GREAT SAINTS PILGRIMAGE
ROME & ASSISI
Oct. 7 - 16, 2024
"This pilgrimage changed our lives and perspective forever."
Susanne R.
Jon Leonetti
Host
Bishop-Elect Scott Bullock
Chaplain
"I can’t say enough about everything you did to make this a true pilgrimage for us."
Kevin & Amy B.
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Monday October 7
Overnight flight to Italy: Our pilgrimage begins with an overnight flight from your local airport to Rome! (Bring a good book, your rosary, and prayer intentions.) Meals and refreshments are served on the plane.
Tuesday, October 8
Arrival: Welcome to Rome! After gathering our bags and meeting our amazing tour manager, Marika, we will venture to one of Rome's four major basilicas, St. Paul Outside the Walls. Here, we'll celebrate our welcome Mass, and offer our pilgrimage and prayers at the tomb of St. Paul, one of history's most influential evangelists. From here we will proceed to check into our handpicked and charming hotel in Rome. Take some time to refresh and unwind before we gather for our pilgrimage welcome dinner, enjoying the culinary delights of the Eternal City. Our night will be spent in the enchanting atmosphere of Rome, setting the stage for the days to come. Dinner/Overnight in Rome.
Wednesday, October 9
Papal Audience: After breakfast, we’re off to Saint Peter’s Square for the Papal general audience with Pope Francis (subject to the Pope’s schedule). After a short break, we will make our way to visit San Gregorio Magno al Cielo Convent, the Roman Motherhouse of St. Teresa of Calcutta's Missionaries of Charity. It is here where Saint Teresa of Calcutta resided when she visited her sisters and the Pope in Rome. We will have an opportunity to pray in the very untouched room she stayed upon her visits. Dinner/Overnight in Rome.
Thursday, October 10
Papal Basilicas tour: Following breakfast, we will visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Mary Major, followed by a visit to the grand Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. Here, in this sacred space, we will celebrate Mass and have a unique opportunity to ascend the Lateran Steps (the steps that Our Lord climbed before being judged by Pontius Pilate). After a short break, we will proceed to the Basilica of St. Augustine, a site of deep spiritual significance. Here, we will offer prayers at the tomb of St. Monica, the devoted mother of St. Augustine, cherishing her legacy of faith and perseverance. Dinner/Overnight in Rome.
Friday, October 11
A day at the Vatican: Following an early breakfast, our first destination is the awe-inspiring Basilica of St. Peter, where we will celebrate Mass, connecting us deeply with our faith in this most holy of places. Following Mass, we'll discover the artistic and historical wonders of the Vatican Museum, be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the Sistine Chapel, and revisit the Basilica of St. Peter to explore its grandeur further. This journey through art, history, and spirituality promises to be an unforgettable experience. For those seeking an adventure, there's an optional climb to the cupola – the summit of the Basilica of St. Peter – alongside Jon and Fr. Scott. This exhilarating ascent rewards you with a panoramic view of Rome. From there we will make our way to the Pontifical North American College for a private tour of the Catholic institute forming American seminarians to be priests for Jesus Christ. Here, we will also enjoy what is universally known as the best view in all of Rome. Dinner/overnight in Rome.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Catecombs: Following breakfast, we will visit the Roman Catacombs of St. Callixtus where Mass will be celebrated in an underground chapel. From there you are invited to savor a delightful afternoon exploring the enchanting streets of Rome at your leisure. As evening falls, indulge in a delightful dinner of your choice, discovering the local culinary delights on your own. Overnight in Rome.
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Sunday, October 13
Welcome to Assisi: Following breakfast, we transfer by private motor coach to the hilltop village of Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi and a UNESCO world heritage site known for its magnificent medieval architecture. Upon arriving we will take a group photo atop the most beautiful view of the city. In the afternoon, 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. We will have Mass and then visit the miracle garden of the thornless rose bush. After checking into our beautiful hotel, we will have our Assisi Dinner/overnight in Assisi.
Monday, October 14
Basilicas of Assisi tour: 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 and reflect before many of her relics that remain with us today. 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. Dinner/overnight in Assisi.
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Tuesday, October 15
"All roads lead to Rome." Our day begins with a tranquil morning in the serene surroundings of Assisi, allowing us time to soak in the peaceful ambiance of this spiritual haven one last time. As we bid farewell to this charming town, we embark on our journey back to the Eternal City, Rome. En route, we'll make a delightful stop at the picturesque Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's esteemed summer residence. Here, we'll have the opportunity to embrace the stunning beauty of the Roman landscape, a fitting tribute as we near the end of our pilgrimage. After checking into our hotel, our farewell dinner will be an occasion to reminisce about the unforgettable experiences shared, the spiritual insights gained, and the bonds formed during our pilgrimage. Overnight in Rome.
Wednesday, October 16
Return home: As our pilgrimage draws to a close, we find ourselves filled with a renewed sense of devotion, a deeper love for our Lord, and a reinvigorated passion for our Catholic faith and her revered saints. We make our way to the Rome Fiumicino Airport, each step resonating with the profound experiences and insights we've gained. We return home not just as travelers, but as pilgrims who have walked a path of faithful discovery and renewal.
Elegant 4-star Hotel Accommodations
Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation
Fully Dedicated Tour Manager (Marika is the best!)
Whisper Headsets with Tours
Breakfast & Dinners per Itinerary
Wine with All Itinerary Dinners
Sightseeing & Admission Fees per Itinerary
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Dedicated Priest for Daily Mass, Spiritual Guidance, and Confession​
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​Luggage assistance at Hotels
24/7 Travel Emergency Support
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Tips for Hotel Staff and Restaurants
YOUR PILGRIMAGE TRIP INCLUDES
Great Saints Pilgrimage
With Jon Leonetti and Fr. Scott Bullock
Rome & Assisi
October 7-16, 2024
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LAND ONLY
$4,397 (USD) per person
*Airfare can be booked independently or booked and invoiced through SacredWay Pilgrimages. Additional airfare arrival and departing instructions will be given upon registration.
*$500 deposit due at the time of registration
*Pricing is based on double occupancy. Upgrade to a
private room – $1,147 (USD)
MORE QUESTIONS?
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
"This was truly the very best time of our lives."
Darlene S.
"You have opened my eyes to the beauty and
the richness of our faith."
Judy H.
"The information you shared about the saints and each of the locations we visited was appreciated more than you know."
Ken C.
"I truly felt a sense of family with the saints, martyrs, and those in the catacombs; and I still do."
Ray & Ginny S.
"Being in the audience with the Pope, touring the Vatican and many beautiful basilicas, and learning a wealth of knowledge about so many saints and about our relationship with God were some of the many highlights I still carry with me."
Robin F.
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"When asked by our family what our favorite part of the trip was, we asked them, "Which day?" We are so thankful we went!"
Richard & Mary Anne S.