received the Stigmata on the 14th of September 1224. Upon our return to Assisi, we will have time at leisure before dinner.


Wednesday, 6th May - Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

After morning Mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, we will depart Assisi and drive to Fiumicino airport for our return flight to Dublin, having walked in the footsteps of St. Francis during this important anniversary year for Franciscans.