11 Days
Specific Tour
30 people
English
February 18, 2025: Overnight Flight to Italy
Today we embark on our pilgrimage with an overnight flight(s) from your home city to Rome. Enjoy meals and refreshments served on the plane.
February 19: Assisi
After arriving into Rome Airport, we transfer by private motorcoach to the hilltop village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Upon arriving, will take you up to the most beautiful view of the city. After our hotel check-in, we will gather for prayer and Mass. Overnight in Assisi.
February 20: Assisi
Following breakfast, we will gather for our guided tour of Assisi. We begin at the Basilica of Saint Clare, one of the first followers of St. Francis. Here, we will descend to St. Clare’s lower crypt, where we will pray before her incorrupt body. We will also have a chance to pray before the San Damiano cross, the very cross that Christ spoke to St. Francis through, asking Francis to rebuild his Church. Continuing to the Basilica of Saint Francis, we will be guided through the meaning of the many frescoes that surround us, depicting his saintly life. We will then have an opportunity to descend to the lower crypt where we will pray before the tomb of St. Francis, and the remains of his first followers. Today we will also visit the Chiesa Nueova and San Francesco Piccolino. Overnight in Assisi.
February 21: Jubilee of Deacons Events
Today we will make our way down into the valley of Assisi where we visit the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, home of the Chapel Portiuncula, where St. Francis lived and worked after founding the Franciscan order, and where Mother Mary appeared to Francis in 1216. All roads lead to Rome. We arrive in time to participate in the Jubilee of Deacons related events. Extra touring available for those who don’t wish to participate in the Jubilee of Deacons events. Overnight in Rome.
February 22-23: Jubilee of Deacons Events
Today we participate in the events related to the “Jubilee of Deacons”. Details to follow. Extra touring available for those who don’t wish to participate in the Jubilee of Deacons events. Overnight in Rome.
February 24: Tour of Papal Basilicas
Today we will visit and have an opportunity to walk through the Holy Doors at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. At the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran we also will have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps and attend Mass. Before we close the day, we will travel to the Pontifical North American College for a private tour, offering stunning views of Rome. Overnight in Rome.
February 25: Exploring Ancient Rome
After breakfast, we will embark on a historic tour of Ancient Rome. We will stroll along cobblestone streets, lined with majestic stone pines, and visit the Colosseum, a grand amphitheater of the ancient world. Passing by the Roman Forum, we will witness the ruins of ancient government buildings. We’ll finish the day visiting the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, a resting place of several popes from the 2nd to 4th centuries. Overnight in Rome.
February 26: Rome, Day at the Vatican, Papal Audience
In the morning, we will head to Saint Peter’s Square for the Papal general audience with Pope Francis (subject to the Pope’s schedule). Afterward, we will have a private Mass nearby. After lunch on your own, we’ll embark on a tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Scavi tour of the Vatican (subject to availability). At St. Peter’s Basilica we will walk through the final Holy Door. This door is one of three entrances into St. Peter’s Basilica, which along with the other Holy Doors usually remains closed, but when it is opened imparts an indulgence to those who walk through it. Tonight, we enjoy our farewell dinner. Overnight in Rome.
February 27: Rome
Today we will have some free time in Rome at leisure to be able to absorb this wonderful experience. Overnight in Rome.
February 28: Departure
With a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we will board our plane for our flight home.
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