Thursday, 15th October Chapel of the Porziuncola, Chapel of the Transito, Rose Garden
This morning, we will fly from Dublin to Rome and upon arrival meet our Marian Pilgrimages representative who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. The picturesque scenery will make for an enjoyable drive through the Green Heart of Italy to Assisi, the town of St. Francis , St. Clare and resting place of St. 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 the celebration of Mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. 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. Friday, 16th October Basilica of St. Clare, Tomb of Carlo Acutis, Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
This morning, we will celebrate Mass in the basilica dedicated to St. Clare and afterwards venerate the original San Damiano Cross before which Francis was praying when he heard the famous words of the Lord. In the crypt of the basilica rest the remains of St. Clare and the Museum which carefully preserves items connected with the lives of both saints. The name of Carlo Acutis became known the world over when in October 2020 he became the first millennial beatified. We will have time for prayer at the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis and hear of the great faith of the young boy, his devotion to St. Francis of Assisi and of his love for the poor. As we walk along the cobbled streets of the ancient town, we will learn of the life of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how they chose to relinquish their lavish lifestyles in favour of 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. Saturday, 17th October Eremo delle Carceri & Convent of San Damiano
This morning, we will celebrate Mass at Eremo delle Carceri, an ancient Franciscan site 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. After Mass, 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. Afterwards we will drive to the 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. We will return to the town of Assisi and have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure for private prayer and personal sightseeing. After dinner we will attend the Torchlight Procession in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Sunday, 18th October Town of Greccio
After breakfast, we will depart Assisi and drive to the town of Greccio, birthplace of the nativity scene. The sanctuary at Greccio rises straight up from the edge of a sheer cliff and sits on the site where Saint Francis of Assisi staged the first-ever nativity scene in 1223, marking the beginning of the tradition of the manger scene which soon spread throughout Catholic Europe. We will celebrate Mass and afterwards have time for lunch before continuing our drive to Rome. 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. Monday, 19th October 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 embark on a guided tour of the basilica where we can admire such wonderful works and afterwards pray at the tombs of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII. Fr. Bernie Costello - 800th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi The Pontifical Irish College, with its wonderful location within walking distance of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, attracts visitors and pilgrims who arrive in abundance each year. We will celebrate 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. This evening, we will visit 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. Tuesday, 20th October St. Isidore's College, Piazza Navona & Trevi Fountain
Founded in 1625 by Irish Franciscan Luke Wadding OFM and now home to an international fraternity of OFM Franciscans, this morning we will celebrate Mass at the College of St. Isidore's. As we embark on a guided walking tour of Rome's historic centre we will see the world-famous Trevi Fountain, where tradition calls for tossing a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return to Rome, pass by the Pantheon before arriving in Piazza Navona, Rome's most famous square, known for its lively atmosphere and the beautiful fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. We will have time at leisure for lunch, for shopping and private sightseeing. Wednesday, 21st October Papal Audience & Basilica of St. Mary Major
This morning, we will gather with fellow pilgrims in St. Peter's Square for the Papal Audience and afterwards have free time for lunch. 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. This afternoon we will celebrate Mass and afterwards spend time in prayer at the tomb of Pope Francis. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant on this final night of our pilgrimage. Thursday, 22nd October Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
After breakfast we will drive to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls where tradition indicates is that of the burial place of the Apostle Paul, the saint's tomb being under the Papal Altar. In this sacred setting, we will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage. After time for private prayer, we will drive to Rome airport for our return flight to Dublin, concluding our memorable pilgrimage.