Eucharistic Miracles, Saints and Shrines of Italy with Fr. Nicholas Akindele

We depart on an overnight flight to Rome. Dinner and breakfast will be served on the flights; optional premium economy and business class upgrades are available upon request.

Today we arrive at Rome airport where our motor coach takes us on a drive to Assisi, the city of birds and silence. On the way, we stop in Orvieto to visit the magnificent Duomo and view the Miracle of the Eucharist of Bolsena. Following lunch at a local restaurant with an opportunity to taste the famous wine from this region, we visit Le Velette Estate for a history lesson about wine and olive oil production and a wine tasting. Next proceed to Santa Maria of the Angels Church and celebrate Mass (TBC) before checking into our hotel in Assisi for dinner and overnight (Special Lunch. D.)

This morning we explore the Basilica of St. Francis, first the upper Basilica with Giotto’s frescoes representing the life of St. Francis, then the lower Basilica and the Tomb of St. Francis. Mass will be celebrated in one of the chapels of the magnificent Basilica. In the afternoon we have some time at leisure before we proceed to the Basilica of St. Clare and the Chapel of San Damiano, where St. Francis received his call to rebuild the Church and where St. Clare lived and died. Our last stop of the day is the Sanctuary of the Spoliation to see the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in the Church of St. Mary Major. Overnight in Assisi. (B.D)

This morning depart for Cascia, home of the beloved St. Rita and Miracle of the Eucharist. See the Basilica of St. Rita with her incorrupt body, relics from her life and the stained glass windows surrounding the main altar depicting the Eucharistic Miracle of Siena, which shows an open book with two red round stains facing each other. Today a special Monstrance holds the pages that reveal the blood stains in the lower chapel of the basilica. In the stains is the perfect portrait outline of Christ’s face. Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Rita. In the afternoon our motorcoach takes us to Siena, home of St. Catherine where we see the famous Piazza del Campo known for its horse races. See the relics of St. Catherine the patron Saint of Italy at St. Dominic Church. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight. (B. D.)

We depart for Loreto to see the Holy House of Nazareth which was transported here, from the Holy Land, as tradition tells us. In it we have a chance to view the most reproduced Madonna in the world; the Black Madonna of Loreto. Continue to Lanciano to see the Host of Flesh, which is still in one piece and has retained the dimensions of the original. The actual spot of the miracle is located beneath the present-day Tabernacle of the Church of St. Francis. The Eucharistic miracle is preserved in the second tabernacle found on the high altar. The Host, now changed to Flesh, is contained in a silver Monstrance. The wine, now changed to Blood, is contained in a crystal chalice. This is also a pilgrimage place to Our Lady of Mercy. We celebrate Mass. We depart for San Giovanni to see the places associated with the life and work of St. Pio. Overnight and dinner at the hotel in San Giovanni. (B.D)

Visit places associated with Padre Pio, his tomb and cell; the old church where he received the stigmata; his confessional and the new church of Santa Maria Delle Grazia. In the afternoon see the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, and celebrate Mass. Overnight and dinner at San Giovanni. (B.D.)

We depart from San Giovanni to Mugnano to visit St. Philomena where we see her remains. After lunch on your own we depart for Pompeii to visit the Rosary Basilica and celebrate Mass. We have a tour of the ancient volcanic ruins of Pompeii. Overnight in Pompeii. (B.D)

Depart this morning for Rome. Before arriving at our hotel the coach takes us to St. Paul Outside the Walls for Holy Mass and to Virgin of Revelation and Tre Fontane. In the afternoon, see the ancient ruins of the Coliseum (outside view), Piazza Venezia and many other landmarks which you may have seen only in pictures. Check into our hotel where we have dinner and overnight. (B.D)

Today we visit St. Peter’s Basilica and are amazed at the magnificence of the largest church in the world. Mass will be celebrated at one of the chapels inside St. Peter’s. Tickets to the Scavi tunnels underneath the Vatican will be requested (TBC). Continue the Christian Rome tour with visits to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major & St. John Lateran, Holy Stairs and Holy Cross in Jerusalem to see the relics of the true cross and the sacred thorns. Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Rome. (B. D.)

Following Mass we embark on a walking tour . Enjoy a walk through Piazza Navone to view the magnificent Four Rivers fountain by Bernini and then walk to the Pantheon. On this route we also visit Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the only true Gothic church in Rome, and the Trevi Fountain where we see the shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Revelation, the site of an apparition which, though not formally approved by the Church, was acknowledged by Pope. The rest of the afternoon and dinner are at leisure. (B.)

Today we are Blessed by the Holy Father during the Papal Audience. Enjoy a visit to the Vatican Square for lunch on your own and time to shop for religious goods. We walk over to the Vatican Museum to see one of the greatest museums and art collections in the world, including the Sistine Chapel. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Italian restaurant where we can sing along with local music and savor home cooked dishes and regional wine. Overnight in Rome (B. Special farewell dinner)

After breakfast we are transferred to Rome airport for our flight home.( B)