YOUTH PILGRIMAGE to Rome & Assisi

Depart London Gatwick on our direct flight to Rome. Provisional flight time 06:45, arrival at 10:15, local time. We will be welcomed in the Arrivals Terminal by our local Italian, English-speaking tour representative and coach driver. Our Italian tour escort will be with the group every day and will be available to help and/or provide advice throughout the pilgrimage. The Holy Doors will be open in the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls, the Basilica of St Mary Major and Archbasilica of St John Lateran. Firstly, we visit the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls, the second largest church in Rome, which houses the tomb of St Paul kept under the main altar. Mass here followed by lunch. Secondly, we visit the Basilica of St Mary Majors, which houses the true relics of the manger from Bethlehem in which Jesus was laid following his birth. Thirdly, we visit the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome which is the oldest, and the first among the four great "patriarchal" basilicas of Rome. Across the road from here we make a quick visit to the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa). According to tradition these are the steps our Lord walked up on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate. Transfer to our hotel in Rome and check in for 2 nights. Evening dinner in a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we meet our tour escort in the hotel lobby and we leave the hotel for St Peter’s Basilica to attend the Papal Blessing in the Square (subject to the Holy Father being available). Free time for lunch. The group will then have the opportunity to walk through the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica; the pilgrimage will start at Piazza Pia at and the group will walk from Piazza Pia with large wooden cross to St Peter’s Basilica before walking through the Holy Door. Afterwards, we will have free time in the basilica, the largest of all the Catholic churches. We can explore this wonderful basilica and the grounds and visit the Crypt and view the tombs of St Peter and recent Popes. Return to the hotel followed by evening dinner in a local restaurant.

After an early breakfast, we will meet our local English-speaking tour escort and coach driver in the hotel lobby. Transfer to Assisi after check-out. We will begin our day with Mass at the Basilica of St Francis. After Mass, we will meet our professional local tour guide and we will begin our walking tour of Assisi. Firstly, we visit the Basilica of St Francis, built in 1228 to house the Relics of the saint. The “upper” basilica houses beautiful frescoes of Giotto. Afterwards, we visit St Mary Major Parish in Assisi, also known as the Shrine of the Renunciation, which refers to the time when St. Francis stripped himself of his clothing in front of his father as a way of renouncing his wealth. We view Blessed Carlo Acutis’ tomb here. After free time for lunch, we visit the Basilica of St Clare which houses her incorrupt body. Clare of Assisi left her family’s palace in 1212 and was received by St Francis (with other young women) at the Porziuncola, thereafter establishing the Order of Poor Clares. One of the chapels here contains the crucifix that bowed its head and ordered St. Francis to “repair God’s Church.” We then drive to the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli), a papal minor basilica situated in the plain at the foot of the hill of Assisi. The basilica was constructed around the very ancient chapel; the Porziuncola, named after the piece of land it was built on, was venerated for an apparition of angels within it and was originally the property of the Benedictines of Subasio. After a long period of abandonment, the little church Porziuncola was restored by St. Francis. It was here the young Francis of Assisi understood his vocation to live in poverty amongst the poor. It was here he founded the Order of Friars Minor (1209), "establishing here his home" and the church thus became the most sacred place for the Franciscans. St Francis died here in 1226. After our tour, we proceed to our hotel for evening dinner and overnight.

Breakfast followed by check-out. To break up our journey to Rome, about halfway, we stop and visit the Shrine of St Rita in Cascia. Pope Leo XIII canonised St Rita in 1900 and she was bestowed the title "Patroness of Impossible Causes." Upon arrival, we have free time to look around this stunning location as well as time for lunch. Afterwards, Mass in St Rita’s church and then we continue our journey. Transfer to the airport in Rome for our direct flight back to the UK. Provisional departure time is 20:55, landing in London Gatwick at 22:35. Note: The price is based on 25 pilgrims travelling. E&OE.