Fr. John Anderson and Fr. John Gerritts Pilgrimage to Italy

We begin exploring Italy where we meet our local guide after customs and transfer by private motorcoach to the city for hotel check-in or luggage drop. The day unfolds gently with an orientation to Rome, allowing time to recover from the overnight flight while entering into the spiritual rhythm of the pilgrimage, highlighted by a visit to Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for prayer at the tomb of St. Paul, and, if time permits, a stop at Tre Fontane Abbey, traditionally associated with his martyrdom. In the evening, the group celebrates its first Mass in Rome, followed by a welcome dinner and an early overnight to rest. Overnight: Rome (Dinner)

We are going to begin the day with an early breakfast before transferring to St. Peter’s Square to attend the Wednesday Papal Audience, a spiritual highlight where we join Catholics from around the world. Following the Audience, we are going to enter St. Peter’s Basilica for a guided, prayerful visit, including the high altar, major monuments, and the tomb of St. Peter, with time for personal prayer and reflection. In the evening, we are going to celebrate Mass at a reserved chapel or church near the Vatican, return to the hotel for dinner, and, for those who wish, enjoy an optional walk along the Tiber or through the Vatican area before overnighting in Rome.

Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will be exploring the rich Christian heritage of Rome, beginning with a visit to the ancient Catacombs, where the earliest Christians were laid to rest. We will then continue to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, followed by the Scala Sancta, where pilgrims may prayerfully ascend the Holy Stairs. In the afternoon, we will be visiting Basilica of St. Mary Major and celebrating Mass at one of Rome’s major basilicas, before continuing to Basilica of St. Clement, known for its remarkable layers of early Christian history. We will then return to the hotel for dinner and enjoy free time for rest, prayer, or a quiet evening walk. Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will be going north from Rome into the beautiful region of Umbria, arriving in the hill town of Orvieto, where we will visit the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral and spend time in prayer connected to the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena. We will be celebrating Mass in Orvieto if possible, or later in Assisi, and enjoying some free time for lunch and a brief stroll before continuing through the countryside. In the evening, we will be going on to Assisi, where we will check in at our hotel, take a peaceful introductory walk through the medieval town if time permits, and gather for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Assisi (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will be spending the day in Assisi, beginning at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, where we will be praying at the tomb of St. Francis and visiting both the lower and upper basilicas with their beautiful frescoes, followed by the celebration of Mass. We will then be continuing to the Basilica of St. Clare to venerate the saint and the San Damiano Cross, and we will be visiting San Damiano, closely tied to the early Franciscan movement. Our day will conclude with a visit to Santa Maria degli Angeli to see the Porziuncola, before returning to the hotel for dinner and an optional evening of prayer or quiet reflection in this peaceful hilltop town. Overnight: Assisi (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will be departing Assisi after breakfast and traveling into Tuscany, arriving in Siena, the home of St. Catherine, where we will be visiting her shrine for prayer and celebrating Mass. We will then be exploring the magnificent Siena Cathedral and enjoying a guided walk through the historic center, including Piazza del Campo, before continuing to the Tuscany hotel area near Montecatini Terme. In the evening, we will be checking in at our hotel, gathering for dinner, and enjoying a quieter night of rest after a meaningful day of travel and pilgrimage. Overnight: Tuscany (Breakfast, Dinner)

Florence, Santa Croce, Tuscany: We will be going to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, where we will be visiting the magnificent Florence Cathedral (the Duomo) and the Baptistery while learning about the deep connection between faith and art in Christian Florence. We will be celebrating Mass at a local church and continuing to important sites such as Santa Croce, followed by a guided walking tour through the historic center. In the evening, we will be returning to our hotel in the Tuscany area for dinner and overnight, with an optional discussion on the role of beauty in evangelization and Christian culture. Overnight: Tuscany (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will be going into a flexible day in the Tuscany region, allowing time either for rest and spiritual reflection or for an optional full-day excursion to the coast. We will be remaining in Tuscany for prayer, a countryside visit, and light touring, or choosing to travel to the Ligurian or Tuscan coast for a scenic experience that may include a boat or ferry ride. During the day, we will be celebrating Mass at a local parish or chapel and enjoying time for lunch, personal reflection, or simply taking in the beauty of the surroundings. In the evening, we will be returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight, embracing a quieter pace to balance the journey. Overnight: Tuscany (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will be going from Tuscany (Montecatini Terme area) to Rome by coach (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes), checking out in the morning and departing promptly with comfort stops as needed. Upon arrival in Rome, we will enjoy lunch before a light afternoon of touring the historic center, including the Pantheon (Rome), Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain area, depending on the group’s pace. We will celebrate Mass at a reserved church in Rome, then check into our hotel for dinner and overnight stay, with an optional evening stroll in the Eternal City. Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will be going to Rome for a final day of prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection, with possible visits including St. Peter’s Basilica, time for private devotions, confessions, shopping for religious items, and personal spiritual preparation. In the midday, we will celebrate the final group Mass in Rome, gathering intentions and giving thanks for the pilgrimage journey. The afternoon will allow free time for personal reflection or final sightseeing, followed by a farewell dinner together as a group. We will remain overnight in Rome, encouraging pilgrims to reflect on the graces received and how to bring the fruits of the pilgrimage back to parish and family life. Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)

We return back home, with renewed faith and newly formed relationships.