These programs offer an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God through visits to the major sanctuaries associated with SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi. Your life will be enriched and transformed through participation in rituals, prayers, Eucharistic celebrations, historical visits, lectures, and opportunities of reflection. By journeying through their life stories, these two saints help us to “fix our gaze on God.”

After more than 50 years, these pilgrimages continue to impact the lives of people with their message of a living God, as seen through the eyes of SS. Francis and Clare on the streets where they walked. Leisure time helps to ensure a wholesome and memorable experience.

Departure from the United States on July 11, with arrival in Rome, Italy on July 12. We will take a coach bus from the airport to our hotel, located near the Vatican, with a brief orientation and dinner upon arrival.

We'll begin today with a walk down to St. Peter's Basilica. Here, we will celebrate Mass near the tomb of St. Peter followed by a guided tour of the basilica. The afternoon is then yours free to explore the Eternal City.

Pending the Pope's schedule, we will take a visit back to St. Peter's Square to attend a Papal audience with Pope Leo. You'll then have some more free time to explore the city. After lunch, we will travel to our Mother Church, St. John Lateran.

On our way to Assisi, we will visit Greccio, celebrate the birth of the “Babe of Bethlehem,” and experience this “Babe” coming alive in our midst. Arriving in Assisi we’ll settle into our hotel, located a short distance from main piazza, and enjoy a family style served meal.

We will view Assisi through a medieval lens and visit the birth sites of Saints Francis and Clare.

We will visit a place very important to the stories of Francis and Clare- San Damiano. This is where God spoke to Francis, through the San Damiano crucifix, saying "Go, rebuild My Church." It is also where Clare established her cloistered order.

A morning of Franciscan solitude. We will take taxis up Mt. Subasio to visit the Carceri. Francis and his brothers would escape to this mountainside sanctuary for times of deep reflection. There will be lunch back at the hotel followed by an afternoon free in Assisi.

Following their vocational call to follow Christ, we will visit the places of their early ministry among the lepers.

We will visit La Verna, a place of incredible beauty where Francis encountered the God of compassion and was marked with the wounds of Jesus.

At the end of our time in Assisi we will visit the “Tomb Churches,” the Basilicas of Francis and Clare, where these two saints continue to beckon everyone to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Today is a free day for you to enjoy and say your final goodbyes to the City of Peace

We say goodbye to Italy and return to the United States. But your pilgrimage continues back home!