Pilgrims depart from the USA to Palermo airport, arriving the next morning.

Welcome to Sicily. After settling in at our hotel, we begin our Allhallowtide encounter not with ghosts and goblins, but with a different skeleton. For it is in the roofless, unfinished Gothic church of Santa Maria dello Spasimo where we enter into the contrasts of life and death, saints and sinners, ancient and new, sacred and secular. After an orientation and introductory talk, we will stretch our legs and get our bearings along the seafront promenade, then enjoy a welcome meal of local food and wine.

On these days of ritual and tradition, we enter the Solemnity of All Saints – “Ognissanti” – through the lens of observances of the region. It is a hallowed time of reverence, remembrance, family gatherings and special customs. We begin with Mass at the stunning Palermo Cathedral, where we join the local Church in its ancient litany of the saints. Following a festive brunch, we will visit the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia to reflect on two celebrated works: Trionfo della Morte (Triumph of Death) and the contrasting Messina Annunciation. Next, we will participate in the custom of venerating the saints at the sacred jewels San Catald, Chiese del Gesu, and Maria dell’Ammiraglio. Pilgrims are free afterwards until a hosted dinner featuring traditional foods for the day. Afterwards, pilgrims are invited to mingle in the historic town center to close out the feast.

Today we observe I-morti – the day of the dead. It is an occasion to engage in the local customs of visiting cemeteries, sharing festive meals and exchanging ‘u cannistru ri morti’ – baskets of sweets. Our sojourn will take us to the Capuchin Catacombs and Santa Maria dei Rotoli cemetery, where we will have a special memorial service for our deceased loved ones. Following a lunch of local foods and wine, pilgrims will have free time to explore other gems of the city – Palatine chapel, Quattro Canti, Teatro Massimo, archeological museum, or the Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita. We will gather in the evening for a taste of the traditional Frutta di Martorana and a glass of Pantelleria, as we share our experiences and insights from the past three days.

According to legend, Our Lady appeared in a dream to Sicilian King William II and showed him where to build a church. That church – the Monreale Cathedral – is considered today the undisputed jewel of Norman art. Our trek by motor coach will take us south to the foot of Mount Caputo, where we will tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site and celebrate Mass, followed by a journey through rich farmlands for a tasting and hosted lunch at a winery in the Camporeale area. Upon returning to Palermo, pilgrims will have some free time until later in the evening when we close our Palermo stay with charcuterie and sharing at the hotel.

Today we head east to the picture postcard village of Cefalu, to explore its historic medieval gems, including the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, where we will celebrate Mass. After a festive lunch, we will journey to the foot of Mt. Etna to the ancient port city and baroque gem of Catania. After settling in, pilgrims are invited to gather for a special evening treat.

Cosmopolitan, exuberant, eclectic, our exploration of contrasts continues, from the glittering whiteness of Catania’s bustling Via Aetna to soot-stained side streets. It’s also a study in the relationship of a saint to a city, where we will meet St. Agatha in the story of her martyrdom, symbols of her meaning, and her enduring presence, from parish churches to the baroque Cathedral, trendy trattorias to a signature dessert. After our morning sojourn, Mass, and hosted lunch, pilgrims have the rest of the day to explore this colorful Ionian gem. Later in the evening we will gather at the hotel for a nightcap and sampling of various sweets.

Rivaling Athens for its size and cultural heritage, and hosting St. Paul during a missionary journey, Syracuse is a blending of its ancient Greek and Roman past with early Christian, Arab and Norman influences. On our visit we will explore these contrasts, visible in its Ortigia Cathedral and the Piazza Archimede. We will also meet its famed saint, Lucy, who was martyred at the present site of the Basilica di Santa Lucia al Sepolcro. Another patron, though not so saintly, is the master of chiascoro street drama, Caravaggio, who in the Burial of St. Lucy has given the city a reflection of its past and paradoxes. Our visit to the city’s historical area will include Mass and a hosted lunch of local food and wine. Upon return to Catania, pilgrims are invited to gather in the evening for sweets and sips to recount the joys and delights of the day.

Today pilgrims have an opportunity to create special memories through a free day, such as taking a cooking course, exploring the coast by motor scooter, touring Greek ruins, golfing at a nearby resort, exploring wineries, or deep sea fishing. More information about the various offerings will be made available prior to the trip. We will close our day with a hosted multi-course dinner at a local restaurant.

On our last day in Sicily we begin with a Sacred Encounters treat: high Mass at a spectacular church. Following, we will celebrate our final meal with a traditional Sicilian brunch. Then we will journey up the slopes of Mt. Etna, to the Rifugio Sapienza. Our vista from 6000’ offers an opportunity to ponder and reflect, or just take in the enormity and ruggedness of the landscape. Later in the day pilgrims will have an opportunity to offer their insights, and then raise a glass to our shared journey of a sacred encounter.

Today we say goodbye to 10 glorious days of our encounter with Sicily as we return to our homes. We encountered an island bursting with beauty – in churches and pizzas, museums and mountains, food and festivals, vineyards and fields. We explored contrasts of life and death, sand and sea, old traditions and a new world. We encountered a people with an immense history, layered identity, and enduring spirit. We depart gladdened, overflowing with appreciation and commitment to see our homes and lands with new lenses, act with greater purpose, and seek ways to bring beauty, faith and goodness into the world.