ST. PHILOMENA PILGRIMAGE TO FRANCE & ITALY

ITINERARY

Day 1. Monday, February 23: Transatlantic flight Detroit – Lyon, France

Depart today on a flight to Lyon, France.

Day 2. Tuesday, February 24: Lyon – Villefranche-sur-Saône

Welcome to France! Upon arrival into Lyon, the third largest city of France, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, dedicated to Our Lady, to whom is attributed the salvation of the city of Lyon from the bubonic plague that swept Europe in 1643. She is also credited with saving the city several other times, such as from a cholera epidemic in 1832, and from Prussian invasion in 1870. Continue to Villefranche-sur-Saône for check-in at your hotel, a welcome dinner, and overnight. (WD)

Day 3. Wednesday, February 25: Villefranche-sur-Saône – Ars – Lyon – Rome

Today a short drive will take you to the charming town of Ars to render homage to St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests. Visit the old 12th-century church where the saint preached and the confessionals where he spent most of his time. In the Basilica, pray before the glass reliquary containing his incorrupt body. His incorrupt heart is in the Shrine of the Cure’s Heart just outside the Basilica. Continue to Lyon airport to take your flight to Rome. Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy dinner and overnight. (BB, D)

Day 4. Thursday, February 26: Rome

This morning in the Eternal City, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, constructed on the site of the hallowed tomb of the apostle, resplendent with mosaics, art treasures, and gold. Among the Basilica’s most precious relics include a portion of the wood of the True Cross, and part of the lance that pierced Christ’s side. See the beloved statue of St. Peter and admire Michelangelo’s Pieta. Render homage to the many buried popes. Take a lift to the Dome for a phenomenal 360-degree view of Rome. Afterwards, take a Scavi Tour (subject to availability) to see the ancient Roman burial site of St. Peter.  Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and dinner on your own. Overnight in Rome. (BB)

Day 5. Friday, February 27: Rome

This morning, start with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, built on the site indicated by the Blessed Virgin Mary to Pope Liberius by a miraculous snowfall; it houses the relic of Our Lord’s manger in Bethlehem and the revered image of Our Lady, Salus Populi. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour from the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna to the most famous fountain the the world, the Trevi fountain. In the afternoon, visit the Catacombs of Priscilla, called “regina catacumbarum – the queen of the catacombs,” where the relics of St. Philomena were originally found. One of the most important early Christian frescoes was discovered here, depicting a Madonna and child with a prophet. It dates from the year 230-240 AD, and is one of the oldest known images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Dinner on your own and overnight in Rome. (BB)

Day 6. Saturday, February 28: Rome

This morning, pray before the relics of St. Paul the Apostle inside the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, with its outstanding marble canopy over the high altar. Continue to a panoramic view of the Roman Forum, Nero’s Palace, and the Colosseum. Afterwards, visit the mother of all churches, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and the largest relic in the Christian world, the Scala Santa, the 28 “Holy Steps” that Our Lord ascended to be judged by Pontius Pilate. The rest of the afternoon is free with dinner on your own. Overnight in Rome. (BB)

Day 7. Sunday, March 1: Rome – Montecassino – Rome

Today visit Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, a magnificent Gothic church that houses the relics of St. Catherine of Siena, patron saint of Italy. After lunch on your own, depart to Montecassino for a visit to its spectacular Abbey, the mother church of the Benedictine Order and a center of medieval art founded in 529 by St. Benedict, patron saint of Europe. By the 8th century, it was an important center of learning, and by the 11th century, it had become one of the richest monasteries in Europe. The abbey was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt as a replica of its 17th century predecessor. Relics of St. Benedict and his sister St. Scholastica can be venerated in the abbey. Return to Rome for an independent dinner and overnight. (BB)

Day 8. Monday, March 2: Rome – Lanciano – San Giovanni Rotondo

This morning, journey to Lanciano, a small, medieval town, nestled in from the coast of the Adriatic Sea. In the 8th century AD, in the little church of St. Legontian, a Basilian monk was having doubts about the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. During Mass, after the two-fold consecration, the Host was changed into live flesh, and the wine was changed into live blood. The Host-Flesh can still be seen today. Pray before this Miracle of the Heart of Jesus. Continue to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit the tomb of Padre Pio, tour the shrine, see the old church and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata in 1918. See the confessional where Padre Pio spent hours with a multitude of pilgrims. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. (BB, L, D)

Day 9. Tuesday, March 3: San Giovanni Rotondo – Monte Sant’Angelo – Mugnano – Naples

Today travel to Mugano. On the way, stop for a visit to Monte Sant’Angelo, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared to the Bishop of Sipontum in 493. Visit the grotto and shrine consecrated by St. Michael himself. In Mugnano del Cardinale, visit the Shrine of St. Philomena, the miracle-worker, to venerate the relics of this illustrious virgin-martyr. After some free time, continue to Naples for a farewell dinner with your travel companions. Overnight in Nola (Naples). (BB, FD)

Day 10. Wednesday, March 4: Homebound Flight

Early morning transfer to Naples airport for your flight home.

Buffet Breakfast (BB), Lunch (L), Dinner (D), Welcome Dinner (WD), Farewell Dinner (FD)

* In case of unforeseen events, this itinerary is subject to change.