Padre Pio Pilgrimage to

Italy & Sicily

ITINERARY:

Sat, Sept 19th: New York/Rome

Depart JFK or Newark Airport on your overnight flight to Rome.
Dinner served in flight.

Sun, Sept 20th: Rome 

Upon arrival in Rome, we will be met by our driver and transferred
to our hotel. En route we stop for Mass. The remainder of the day is
free.

Mon, Sep 21st: Rome

This morning, we have a “Tour of the Basilicas of Rome” – Saint
Peters’, Saint Mary Major and Saint Paul Outside the Walls. We
also see the Roman Forum, the Coliseum and the Monument to
Victor Emmanuel, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.

Tue, Sept 22nd: Rome/San Giovanni Rotondo

Morning departure to San Giovanni Rotondo. Upon arrival, we visit
the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Chapel of the old
Church where Padre Pio celebrated Mass. After Mass, we continue
to our hotel for check in.

Wed, Sep 23rd: San Giovanni Rotondo

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

This morning we begin with a visit to the English Office for a presentation on Padre Pio, followed by a blessing with his relics.

We then continue to the new Church of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. Upon entering, we walk through the striking mosaic corridor that portrays the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina that leads us to the new crypt, where we will see the body of Padre Pio. The crypt is beautifully designed with detailed Wed, Sept 23rd San Giovanni Rotondo Saint Peter’s Basilica Mosaic corridor in the Church of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

The Original church in SGR where Padre Pio celebrated Mass and the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie  mosaics illustrating the life of Christ. Padre Pio’s body in the center to symbolize he rests within the heart of Christ. In the afternoon, we depart for Mount Sant’Angelo to visit the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel and to visit the sacred cave where Saint Michael appeared. This holy site held great importance for Padre Pio as he frequently sent pilgrims there, confident in the powerful graces received through prayer in this place. He told people, “You will need the help of Saint Michael living in this world.”

Thu, Sep 24th: San Giovanni Rotondo/Pietrelcina

This morning we depart for Pietrelcina, the birthplace of Padre Pio. Our visit includes his family home and the Church of Sant’Anna,
where he was baptized. We will visit Piana Romana where Padre Pio’s family farmhouse is and where Padre Pio received the invisible stigmata. We will celebrate Mass at Santa Maria degli Angeli. We will stop at the Padre Pio Foundation of America’s Retreat Home.

There will be free time to explore Pietrelcina on your own. We will check in to our hotel in Benevento in the afternoon and return to Pietrelcina for a special local dinner.

Fri, Sep 25th: Benevento/Taormina

We depart this morning for Taormina, a day devoted to the breathtaking beauty of Italy. Traveling along the Mediterranean coast, we arrive at Villa San Giovanni, where we board the ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. Upon reaching the port of Messina, we continue our journey along Sicily’s stunning Ionian Coast, making our way toward Taormina. Throughout the drive, the majestic presence of Mount Etna rises before us, an unforgettable backdrop to our entrance into Sicily.

Sat, Sep 26th: Taormina

This morning, we are transferred to the upper city of Taormina for Holy Mass. After Mass, the day unfolds at a peaceful pace, giving you time to savor the beauty of this coastal gem. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own, wander through Taormina’s charming streets, and take in the breathtaking views of Mount Etna rising in the distance.

You may also wish to visit the renowned Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre). This historic theater, originally built by the Greeks and later shaped by the Romans, stands as one of Sicily’s most remarkable landmarks. Set against a stunning backdrop of sea, sky, and Mount Etna, it offers not only a glimpse into history but also some of the most unforgettable views in all of Italy.

Sun, Sep 27th: Taormina/Siracusa

Upon arrival in Siracusa, we have Mass at the Basilica of Madonna delle Lacrime which holds the plaque of Our Lady of the Tears.

Next, we visit the Church of Saint John the Baptist. It is the oldest church in the West, second in age only to its Eastern counterpart
located in Antioch, Turkey. In its crypt, Saints Paul and Luke were said to have preached to the Christian community.

Mon, Sep 28th: Ortigia Island

This morning, we meet our local guide for our tour of Ortigia Island, the historic heart of Siracusa. 

Here we visit the Duomo di Siracusa. Originally built as a Greek temple dedicated to Athena, the structure once featured a towering golden statue of the goddess.  Inside the Duomo, elements of the original Greek structure can still be seen, blending antiquity and faith in a single sacred space.

Within the Duomo, we visit the shrine of Saint Lucy, the beloved patron saint of Siracusa, where her relics are preserved in a small chapel. (Her body rests in Venice.)

In recognition of its extraordinary cultural and historical significance, Siracusa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

Tue, Sep 29th: Siracusa/USA

Morning departure to Catania airport for our return flight to the USA.