Padre Pio Pilgrimage to Italy

ITINERARY:

Tue, Sep 16th JFK to Rome

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

Wed, Sep 17th Rome to Assisi

Upon arrival we are transferred to Assisi. Afternoon visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Our Lady of the Angels, that houses the Porziuncola inside its walls. Porziuncola refers to the Benedictine chapel Saint Francis restored when he was a young man.

From there we will make our way to the Basilicas of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, where we see the tombs of the two Saints

Thu, Sep 18th Assisi to San Damiano

Morning visit and Mass at San Damiano. This was the convent of Saint Clare. This small church and monastery is where Saint Francis received his calling to “rebuild my church.” Saint Clare also lived here with her community of sisters. The surrounding olive groves add to the serenity of this special place.

After Mass we visit the Church of Saint Mary Major to see the incorrupt body of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo was an Italian teenager renowned for his deep Catholic faith and exceptional computer skills. From a young age, Carlo exhibited a profound devotion to the Eucharist. And although his parents were not religious, Carlo attended daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Carlo’s love, appreciation and reverence for the Eucharist were exceptional. “The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven!” he would say. And, “If we get in front of the sun, we get sun tans, but when we get in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, we become Saints.”

He combined his faith with his passion for technology by creating a website that cataloged Eucharistic miracles worldwide, aiming to share these events with a broader audience.

In 2006, at the age of 15, Carlo was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church, expressing a desire to go straight to heaven. Carlo passed away on October 12, 2006. He was beatified by Pope Francis on October 10, 2020 and is said to be canonized in October 2025.

Fri, Sep 19th Assisi to Rome

Arrival in Rome and check in at our hotel. The remainder of the day is FREE.

Sat, Sep 20th Tour of Rome

This morning, we have a “Tour of Rome” including the four major Basilicas of Rome. 2025 is a Jubilee Year and all the Holy Doors around the world will be opened.

We will pass through the Holy Doors of Saint Peters’, Saint Mary Major, Saint John Lateran and Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

We will also see the Roman Forum, the Coliseum and theMonument to Victor Emmanuel, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.

Sun, Sep 21st Rome/Pietrelcina/San Giovanni Rotondo

Morning departure to San Giovanni Rotondo.

Enroute, we stop at Pietrelcina, birth place of Padre Pio.

We visit Padre Pio’s home, the Church of Santa Ana, where he was baptized, and we have Mass at Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Next, we stop at Piana Romana to visit the place where Padre Pio received the invisible stigmata.

After Mass and our visit, we continue to San Giovanni Rotondo.

Mon, Sep 22nd San Giovanni Rotondo/St. Michael’s Cave

This morning we depart to Mount Sant’Angelo where we will have Mass at the Celestial Basilica of Saint Michael and visit the Cave where Saint Michael the Archangel appeared. Padre Pio often sent people there when they came to visit him.

The history of the Sanctuary of Saint Michael dates as far back as the late 300’s, when Saint Michael appeared to the landowner of this mountain as a “beautiful bull” who ended up causing the man to chase after it with a desire to kill it.

Upon attempting to shoot the beast with an arrow, the arrow mysteriously turned back on the man and hit him in the foot. Being frightened, the landowner went to the Bishop who prayed and did penance to discern what exactly was the cause of this event. Saint Michael appeared and told him that this land was sacred ground and that this man had offended him. He said: “I am the Archangel Michael and am always in the presence of God. The cave is sacred for me, I have chosen it. I, myself, am its’ watchful custodian. There, where the rock opens wide, the sins of men can be forgiven. What is asked for here in prayer will be granted. Therefore, go to the mountain and dedicate the grotto to the Christian religion.”

In this story we can see that Saint Michael did not hesitate to show his disapproval of the man tramping on “his property” by hitting him in the foot with an arrow. The poor man thought this bull would be a fine specimen to add to his herd.

Despite this vision of Saint Michael, this rather hardhearted bishop did not immediately take Saint Michael seriously. It took more proof to win the bishop’s heart. In 492, the bishop was asking for a victory over the enemies of the region. Saint Michael appeared to him after three days of prayer and penance. St. Michael promised a victory which would include the complete extermination of his enemies. Then, in 493, the bishop finally desired to obey the original request of Saint Michael and consecrate this ground and grotto to him, but the Archangel appeared to him again and announced that he himself had already consecrated the grotto. The grotto, itself, is the only place of worship not consecrated by human hands and over the centuries has received the title of “Celestial Basilica.” As you enter the cave, you will know it is a very special and sacred place!

After lunch in Monte Sant’Angelo, we return to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit the of Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Chapel of the old Church where Padre Pio celebrated Mass.

We will visit the English Office for a talk on Padre Pio and a blessing with Padre Pio’s relics.

Next, we visit the new Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina. We will walk down the beautiful mosaic hallway depicting the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Pio. It will lead us to the crypt where you will see Padre Pio’s body. The Crypt is designed with intricate mosaics of the life of Christ.

*Note that tonight the festivities begin in an outdoor celebration of Padre Pio’s Feast Day. The rosary and prayers begin around 8PM and at midnight, Padre Pio’s Feast Day Mass begins.

Tue, Sep 23rd Our Day with Padre Pio

Today is the Feast Day of Padre Pio. We spend our day following the program of the Basilica for Padre Pio.

Wed, Sep 24th San Giovanni Rotondo to Sorrento

Morning departure to Sorrento. Relax and enjoy our drive to Sorrento.

Upon arrival, we have a free day. Take in the breathtaking views of the coastline, characterized by dramatic cliffs, sparkling blue sea, and picturesque towns clinging to the cliffs. Amalfi offers a wealth of sights and experiences that cater to a variety of interests.

Thu, Sep 25th Amalfi

This morning, we drive to Amalfi.

Upon arrival, we go to the Cathedral of Amalfi for Mass. Amalfi Cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea) is a 9th century Roman Catholic Cathedral which is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate mosaics, and impressive bronze doors.

Originally, the Cathedral was built to house the relics of St. Andrew, which were brought to Amalfi from Constantinople in the 4th century. The relics are said to have miraculous healing powers. For centuries, they have drawn pilgrims from all over the world. Amalfi offers a wealth of sights and experiences that cater to a variety of interests.

Fri, Sep 26th Amalfi/Naples/USA

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

Thank you for traveling with us! We hope you had a wonderful time and have a safe trip home!