Join Fr. Mark and Fr. Tom for an unforgettable pilgrimage to Italy! As the days get shorter in Southeastern Ohio, we will depart from Columbus for a sunny Mediterranean climate to visit some of the holiest Catholic sites in the world. Trip dates are October 14-24, 2019.

Tentative Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Monday, October 14 – USA / Rome
Depart Columbus John Glenn Airport (CMH) for your overnight flight to Rome (FCO) with transfer. Meals served on board.

Day 2: Tuesday, October 15 – Rome / Assisi
Arrive in Rome, transfer to Assisi & check in at the hotel, followed by a Mass of Thanksgiving for safe travels. The afternoon is free to explore the enchanting hilltop town of Assisi on your own. Enjoy the quaint streets that were home to St. Francis and St. Clare 800 years ago. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (B, D)

Day 3: Wednesday, October 16 – Assisi
This morning, begin the day with Mass. After breakfast, you will participate in a guided tour of Assisi, including such sites as the magnificent Basilica of St Francis, the Church of Santa Chiara, and the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels which houses the Porziuncola, St. Francis’ special chapel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore on your own, dinner tonight at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 4: Thursday, October 17 – Loreto
Today we make our way to Loreto to see Mary’s House. “The Holy House of Loreto is the first international sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin and true Marian heart of Christianity” (John Paul II). The Sanctuary of Loreto preserves, according to an ancient tradition and, today, proven by historical and archaeological research, the Nazareth house of the Madonna. The illustrious relic of the Holy House of Mary is an occasion to meditate on the high theological and spiritual messages related to the mystery of the Incarnation and to the announcement of Salvation. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 5: Friday, October 18 – Orvieto / Rome
After breakfast we say goodbye to Assisi and make our way to Rome. On the way, we will stop in Orvieto, the town that sits on a 1,000-foot high rock formation, poetically crowned by Italy’s most renowned Gothic cathedral. Because of its strategic location, Orvieto for centuries served as a refuge for the popes during troubled times. We visit the famous Cathedral which houses the corporal of the Miracle of the Eucharist in Bolsena. Continue on to Rome for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 6: Saturday, October 19 – Rome
After breakfast we will have Mass at St. John Lateran, followed by a tour, and then visit the Holy Stairs, Santa Croce in Gerusaleme, San Clemente, time for lunch, St. Mary Major, the church of St. Alphonsus Liguori which houses the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and the Basilica St. Lawrence outside the Walls. (B, D)

Day 7: Sunday, October 20 – Rome
Today we will begin with a private Mass at St. Peter’s, followed by the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. After, time for lunch. Afternoon tour of Rome including: Piazza Navona, Chiesa Nuova, the Pantheon, the Tomb of St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Cecilia in Trastevere. After dinner enjoy an optional night walking tour of Rome, including the Trevi Fountain. (B, D)

Day 8: Monday, October 21 – Rome
This morning we will tour the ancient Christian catacombs where we will also celebrate Holy Mass. Then we will stop at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, with time for lunch. After, a walking tour of the Roman Forum Colosseum, and St. Peter in Chains. After, we will see the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo. Remainder of the afternoon is free before dinner. (B, D)

Day 9: Tuesday, October 22 – Rome
This morning after Mass we will have a Scavi Tour. This afternoon we will head to the Vatican Museum where we will see the beautiful Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The rest of the afternoon free until dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 10: Wednesday, October 23 – Rome
Pending the Holy Father’s schedule, begin the day with a Papal Audience. The rest of the day is free to explore the Eternal City on your own. Mass followed by our farewell dinner at Abruzzi. (B, D)

Day 11: Thursday, October 24 – Rome / USA
This morning depart for the Rome airport for our return flight home. (B)

Included with your Trip Cost:

• 9 Nights accommodations
• 9 Breakfasts / 9 Dinners
• English speaking tour escort/guide throughout
• Private motor coach throughout
• Transfers to and from all international airports
• Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
• Private Mass arrangements daily (locations noted pending confirmation)
• Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)

Cost: $3,989.00 per person, Cash/Check discount, based on 25+ participants with double occupancy. (If paying with credit card, full price of $3,004.00 per person.)

Reserve your spot on the pilgrimage here. For more information, visit Catholic Faith Journeys.

For additional information, contact Catholic Faith Journeys at 419-290-8782 or maggie@catholicfaithjourneys.com