Araiza Italy Pilgrimage 10 days

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Created: 22.10.2015

Day 1 ??? DEPART USA ??? Today we depart  Denver  to connect with our overnight flight to Rome aboard a wide-bodied jet. We are served complimentary beverages, in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft. Day 2 ??? ROME/ASSISI ??? This morning, we arrive in Rome where we are met.  We travel north through the Umbrian countryside. We stop at Orvieto for a visit and Mass at the breathtaking Cathedral, which is known as the jewel of Italian architecture.  Inside the Cathedral is the Chapel of the Corporal, which houses the chalice cloth involved in the Eucharistic Miracle, which occurred in nearby Bolsena. In the 13th century a pilgrim priest named Peter of Prague was celebrating Mass at the crypt of St. Christina.  He was having a faith crisis concerning the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and while speaking the words of the consecration, blood started to drip from the consecrated Host.  Subsequently Pope Urban instituted The Feast of Corpus Christi.   Afterwards we continue to Assisi. Time permitting, our first stop is in the lower town for a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, and the Portiuncula, Francis' Church of the Little Portion.  We then proceed to the hilltop village of Assisi for dinner and overnight at our hotel. THIS PROGRAM IS DEPENDENT ON ARRIVAL TIME IN ROME. Day 3 ??? ASSISI/SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - This morning we begin with a short walk to the Basilica of St. Francesco for Mass. After our visit of the Basilica and the tomb of St. Francis, we begin our walking tour of the village with a visit to the Church of St. Clare ???the little plant of Blessed Francis??? as she loved to call herself, where we view the San Damiano crucifix that spoke to St. Francis.   Kneeling before it, Francis composed the following prayer, which is considered to be among the oldest of his writings:  ???All Highest, Glorious God, cast your light into the darkness of my heart.  Give me right faith, firm hope, perfect charity, and profound humility, with wisdom and perception, O Lord, so that I may do what is truly your most holy will.  Amen.???  This afternoon we drive to the coast of Italy and South to San Giovanni Rotondo for dinner and overnight. (5 hour drive) Day 4 - SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO ??? This morning we will tour where Saint Padre Pio spend much of his life.  We celebrate Mass at his tomb of and visit the sanctuary. This afternoon we drive to nearby Gargano and the Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel, the site of an apparition of the Saint and where Saint Padre Pio often prayed and heard confessions.  Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 5 - SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO/ROME ??? This morning, following Mass at the shrine, we continue to Rome and enjoy a panoramic tour, passing the Roman Fora, the Arch of Constantine, the Coliseum and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Transfer to our hotel for r dinner and overnight. Day 6 ??? ROME - This morning we visit Vatican City where we see the treasures of the Vatican Museum.  We marvel at Michelangelo's recently restored frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and walk through the Holy Doors and see the wonders of St. Peter???s. This afternoon, we continue our tour with a visit to the Holy Stairs and walk through the Holy Doors of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. We conclude our day at one of the Catacombs, burial place of early Christians.  We celebrate Mass here and view the 2nd and 3rd century fresco paintings. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.  Day 7 ??? ROME - This morning, we make our way to St. Peter's for an audience with Pope Francis if he is in residence. This afternoon we walk through the Holy Doors of our final Patriarchal Basilica of St. Mary Major.  We conclude at the Church of St. Peter in Chains to view Michelangelo's possibly most celebrated sculpture, the "Moses."  Dinner and overnight at the hotel. DAY 8 ??? ROME - Jubilee for Deacons - Today is completely dedicated to the Deacons Jubilee. Starting at 8:00 am and ending at 5:00 pm, there will be opportunities for Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation in the Jubilee Churches. At 6:00 pm, pilgrims will walk through the Holy Doors at St. Peter???s Basilica to hear official catechesis on the subject: ???The Deacon: Called to the Service of Charity in the life of the Community.??? Dinner on your own and overnight Rome.   DAY  9 ??? ROME  ??? Jubilee for Deacons - At 10 am, we will celebrate the Solemn Mass for the Jubilee for Deacons at St. Peter???s Square with Pope Francis (pending the Holy Father's final schedule). Deacons will be seated up front. Lunch on your own and afternoon at your leisure. Tonight we enjoy a special Farewell Dinner in a Roman restaurant. Overnight Rome.  DAY 10   ROME/USA - This morning, check out of your hotel and depart for the airport for your return flights home.