Monday, 8th September Basilica of St. Mary Major

This morning, we will fly from London Heathrow to Rome and upon arrival, meet our Marian Pilgrimages representative and driver who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. We will drive to Rome and will relax with lunch in a typical local restaurant. The Basilica of St. Mary Major is the largest Catholic Marian Church in Rome and home to the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani; an Icon of the Virgin Mother and Child, credited with saving the city of Rome from the plague during the late sixth century. It is before this icon that Pope Francis prays before embarking, and upon returning from each international Apostolic journey. We will celebrate the opening Mass our pilgrimage in this wonderful basilica and afterwards spend time in prayer before this precious image of Salus Populi Romani before we drive to our hotel during which time we will catch glimpses of some of the many ancient monuments scattered throughout Rome, evidence that the �Eternal City� has a history and an appeal like no other city in the world.

Tuesday, 9th September St. Peter�s Basilica, Basilica of St. John Lateran & Irish College

St. Peter�s Basilica is without doubt one of the holiest temples of Christendom and home to masterpieces by artists of the calibre of Michelangelo and Bernini amongst countless others. This morning, we will make our pilgrimage through the Holy Door before embarking on a guided tour of the basilica, where we will have the chance to pray at the tombs of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII, and admire Michelangelo�s Piet� and Bernini�s intricate Baldachin. After free time for lunch, we will drive to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the �Mother Church of all Churches� and seat of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis. After time for private prayer, we will walk to the nearby Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs. According to tradition, the Holy Stairs 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 sanctuary attracts millions of pilgrims each year who wish to honour the Passion of Jesus Christ. The Pontifical Irish College, with its wonderful location within walking distance of the Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs, attracts visitors and pilgrims who arrive in abundance each year. Our day will conclude with the celebration of Mass in the college which is the last of the many Irish Colleges that is still a seminary from the many that were once scattered over Europe. Upon returning to our hotel there will be time to relax before dinner.

Wednesday, 10th September Papal Audience & Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

This morning, we gather with fellow pilgrims in St. Peter�s Square to attend the Papal Audience Following the Papal Audience, we will enjoy free time for lunch before proceeding to the Catacombs of St. Sebastian along the Appian Way. As one of Rome�s most important early Christian burial sites, the catacombs hold profound historical and spiritual significance. We will explore the underground tunnels with our guide, who will share stories of the early Christians who found refuge and a place of rest in these sacred burial chambers. Our day will conclude with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four major basilicas and a Jubilee pilgrimage site, where we will have time for prayer at the tomb of St. Paul.

Thursday, 11th September Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona, Rome

After breakfast, we will embark on a guided walking tour of Rome�s historic centre. We will begin at the Trevi Fountain, where tradition calls for tossing a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return to Rome. Stroll through the cobbled streets that lead to Piazza Navona, Rome�s most famous square, known for its lively atmosphere and the beautiful fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. After our morning of sightseeing, we will depart Rome and drive through the Green Heart of Italy to the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare and resting place of Blessed Carlo Acutis. We will check into our hotel and after time to relax will visit the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a sacred place for Franciscans, and home to the Chapel of the Porziuncola where Francis began to realise his true calling and where Clare was accepted into the Order. We will see the Chapel of the Transito where Francis died and the famous Rose Garden. Our day will conclude with the celebration of Mass and afterwards time for private prayer.

Friday, 12th September Assisi

This morning, we will drive to Assisi and celebrate Mass in the Basilica of St. Clare, home to the original San Damiano Cross which has been carefully preserved through the centuries, and the tomb of St. Clare. Afterwards, as we walk through the medieval town, accompanied by our guide, we will hear of the lives of both St. Francis and St. Clare and how they relinquished lavish lifestyles in favour of a life of charity and prayer. Our tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Francis where we can admire the impressive frescoes and later have time for prayer at the tomb of the �Poor Man of Assisi.� The name Carlo Acutis became known throughout the world when on the 10th of October 2020, in the presence of his parents and siblings, he was beatified in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The young Carlo had the capacity to enjoy life in a simple way, and just like St. Francis of Assisi was not impressed by material things. This afternoon we will visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, the resting place of the first millennial beatified, and future saint, and where the young Francis of Assisi publicly relinquished his lavish lifestyle, in favour of a life of prayer. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure will allow for shopping and personal sightseeing.

Saturday, 13th September Return home

This morning, we will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage before driving to Fiumicino Airport for our afternoon flight to London Heathrow, concluding our memorable Jubilee pilgrimage.