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hello@canterburypilgrimages.com
Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community Clermont, FL
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Special Year of St Francis to mark the 800th anniversary of the saints death. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, opened by a decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary on January 10, runs through January 2027 and offers the faithful the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence.
During our pilgrimage to Assisi, pilgrims will visit the Basilica of St Francis, the most important place of devotion associated with St Francis. Under the usual conditions – confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope – the plenary indulgence may be obtained. This indulgence may also be gained by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or any church dedicated to St Francis anywhere in the world.
Our pilgrimage to Italy begins today as we board our flights from Orlando to Rome.
Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, we are greeted by our local guide and board our private motor coach for the scenic drive to Assisi. Along the way, we enjoy glimpses of the beautiful Umbrian countryside. After checking into our hotel, we gather for a welcome dinner and get to know our fellow pilgrims before retiring for the night. Overnight in Assisi.
Today we visit the quaint hilltop birthplace of St. Francis that still retains something of the atmosphere of the early 1200s, when St. Francis began his ministry. We begin with Mass at Chiesa Nuova, built in 1615 on the site of the birthplace of St. Francis. Next, we will proceed to the Church of St. Clare to see the Saint’s body, pray for her intercession, and see the San Damiano Cross. St. Clare was the foundress of the Order of Poor Clare’s. Then on to the basilica of St. Francis where we will pray over his tomb. The remainder of the day has been set aside for you to visit Assisi as you wish. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Today we will travel to La Verna. One of the best known of the Franciscan shrines it is the place where, on the 14th of September 1224, St. Francis of Assisi received the Stigmata. On the floor of the chapel of the Stigmata we will see a stone which marks the spot where the Saint received the ultimate mark of Christ. We will celebrate mass at the Franciscan Sanctuary. In the afternoon we will return to Assisi for dinner and an overnight.
After breakfast, we will return to the Basilica of St. Francis to celebrate Mass. We then visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, where we venerate the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be beatified. Next, we visit St. Mary of the Angels where St. Francis spent most of his life. Here we’ll visit the Chapel Portiuncola, the rose bush and the cave where the saint retired for prayer. Afternoon at leisure, dinner and overnight in Assisi.
We embark on a day trip to Siena, a city rich in Catholic heritage. Our first stop is the Basilica of San Domenico, which houses the relics of St. Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church and co-patroness of Europe. We visit the Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and explore the Piazza del Campo, famous for the Palio horse race. After celebrating Mass, we return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast we’ll board our bus for a short drive to the Hermitage of Carceri. In the 13th century, Saint
Francis of Assisi would often come to this place to pray and contemplate, as did other hermits before him. We will celebrate mass at the Hermitage before visiting Chiesa di San Damiano, is here where St. Francis
experienced a powerful conversion, hearing a voice from a crucifix urging him to rebuild the Church. The
church also served as the first monastery for St. Clare and her followers, and it became a refuge for her
community. Afternoon at leisure, dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Today our journey to Rome begins, en route we will visit the medieval town of Greccio. Greccio itself, set on a beautiful mountaintop, is famous for its cool summer climate and its mineral springs. However, it is more renowned for its connections with St. Francis of Assisi and as the birthplace of the Christmas crèche. On Christmas Night 1223, St. Francis led shepherds to the top of a nearby hill where they gathered in a stable sheltering an ox and a donkey. According to legend, the Baby Jesus miraculously appeared in the manger. On this spot the Franciscan convent of Greccio was built, and the Chapel of The Crib was erected in 1228, the year St. Francis was canonized. After Mass and lunch we will continue on to Rome. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Today, we explore three of the major basilicas of Rome, beginning with St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. We visit the Holy Stairs, believed to be the steps Jesus ascended during his trial before Pontius Pilate. Next, we visit St. Mary Major, one of the oldest churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, here we will visit the tomb of Pope Francis. In the afternoon, we visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, where we venerate the tomb of St. Paul. We will celebrate Mass at one of these sacred sites. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
After breakfast we will head to Vatican City. We enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of the Catholic Church. If available, we attend the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square with our new Holy Father, followed by Mass nearby the Vatican. After lunch, we tour the Vatican Museums, marveling at the treasures of the Church, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner before retiring for the night. Overnight in Rome.
We transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for our flight back home, carrying with us the spiritual graces, friendships, and unforgettable experiences from our pilgrimage.
