DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: Tuesday 2nd June
Depart from Dublin Airport, at 06:35hrs aboard the Ryanair flight. We will be landing in Rome at approximately 10:40hrs, with the rest of day ahead of us. Our Joe Walsh Tours representative will meet and welcome us all on arrival.
Upon collecting our luggage from the carousel, we will be transferred by private coach to the birthplace of St. Francis, the hill town of Assisi in the central part of Italy.
**Comfort stop on the way from Rome to Assisi for snacks (at your own expense).
On arrival visit and Mass in Santa Maria degli Angeli, the cradle of the Franciscan order. The Porziuncola, the chapel of St. Francis’ first community and the chapel of the ‘Transito, where St. Francis died, are both housed here. This is also where St Claire received the Franciscan cowl from St. Francis in 1211.
Time to check in the Domus Pacis Assisi where we will be staying for the next 3 nights on a Half Board basis. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: Wednesday 03rd June – Feast of St Kevin
After breakfast today we will start exploring Assisi with visit and Mass in the Basilica of St Clare, foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares.
St. Clare followed the teachings of St. Francis by living a life of poverty and humility. We will continue our day strolling the cobble-stoned street of this beautiful old town where it seems time has stood still. Free time for lunch and shopping.
At 4pm we will celebrate the Holy Hour Special intention for our Youth and appreciation of the Eucharist in Santa Maria Maggiore – Carlo Acutis Shrine. Pope Leo XIV canonised St. Carlo Acutis last September.
Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 Thursday 04th June – Feast of St. Charles Lwanga and his Companions
After breakfast we will go to Upper Assisi to visit to the awe-inspiring 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and his tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary.
Mass will be celebrated here.
Free time for lunch and personal prayers.
We will gather before 4pm, time we will celebrate the Holy Hour Special intention for Peace at the Hermitage of San Damiano. The visit of this place is done or on foot or on Taxi to be paid locally. (**not included)
Built in the 12th century, S. Damian is the Church where S. Francis received the Mission from Christ, or visit St. Clare Monastery where we will see the original San Damiano crucifix, and amongst other relics on display, her long hair which was cut off by St. Francis during her religious profession, her habit and her cord belt. The Hermitage or ‘Le Carceri’ is a place up in
Monte Subasio where S Francis used to go with his friends. We recommend doing both.
Meet back at the hotel for hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Friday 05th June – Feast of St. Boniface
After an early breakfast and check out from Domus Pacis the group will travel to Rome. Comfort stop on the way.
Our first visit on arrival will be the Major Papal Basilica of St John in the Lateran.
It was here St. Francis came from Assisi to seek the blessing of the Pope for the work he and his
companions were doing for the Lord.
The Archbasilica of St John in the Lateran is the Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and it serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome. Mass will take place in the Basilica.
Time for lunch in one of the many local Bistrot’s and café’s suggested from our experienced tour guide. After lunch we will be transferred to our accommodation, Casa Bonus Pastor, located in the heart of Rome in a beautiful turn-of-the-century building close to the Vatican Walls.
We will be spending the next two nights here. Time to check in and free afternoon and evening for personal time to start exploring Rome.
DAY 5: Saturday 06th June
Today we will have an early breakfast before finally heading to the Vatican area.
After Mass in the beautiful St Peter Basilica, we will have plenty of time to visit (own time) the basilica and the grottoes of the Popes, along with St Peter Square. Time for lunch and free time.
We recommend the visit of the famous Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel or a leisurely walking tour of the main sights of Rome, such as the Trevi Fountain, followed by the former Roman temple “Pantheon” and Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
Evening Prayer at church/chapel near the Hotel. (Possibly joining with a religious community for this Evening Prayer of the Church, part of the Liturgy of the Hours.)
Free time for dinner and overnight. (**Please make sure to arrange your own tickets for any of the attractions and transports from lunch time
onwards)
DAY 6: Sunday 07th June – Feast of Corpus Christi
Today is unfortunately our last day of this Holy Pilgrimage.
After a good breakfast and check out we celebrate Mass in a nearby church before attending the Angelus in St Peter Square.
Time for lunch followed by the visit of St Mary Major Papal Basilica. We will travel to the airport for our flight back to Dublin departing at 19:55pm
