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Day 1 - Depart Chicago O'Hare Day 2 - Arrive Italy - Bologna - Loreto Day 3 - Loreto - Madonna of Loreto Day 4 - Apennine Mountains - Cascia - Assisi Day 5 - Assisi Day 6 - Siena Day 7 - Leisure day in Siena - Tour to Florence (Optional) Day 8 - Rome Day 9 - Papal Audience & Gesu Day 10 - Vatican Museum - Sistine Chapel - St. Peters Day 11 - Christian Rome Day 12 - Return to the USA |
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in Bologna and travel to St. Dominic's
Basilica where the remains of the founder of the Dominican Order can be
found. A thanksgiving Mass is celebrated here for a safe voyage. Head
east towards the Adriatic coast of Italy, to a little piece of the Holy
Land, the Marian Shrine of Loreto. Arrive at our hotel for a welcome
dinner and a two night stay. (M, D)
and visit the Holy House of Nazareth,
where Mary received the Annunciation. Only 3 walls are present because
the fourth wall is actually a grotto in Nazareth. Archeological studies
have scientifically matched the composition of these two places. A pious
tradition tells us that the Holy House was transported to Loreto by Angels
in order to protect it from invading infidels. This Shrine has been
frequented by many Popes. Holy Mass is scheduled at the Holy House.
Overnight and dinner in the Loreto area. (B, D)
the morning traveling east for
majestic views of the mighty Apennine Mountain Range or our way to Cascia
where St. Rita's incorrupt body lies in the Basilica. Visit the
Eucharistic Miracle of Cascia in the lower Basilica, residing in a stone
crystal tabernacle. Holy Mass celebrated here. Then travel deeper into
the Umbria region and arrive in Assisi, land of St. Francis and St.
Clare. Upon arrival to lower Assisi, visit the "Poziuncula" (the first
Franciscan house), the Transit Chapel (where St. Francis died), and the
thorn-less rose garden, all inside the stunning St. Mary of the Angels
Basilica. Spend the next two nights inside the walls of this quaint and
historical town. This evening enjoy a group dinner. (B, D)
region into Tuscany. Arrive in Siena and enjoy a walking tour of
this magnificently kept medieval town, famous for the legendary Palio, a
grand festival celebrated twice a year with a rugged horse race. The
guided walking tour takes you through the mini-neighborhoods of Siena,
including the beautifully detailed Cathedral of Siena (from outside), the
Church of St. Dominic (where the relic of the head of St. Catherine can be
found), the magnificent Palio Square and other important places. After the
tour, proceed to the Basilica di San Francesco (Sienas Franciscan Friary),
where Holy Mass is celebrated. After Mass, witness the Eucharistic Miracle
of Siena! Spend two nights in Siena. Enjoy a group dinner tonight. (B,D)
the ride as we travel this morning towards the Capital of Italy and
ancient home of the greatest empire in western civilization, Roma (Rome).
Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of Romes imperial monuments, including the
famous Coliseum surrounded by the massive Roman Forum. See the Circus
Maximus, Vittorio Emanuel II monument (wedding cake building), Piazza
Venezzia and the Capitoline Hill. Mass at the prelatic church of Santa
Maria della Pace (time for Sacrament of Reconciliation). Check in, freshen
up and follow the tour director to a restaurant nearby for a welcome to
Rome dinner (B, D)
fascinating collection of historical artifacts and precious objects of
art, including the Capella Sistina (Sistine Chapel) with the famous
frescoes of Michelangelo. Afterwards, tour the largest Church in the
world, the Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peters Basilica), including a walk
under the main Altar of St. Peters Basilica, where the remains of the
first Pope lay, surrounded by the tombs of many Popes), here there will be
a chance to pay respects to John Paul the Great at his tomb. Holy Mass
could be celebrated either at the Church of St. Ann, (by St. Anns Vatican
Gate) or at Gesu depending on the Holy Fathers Wednesdays audience
schedule. (B) 
passageway that comprise the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. One of the
highlights of this visit will be the place where the body of St. Cecilia
was found. A very realistic statue that marks this place portrays the way
her body laid, giving a final and resounding testimony to the Blessed
Trinity at the time of her death. Farewell Mass is scheduled at the
Catacombs complex in a spirit of thanksgiving for a fruitful pilgrimage to
Italy. Continue on to St. John Lateran, one of the Churchs four major
Basilicas; then to Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) located across the street
where you may climb the same steps Our Lord climbed on the way to see
Pontius Pilate. Walk down the park to Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Holy
Cross of Jerusalem), where incredible relics can be found (fragments of
the Holy Cross, one Nail, part of the inscription INRI, two thorns from
the Crown of Thorns, fragments of the pillar of the scourging and of the
rock of the Holy Sepulcher). We owe these beautiful relics, including the
Holy Stairs, to St. Helena, the mother of Rome's first Christian Emperor,
Constantine. Then visit St. Mary Major (another Patriarchal Basilica) and
see relics of the Manger from Bethlehem. Afterwards, if time allows, join
the tour director to view the original painting of Our Mother of Perpetual
Help. Finally, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls with the
remains of St. Paul. Join your new family tonight for an unforgettable
farewell dinner. (B, D)