Pilgrimage to Italy - November 2, 2023
Rome | Assisi | Orvieto
Private Group
Visit a place where saints healed the sick, grew the faith, and the True Presence of Christ is witnessed in Eucharistic Miracles that point to Christ’s teachings on the Eucharist. (John 6:32-55)
Italy Pilgrimage Itinerary
Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on our overnight flight to Rome. Meals and refreshments will be served aloft.
Upon arrival at the airport in Rome, we are met by our tour manager who will be with us for the duration of our Italian pilgrimage. Continue north through the Umbrian countryside to Assisi, the picturesque town made known by the piety and works of St. Francis and St. Clare. This afternoon visit the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, located within the church of St. Mary Major. Built over the site where St. Francis is said to have renounced his family’s riches and embraced the poverty of religious life, it is also where the tomb of Bl. Carlo Acutis is now located. Venerate the remains of the first millennial beatified by the Church through the viewing glass of his tomb. Afterwards, proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)
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, held the Blessed Sacrament in the air, and saw the advancing army flee in terror, thus establishing “The Miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi.” Also in the convent, we will visit the chapel where Jesus spoke to St. Francis, 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 along with 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 into Assisi for the evening, where dinner will be out on our own. (B)
This morning, 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 then journey to Siena, home of St. Catherine of Siena. There, we celebrate Mass at St. Dominic, the saint’s parish church where she attended daily Mass and went into ecstasy. Adjacent to the church is her home, which we’ll visit and see the cell where she fasted and prayed. After checking into our hotel, this evening you may enjoy this beautiful city on your own, strolling the ancient Gothic streets which converge on the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Dine at one of the many charming local eateries at your leisure. (B)
Our morning begins in the Basilica of St. Francis, venerating the Eucharistic miracle of Siena. Next, we’ll explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside, traveling through the rolling hills and the historic towns of Buonconvento (hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy), Pienza (considered by many to be the incarnation of a Renaissance utopia), and Montepulciano (famous for its red wine), before returning to Siena. (B, D)
Today we explore Tuscany further with a visit to the quaint hill town of San Gimignano. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting/tour in this region. Upon return to Siena, the balance of the day will be free, and dinner will be on your own. (B)
Depart this morning for Orvieto where we visit the Signorelli Chapel in the Cathedral and venerate the sacred Eucharistic miracle. 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 Mass, continue to Rome to check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to begin exploring “the Eternal City” on your own. (B, D)
We begin our day in Rome with Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a tour including the Pieta and Adoration Chapel which St. Pope John Paul II renovated in 1981. Later, explore the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel with its breathtaking frescoes painted by Michelangelo. We conclude our group time in the Vatican with a visit to the Scavi excavations underneath St. Peter’s (subject to availability). The remainder of the afternoon will be free for personal exploration – perhaps climb to the top of St. Peter’s dome for a panoramic view of the city or enjoy people watching at the Piazza del Popolo. Dinner tonight will be on your own. (B)
Today we visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, originally built by Constantine in the fourth century over the site of St. Paul’s tomb. Afterwards, tour the Catacombs of St. Callistus and venerate the early martyrs of the Church. In the afternoon, proceed to St. Peter in Chains to view Michelangelo’s magnificent Moses. We then have outside visits of the Forum and Coliseum. In the evening visit the Pantheon, Piazza Navona with the famous Bernini’s fountains, and the Trevi Fountain where a coin thrown over your shoulder will guarantee you another visit to Rome. (B)
Visit the final two major basilicas of Rome today, but first we climb the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), which our Lord climbed on His way to His condemnation. Afterwards, enjoy a tour and time for personal prayer and reflection in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the official seat of the Bishop of Rome. Continue to St. Clement’s Basilica, a minor basilica in Rome, which houses an original fresco depicting St. Clement celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, giving us a picture of Eucharistic worship in the earliest days of the Church. Finally, we proceed to St. Mary Major where we venerate the crib of Christ and view the famous icon attributed to St. Luke. (B)
Proceed to the charming Trastevere district. Venerate the remains of the patron saint of music at the Church of St. Cecilia and then visit the Basilica of Santa Maria – one of the oldest churches of Rome. The balance of the day will be free for personal activities before our farewell dinner together this evening. (B, D)
Today we say Ciao to Italia and return home, cherishing all the wonderful memories and graces of this pilgrimage. (B)
What's Included
- Daily Mass at holy sites
- Roundtrip economy airfare from Omaha on Delta Airlines
- 10 nights’ accommodations, including taxes and service charges
- Porterage of one piece of luggage at airports and hotels
- Knowledgeable, friendly, Catholic/Christian guides; whisper headsets; deluxe motor coach transportation to holy sites; all entrance fees listed on itinerary
- Breakfast and dinner as per itinerary (excluding drinks)
- Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Rome on day 10
