Depart the USA

Arrive in Rome and drive to Assisi. Stop and venerate Saint Carlos Acutis, known for his faith and digital evangelism. See him in his glass tomb at the Shrine of the Renunciation (Santuario della Spoliazione) within the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, a place of significance to St. Francis. His body, dressed in his everyday clothes, is displayed for public veneration. Celebrate Mass here before checking in to your hotel in Assisi. (D)

Today you will visit the lower city. Visit the Church and Convent of St. Damiano, where in 1205, Saint Francis received his calling to “Rebuild My Church”. Saint Clare later led her Order of the Poor Ladies from here until her death in 1253. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels stands at the foot of the hill of Assisi, overlooking the Porziuncola, Saint Francis’ Church, which was given to him by the Benedictine monks. You’ll travel to and celebrate Mass at the Papal Basilica of St Francis, the mother church of the Franciscan Order and burial place of St. Francis. This Basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built on the side of a hill and comprises an Upper and Lower church. These are decorated with numerous frescoes by late medieval painters, including Giotto. Continue your guided pilgrimage of the town’s highlights, featuring the Basilica of St. Clare, where you can kneel before the famous crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis. (B, D)

After breakfast, journey to Lanciano, where a priest was doubtful about the Real Presence. During his celebration of Mass, the host turned into flesh and the wine into blood. Visit the shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle. Continue traveling to San Giovanni Rotondo. Check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

Visit the Padre Pío Pilgrimage Church, erected in 2004, and walk the Way of the Cross on the forested hillside nearby. Visit the Sanctuary of Saint Mary, Our Lady of Grace, to visit St. Padre Pio’s crypt. This afternoon, we will have an optional pilgrimage to Mount St. Angelo. The Sanctuary of Mount St. Angelo was built in the 13th century by Charles of Anjou. The archangel Michael appeared here in 490, 492, and 1656, consecrating the shrine and sacred cave. You’ll have time for reflection and prayer before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

Celebrate Mass and then bid farewell to San Giovanni Rotondo and travel to Pietrelcina. Visit the house where St. Padre Pio grew up and the chapel where he received the stigmata on September 7, 1910. Continue to Montecasino and visit the Benedictine Abbey where St. Benedict and his sister Scholastica are buried. Finish the day in Fiuggi and check into your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

After breakfast, say goodbye to Fiuggi and travel to the eternal city, Rome. History is woven through the streets and neighborhoods of Rome as nowhere else. Upon arrival, stop at Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love to celebrate Mass. Here, a pilgrim pursued by dogs appealed to Our Lady, and she intervened to protect him. Pilgrims began to frequent the site, and a chapel was built there in 1745. (B, D)

This morning, we will make our way to St. Peter’s Square to attend the Papal Audience, led by His Holiness, Pope Leo. (Pending the schedule of Pope Leo). Following the audience, you will have breakfast and then visit the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. Six Popes are entombed here. View the extraordinary collection of relics at the Basilica of the Holy Cross, as well as a full-size replica of the Shroud of Turin, next to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands over the place where Constantine built the first church over Saint Paul’s grave. The church features a portrait of every Pope that has served the church, with the face of Pope Francis I illuminated as the present pontiff. This afternoon, experience the glory of Christian Rome when you visit the Vatican, home to one of the most excellent museums in the world. And, of course, you’ll enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll view Michelangelo’s frescoes, which have been restored to their full, colorful glory. Mass will be celebrated in one of the churches that you visit today. (B, D)

Transfer to the airport and return home inspired and blessed.