Pilgrimage to Italy - November 13, 2023

Our day today is filled with wonder and awe as we steep ourselves in the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica that takes us to Michelangelo’s Pieta statue made of marble that almost seems fluid. A quick stop to rub the foot of St. Peter’s statue like thousands of pilgrims before us, takes us to pray at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel renovated by St. John Paul II. Afterwards, we walk through the Vatican Museums which house artifacts from the around the world and Eucharistic art to prepare ourselves for the greatest masterpiece yet: The Sistine Chapel. Painted by Michelangelo, it is the most famous ceiling in the world under which popes are chosen to lead the faithful. One is always looking up at the masterwork of art that explains the theology of God. Later this afternoon, we visit the Spanish Steps, a favorite people watching site in Rome and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain with hopes to return to this glorious city. The rest of the day is free for shopping and additional sightseeing. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Rome

**** Optional: Climb up to the cupola of St. Peter’s for a breathtaking view of Vatican City and Rome.

Today is free for personal activities.

Free Day… Go on your own! Have fun exploring for the day.

• Sign up for a city tour – there are various options you can find online that do something unique like guided tours in museums, a food tour of Rome including a cooking class, etc.
• Take a daytrip to Ostia Antica. A short train ride west to the coast and you’ll be able to explore the most elaborate and well-preserved ruins from ancient Rome. A very unique experience.
• Visit historical/cultural sites of Rome for those who wish to make a day of it doing this.

There are countless options…

Overnight Rome

Our morning begins at St. Paul Outside the Walls, the great church built by Constantine over the tomb of St. Paul, and the first of the 4 major basilicas we will visit today. We will then proceed to St. Peter’s Square where we will see the Pope Francis give a short speech followed by praying the Angelus and ending with a blessing for all those gathered. This afternoon, we pray up the Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, traditionally by climbing them on our knees because they are so sacred. Christ walked on these 28 marble stairs at the home of Pontius Pilate to be condemned to death. For those who cannot climb the stairs on their knees there are other stairs available for walking up that also lead to the chapel at the top. Our prayerful experience continues with a visit to St. John Lateran, the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic faithful and the oldest basilica in Europe. Following this, we proceed to St. Mary Major where we venerate the crib of Christ, view the famous icon attributed to St. Luke, and see inestimable artwork that makes Rome renowned throughout the world. This evening we end our time in Rome with a farewell to Rome dinner. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Rome

Depart Rome this morning and drive north to Orvieto, a walled town high on a hill that holds one of the greatest Eucharistic Miracles in its cathedral. In nearby Bolsena, a priest doubted the Eucharistic Presence during Mass and the host turned to real flesh and the wine to real blood during the consecration. The priest brought the blood-stained Corporal to Pope Urban in Orvieto, and it is now kept in a special reliquary for the faithful to view. See the steps of the Papal summer residence where Pope Urban IV held up the blood-stained corporal and announced his intention to institute the Feast of Corpus Christi. After venerating the sacred Eucharistic miracle, we will continue our drive through the beautiful Umbrian countryside to Assisi, a town which welcomes us in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare, and our home for the next two nights. Upon arrival we will visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, site of the Porziuncola, the tiny church in the woods where St. Francis began his ministry and where St. Clare began her religious life. We will then proceed to our hotel for check-in and dinner. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Assisi

This morning we will visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, the site of the beloved Porziuncola the tiny chapel rebuilt by St. Francis and his fellow friars after Francis took the commandment from the Lord to “rebuild my church” literally, and where St. Clare began her life as a nun. On our tour of Assisi, we will witness where the power of the Eucharist turned away an army. The invading Saracen army was about to attack the Convent of San Damiano where St. Clare lived with her nuns in 1241. Even though bed-ridden, St. Clare got up and held the Blessed Sacrament in the air and saw the advancing army flee in terror establishing “The Miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi.” Also in the convent, we will visit the chapel where Jesus spoke to St. Francis from the crucifix, then visit the Basilica of St. Francis to venerate his burial place. Afterwards is the Basilica of St. Clare, which holds the famous San Damiano Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis, and where the golden locks of St. Clare’s hair and St. Francis’ poor patched tunic are kept. This afternoon we will travel up Mt. Subasio to L’Eremo delle Carceri (the Carceri Hermitage), St. Francis’ favorite retreat center, where he could remain in seclusion and prayer. Enjoy some personal prayer time in this peaceful location before descending back into Assisi for the evening. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Assisi

This morning we will depart Assisi and journey south, stopping in Cascia to visit the Shrine of St. Rita and venerate the Eucharistic Miracle of Cascia. We then proceed to the medieval town of Greccio. Greccio itself, set on a beautiful mountaintop, is famous for its cool summer climate and its mineral springs. However, it is even more renowned for its connections with St. Francis of Assisi and as the birthplace of the Christmas crèche. On Christmas Night 1223, St. Francis led shepherds to the top of a nearby hill where they gathered together in a stable sheltering an ox and a donkey. According to legend, the Baby Jesus miraculously appeared in the manger. On this spot the Franciscan convent of Greccio was built, and the Chapel of the Crib was erected in 1228, the year St. Francis was canonized. Continue on to nearby Reiti for our last night in Italy. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Reiti

Today we say “Ciao” to Italia and transfer to the airport for our return flight home, cherishing all of the wonderful memories and graces of this pilgrimage.