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Friday, July 31, 2020
ARRIVAL Benvenuto in Italia! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Jason and your JMJyouth Guide, introduced to your fellow pilgrims, and escorted to your bus to continue on to Assisi. Arrive in the medieval hillside hamlet of St. Francis and St. Clare in time to watch the sunset from the castle (right). Once you have settled into your lodging, your Guide will help to prepare the group for the week ahead, beginning with the Welcome Mass & Dinner. |
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Saturday, August 1, 2020
ASSISI Walk in the footsteps of medieval saints as you visit the Basilica of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare (pictured right). Enter the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a church erected from the ruins of an ancient temple, which is symbolic of the triumph of God over paganism. Next visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Inside is the Portiuncula rebuilt by St. Francis in response to his mystic vision of Christ. This small interior chapel is honored as the birthplace of the Franciscans. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Assisi, finishing with a Sunday Vigil Mass. In the evening, rejoin your fellow pilgrims for a special event featuring a welcome from Jason and a Holy Hour of Adoration. |
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Sunday, August 2, 2020
ROME Depart early from Assisi for Rome. Upon arrival, attend the Papal Angelus before setting out on your first excursion into the Eternal City. Cross the beautiful Piazza Navona, where you will learn the meaning behind the iconic Fountain of the Four Winds. Step inside the history of the Pantheon, and climb the Spanish Steps (pictured). Pass by the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, and learn about the martyrdom of early Christians. Admire many remarkable churches throughout the day, each with treasured relics and extraordinary art. |
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Monday, August 3, 2020
ROME Celebrate Mass in a major basilica, then climb the Holy Stairs that Christ walked to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate, which were brought to Rome by St. Helena. Explore the Basilicas of St. John Lateran, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and St. Mary Major. Descend into the Catacombs of San Callisto (pictured) to experience the life of the early Church. Tonight, Jason will make a dinner presentation on St. John Paul the Great in preparation for tomorrow's visit to the tomb of the beloved Pope. |
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Tuesday, August 4, 2020
ROME Celebrate morning Mass at Chiesa Santo Spirito, established as a shrine to the Divine Mercy by St. John Paul II. Visit and pray before relics of both St. Faustina and St. John Paul II. Enter the inimitable St. Peter’s Basilica. Pray before the tomb of St. John Paul II before exploring the many altars housing incorrupt bodies and other relics of great saints. Atop the tomb of St. Peter, pray for our Church and for your friends and family back home. Time permitting, avail yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and spend time in Adoration. Make an afternoon visit by train to the Shrine of St. Maria Goretti in Nettuno, Italy. Spend time independently exploring the shrine, then take in some sun at the nearby beach before returning to Rome. |
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Wednesday, August 5, 2020
VATICAN CITY In the morning, attend the Papal audience in St. Peter's Square to listen to the Holy Father's catechesis and receive his blessing. Enjoy a free afternoon. We recommend climbing the great Dome of the Basilica, and/or marveling at the wonders of the Vatican Museums and the awesome beauty of the Sistine Chapel (pictured left/top). |
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