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Join Fathers Ken Brighenti & John Trigilo, authors of “Catholicism for Dummies” and hosts of EWTN’s “Crash Course in Catholicism”, on this wonderful journey to the Shrines of Italy.
Dear Pilgrims;
We invite you join us once again on a wonderful pilgrimage to the city of Saint (Padre) Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. While in Italy we will participate in Mass each day and take part in devotions to this great miracle worker. We will see some of his greatest works such as the hospital which welcomes all peoples. Also, included in this pilgrimage we will visit the Saint Pio’s native village of Pietralcina. We will continue our “Pilgrimage” to other shrines of Italy before terminating with Rome, the “Eternal City” and the seat of Christianity.
We certainly hope you can join us on this spiritual and pleasurable journey to Italy.
Father Ken Brighenti Pastor of St. Ann Church, Raritan, NJ and Father John Trigilio, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Marysville, PA co-Authors of "Catholicism for Dummies" co-hosts of 'Crash Course in Catholicism' on EWTN
Day 1 – Trans-Atlantic Flight
This evening we board overnight Trans-Atlantic flight to Italy. Meals aloft. (Flight Schedule).
Day 2 – Day 2 – Pietrelcina - Birthplace of Saint Pio/San Giovanni Rotondo
A midday arrival in Italy. We meet our driver and transfer to San Giovanni Rotondo. Along the way we will stop in Pietralcina, in the Province of Benevento, birthplace of St. Pio. Pietrelcina is a small picturesque town made of winding streets, characteristic homes, and beautiful gardens. There are ancient signs of its remote origins and of places that recollect the birth and life of the Holy Monk. We will visit the home where the Saint lived with his family and the many interesting sites and places that influenced his life. Overnight will be in San Giovanni. (S)
Day 3 – San Giovanni Rotondo
After breakfast we will begin with a guided visit of the Shrine of Saint Pio, the Gallery of St. Pio, Casa Sollievo Soffrenza (Hospital) and the historic center of San Giovanni Rotondo. Tonight overnight will be in San Giovanni. (BS)
Day 4 – Monte Sant’Angelo/Cavern of St. Michael
Today we will have a full day's excursion to Monte Sant'Angelo. This quaint village made holy and famous to Christians by Saint Michael the Archangel who appeared here in the 5th Century for the conversion of pagans. It was also the site from which the Crusaders came to pay homage before their departures to the east. We will visit the Grotto of Saint Michael the Archangel, a pilgrim site since the 5th Century. Mass will be celebrated in the grotto. There will be some free time in Monte Sant'Angelo for lunch and browsing. Return for overnight in San Giovanni (BS)
Day 5 – Lanciano, Chieti/Roma
After breakfast this morning, we will depart San Giovanni Rotondo. Before arriving in SGR we will make a brief visit to the Shrine of the 8th century Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano. The church of the Eucharistic Miracle, today, is a spiritual destination for thousands of pilgrims. A late afternoon arrival in Rome for overnight. (BS)
Day 6 – Christian Rome
This morning we begin our full day visit of Rome. The Four Major Basilicas of Rome: Saint Peter's (Vatican), Saint John Lateran, St. Mary Major and Saint Paul Outside the Walls and a brief visit to the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs). We will also visit an ancient Catacomb, burial place of the early Christians and celebrate Mass. Overnight will be in Rome. (BS)
Day 7 – Eucharistic Miracle of Orvieto/ Montefiascone
This morning after breakfast we will head north of Rome to the beautiful city of Orvieto. The traveler, who approaches Orvieto, sees from a distance the city which rises on a plateau of volcanic tuff surrounded by a stupendous landscape of fields and vineyards. Orvieto is at an elevation of 1000 feet. The Duomo, built during the years 1290-1320, is a Gothic-Romanesque style church, its facade a mix of marble and mosaics. In 1264, a priest, on his way home from a pilgrimage to Rome, stopped at Lake Bolsena, near the Umbrian town of Orvieto, during his celebration of holy mass, he was astounded to see The Precious Blood dripping from the Host and soak through the altar cloth below. Pope Urban IV had the cloth carried to Orvieto. To commemorate the miracle, he established the sacred holiday of Corpus Domini. Later Saint Thomas Aquinas, during a celebration of Corpus Domini, wrote the famous "Tantum Ergo" for the Mass. Afterwards we continue our journey to the city of Saint Lucy Filippini,Montfiascone. The city is situated nearly 2000 feet above sea-level, on a tuff mass that overlooks the Lake of Bolsena. After Lucy lost both her parents, Cardinal Marc'Antonio Barbarigo took her into his care. He later availed himself of her services in the founding of schools of Christian doctrine for young girls and the Christian education of women. Overnight will be in Rome. (BS)
Day 8 - Free Day Rome or Optional Excursion to Cascia
Today will be a free day to explore Rome further on your own. Meals also will be on your own. Half day and Full day tours can be recommended and booked for you. An Optional Excursion to St. Rita of Cascia can be made available for those interested. (Optional excursions are not included in the price of this itinerary. Please contact us for the price.) Overnight will be in Rome. (B)
Day 9 – Rome/USA
We bid a fond farewell to Rome as we depart for Fiumecino International Airport for our voyage back to the USA arriving home in the early evening. Meals aloft. (Flight Schedule).
INCLUDES:
English Speaking Tour Manager from arrival day to departure day
Buffet Breakfast Daily & All other meals as per itinerary
B = Breakfast /L= Lunch / S = Supper
First Class Hotels with Luggage Handling – see Baggage Regulations
Guided English Speaking Tours as per itinerary
Daily Mass will be offered.
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