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2010 Dates for Shrines of Italy | Accommodation in Shrines of Italy
 Shrines of Italy - This extensive pilgrimage incorporates Rome, San Giovanni, Assisi, Loreto, Pietrelcina, Pompeii and Lanciano. This is the perfect way to spend time learning about the lives of the Saints who are beloved by so many pilgrims worldwide. San Giovanni Rotondo, the burial site of St. Padre Pio, attracts approximately 8 million pilgrims each year. See also his birthplace in Pietrelcina. This is evidence of the love and dedication that pilgrims have for this Saint. Your pilgrimage will take you to Assisi where you can explore the quaint hilltop birthplace of St. Francis and visit His tomb. Both St. Padre Pio and St. Francis are popular in the hearts of pilgrims for their devotion to God. Visit Rome, the eternal city and home to the head of the Catholic Church.
Marian Pilgrimages Shrines of Italy Programme
- Rome - San Giovanni - Loreto - Assisi -Pompeii - Pietrelcina - Lanciano
- Rome
Our panoramic tour of Rome includes visits to the basilica of St. Peter and the tombs of the Popes. We see the Colosseum, St. Peters Square, Roman Forum, Capital Hill, Circus Maximus, basilica of St. Mary Major and St. John Lattern and the Holy steps. We will take a walk from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi fountain. There will be a morning appointment at St. Peter’s for the Papal Audience (subject to the Pope being in Rome). Visit the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel. See the basilica of St. Mary’s Major, Santa Maria in Cosmedin (to test the Mouth of Truth) and the Cattacombs. Drive to Nettuno, the shrine of Maria Goretti, and visit the church of Our Lady of Mercy and see her home at Fierriere di Conca nearby. On this itinerary also we will have a tour of the illuminations and the Tivoli Gardens. Celebrate mass at the shrine of Our Lady of Good Council in Genazzano
- San Giovanni
In San Giovanni we visit the monastery of Our Lady of Grace. See the cell and the confessional of St Padre Pio. He is reported to have had numerous inexplicable abilities. These abilities include surviving on very little sleep, being in two places at once, visits from Jesus and Mary and daily communication with his guardian angel. The most famous of these gifts is the stigmata St Padre Pio received. We will visit the cross under which he received the Stigmata and we also take part in the Stations of the Cross and visit the English office
- Loreto
Loreto is a hillside commune located in the Italian province of Ancona. It is home to the Basilica of the Holy House and is believed to be the very home in which the Virgin Mary lived, conceived and raised the young Jesus. A large basilica has been built around the small shrine. The sacred site attracts as many as 4 million Catholic pilgrims and visitors each year.
- Assisi
St Francis was born into a wealthy family in 1181 and lived a spoiled life. That is until 1205, when he had a dream on route to join the royal court asking him to return home. After returning to Assisi he decided to live a more simple life, living as a poor mendicant in the hills behind Assisi. While praying at the crucifix he heard a voice asking him to rebuild a house. He took this to be God’s voice and built two chapels using stones. In 1211 the first Franciscan monastery was built. In 1224, St Francis received the stigmata. He died at the Porziuncola in 1226. While in Assisi we visit the basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and see the Porziuncola, the Rose garden and the room where St. Francis died. See also the basilica of St. Francis, his tomb and the beautiful old Frescos. Walk through the old town to the basilica of St. Clare and see her remains.
- Pompeii
Located close to the bay of Naples, this ruined and partially buried Roman town is a popular destination for many. It was here in 79AD that Mount Vesuvius erupted destroying everything in its path. Here we will see the paved streets and preserved artifacts of this ancient town which is rich in historical culture.
- Pietrelcina
Pietrelcina is the birthplace of St. Padre Pio. We will visit his home he shared with his mother, his father and his four siblings. Pietrelcina was a highly religious town and by the age of 5, Padre Pio had already made the decision to dedicate his entire life to God. It was claimed that he experienced many visions and ecstasies as a young boy. In 1903 he was admitted into the novitiate of the Capuchin of the Friars Minos in Morcone.
- Lanciano
In the 8th Century AD a miracle occurred in the small, medieval town of Lanciano. A Brasilian monk had been struggling with his faith, he was having doubts that Our Lord was present in the Eucharist. It was while saying Mass one morning in the Church of St Legontian that his faith was restored. As he consecrated the bread the host changed to live flesh and the wine changed to blood. The Host flesh and wine turned blood can be observed today as they are still present in the reliquary. We will visit the church of the Eucharistic miracle.
2010 Dates for Shrines of Italy | Accommodation in Shrines of Italy
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