Day 1 Sunday 3rd August

Depart USA Check-in at USA airport for overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2 Monday 4th August

Upon arrival at Fiumicino airport, we will be met by our Marian Pilgrimages guide and driver who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. This morning, we will drive to the complex of St. Paul of the Three Fountains. As we walk along a short tree-lined avenue, we follow in the footsteps of St. Paul on the way to his martyrdom. We will celebrate the opening Mass of our pilgrimage in the Church of the Martyrdom of St. Paul, the destination of co untless pilgrims who have come for two thousand years to pray at the place where the Apostle was beheaded, giving his life for Christ. Legend says that when his head was cut off it hit the ground and then rolled to two other spots miraculously causing water to spring up in three places, hence the name the Three Fountains. We will drive the short distance to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Since 1300, the date of the first Holy Year, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls has been part of the Jubilee itinerary to obtain the indulgence. Standing on the site that tradition indicates as that of the burial place of the Apostle Paul, the saints tomb being under the papal altar. After a guided tour of the basilica we will drive to our hotel, passing some of the ancient monuments, evidence that Rome has a history and an appeal like no other city in the world. After checking into our rooms, we will have time to relax before dinner. (L,D)

Day 3 Tuesday 5th August. Feast Day of Our Lady of the Snows

This morning, we will celebrate Mass in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Mother Church of all churches and seat of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis. After a guided tour of the basilica and time for private prayer, we will visit the Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs, which houses the Sancta Sanctorum, the old chapel of the Popes, and the Holy Stairs which according to tradition are the steps which led up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ climbed on his way to trial. The Holy Stairs attract millions of pilgrims each year who wish to honour the Passion of Jesus Christ. Every year on August 5th, right at the height of the fierce Italian summer, Romans descend on the ancient basilica of St. Mary Majors to celebrate one of the citys strangest miracles. The subject of the festivities is the Madonna of the Snows, and features the recreation of a miraculous summer snowfall that, according to legend, took place at the site of the current basilica on this day in the year 358 AD. The wonderful celebrations of the day conclude with a fall of artificial snowfall in the Basilica of St. Mary Majors. (B,D)

Day 4 Wednesday 6th August. Papal Audience & Trevi Fountain

This morning, we will gather with fellow pilgrims in St. Peters Square to attend the Papal Audience, at the end of which the Holy Father will impart on us his Apostolic Blessing which also extends to loved ones that are sick and suffering. Afterwards we will have time at leisure around St. Peters Square before walking to the historical centre of Rome boasting such famous sites as the Pantheon. Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona a true symbol of Baroque Rome, with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers dominating the square. This afternoon we will enjoy a walking tour of the historical centre and afterwards have time at leisure for shopping and private sightseeing. (B,D)

Day 5 - Thursday, 7th August. St. Peters Basilica & Vatican Museums

Our day will begin with a guided tour of St. Peters Basilica, one of the holiest temples of Christendom. Home to artistic masterpieces by artists of the calibre of Michelangelo and Bernini amongst countless others, we will explore the basilica and afterwards have time for prayer before the tombs of the great saints; St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII. Our morning will end in St. Peters Square where there will be time at leisure for lunch before we begin our tour of the spectacular Vatican Museums, established by Pope Julius II in the 16th century housing masterpieces spanning several millennia, including classical sculptures, Renaissance art, and Egyptian artefacts. Our tour will end in the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's intricate fresco. (B,D)

Day 6 - Friday, 8th August. Colosseum & Catacombs of St. Sebastian

Our time in Rome will include a guided tour of the impressive Colosseum, during which we will hear of its long history and of the gladiators who met in fierce combat in front of baying, bloodthirsty crowds. After free time for lunch, we will drive to the Basilica of St. Sebastian and famous catacombs. Heavily developed from the 1st century, the catacombs provided a haven for the remains of Saints Peter and Paul. We will celebrate Mass this afternoon in the Basilica of St. Sebastian and afterwards enjoy guided tour of the catacombs. (B,D)

Day 7 - Saturday, 9th August. Guided Tour of Assisi

This morning, we will depart the Eternal City and drive through the Green Heart of Italy to the medieval town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Our guided tour will begin with a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis where we will have time for prayer at the tomb of the founder of the Franciscan Order and later admire the wonderful frescoes that adorn the impressive basilica. As we walk through the town, we will hear of the life of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how both relinquished lavish lifestyles in favour of a life of poverty and prayer. Our tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Clare where we will venerate the original San Damiano Cross and spend time in prayer at the Tomb of the Founder of the Order of the Poor Clares.

Day 8 - Sunday, 10th August. Chapel of the Porziuncola & Tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis

This morning, we will celebrate Mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and afterwards visit the Chapel of the Porziuncola where Francis began to realise his true calling and where Clare was accepted into the Order. After Mass we will see the Chapel of the Transito where Francis died and the Rose Garden where today grow the miraculous Roses without thorns. Located in a beautiful setting just outside the walls of Assisi, this morning we will visit the Church of San Damiano and afterwards have a tour of the convent which will include visits to the Refectory, the Dormitory where St. Clare died and beautiful cloister. After free time for lunch, we will hear of the impressive life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young boy who was very much impressed by the figure of Francis of Assisi and who, just like Francis, liked nothing more than to help the poor. We will visit the Cathedral of San Rufino where we will venerate the heart relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis before walking to the Sanctuary of the Renunciation where we will have time for private prayer before the tomb of the young boy who has been described by Pope Francis as a great example for young people today.. (B,D)

Day 9 - Monday, 11th August. Orvieto

This morning, we will depart Assisi and drive to the town of Orvieto. The cable car that will take us to the medieval town will provide us with wonderful views of the majestic Umbrian plains. After free time for lunch, we will celebrate Mass in the cathedral, the towns most famous landmark and afterwards see the linen bearing the spots of blood which date back to the Eucharistic Miracle that took place in Bolsena in 1263. We will return by cable car back to our coach and continue our drive to Rome when, upon arrival, we will check into our rooms and have time to relax before our Farewell Dinner. (B,D) Day 10 - Tuesday, 12th August. Rome USA

This morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive to Fiumicino airport for our return flight as we return to our homes, filled with a sense of tranquillity, rejuvenation, and peace in our hearts.