DAY 1 - CHAPEL OF THE PORZIUNCOLA

This morning, we will depart from Dublin airport to Rome and upon arrival be greeted by our Marian Pilgrimages representative who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. We will drive through the �Green Heart of Italy� to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare and resting place of St. Carlo Acutis.

During this year as we remember the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli with the ancient Chapel of the Porziuncola, is a fitting place to begin our pilgrimage to the Franciscan Holy City.

We will celebrate the opening Mass of our pilgrimage in the basilica and afterwards visit the Chapel of the Porziuncola, considered the cradle of the Franciscan Order, the Chapel of the Transito where Francis died and the Rose Garden where today grows the miraculous roses without thorns.


DAY 2 - VENERATION OF THE RELICS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI & SANCTURAY OF THE SPOLIATION

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, has safeguarded the mortal remains of St. Francis since 1230 and has seen pilgrims from every part of the world arrive to pray at the tomb of the �Poor Man of Assisi�, seeking inspiration, courage, and hope in the example of the great saint.

The exposition of the relics of Saint Francis in Assisi, on the eighth centenary of his death, represents a historic and spiritual event of great significance, giving the faithful a unique opportunity to venerate the relics of the Saint. This moment of contemplation and prayer is rooted in the Gospel message of the �seed that dies to bear fruit,� celebrating life as a gift and a testimony of love.

This morning, we will be met at the Basilica of St. Francis by a Franciscan friar who will accompany us on our path to the urn containing the remains of Saint Francis, which will conclude with a moment of prayer.

In the afternoon we will celebrate Mass and afterwards walk to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, resting place of St. 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 St. Francis of Assisi was not impressed by material things. Carlo had a great love for Information Technology and used his computer as a form of evangelisation, compiling an exhibition on the Eucharistic Miracles that have taken place through the centuries. It is fitting that the remains of this young follower of St. Francis and boy of great faith should rest in the spot in Assisi where Francis stripped himself publicly of his old life in favour of a life of prayer.


DAY 3 - CONVENTO OF SAN DAMIANO & CATHEDRAL OF SAN RUFINO

Located in a beautiful setting just outside the walls of Assisi, this morning we will celebrate Mass at the Church of San Damiano. One day whilst praying before a crucifix at the Convent of San Damiano Francis heard the words, �Go rebuild my church, which as you can see is falling into ruins.� This event at San Damiano would be significant in the gradual conversion of Francis.

Years later, San Damiano would become home to Clare and her Order of Poor Clares and the location of a Eucharistic Miracle that would take place in September 1240, a miracle which is documented in the exhibition realised by the young Carlo Acutis. After Mass in the ancient church, accompanied by a Franciscan friar, we will visit the convent where we will see the refectory, the dormitory where St. Clare died and beautiful cloister.

As we return to the town of Assisi, we will visit the Cathedral of San Rufino and see the baptismal font used to baptise both Francis and Clare and at the altar dedicated to St. Carlo Acutis where we will venerate the heart relic of the first millennial saint. In the afternoon we will visit the Basilica of St. Clare and see the original San Damiano cross before which Francis was praying when he heard the words of the Lord at San Damiano. Our day will conclude in the crypt of the basilica with time for prayer at the tomb of the founder of the Order of the Poor Clares.


AY 4 - ST. RITA OF CASCIA

After breakfast we will depart Assisi and drive to Cascia, the town of St. Rita. Known as �Saint of the Impossi-ble�, Rita experienced life as a wife and mother before becoming an Augustinian Nun. Inspired by a sermon preached by St. James of the Marches, a renowned Italian Franciscan, Rita implored God in prayer to let her par-take in his passion and later received the miraculous gift of the stigmata in the form of a thorn on her forehead which would remain for 15 years until her death at the age of 76.

We will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage in the Basilica of St. Rita and after prayer at the tomb of the saint, venerate the relics of the Eucharistic Miracle of Siena, which are carefully preserved in the crypt of the ba-silica. Time at leisure will give us the opportunity to visit the Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles before driving to Fiumicino airport for our return flight to Dublin.