The home of St. Catherine of Siena beckons as we venerate the great Eucharistic Miracle of Siena at the Basilica of St. Francis on our day trip from Assisi. Thieves stole a container of consecrated Hosts, which were later found in the church’s offertory box. They were reverently collected and have remained incorrupt since 1730. We then visit the Basilica of St. Dominic where St. Catherine attended daily Mass and went into spiritual ecstasy. Inside, the Chapel of Vaults holds the only portrait of the saint painted while she was alive. Some of her relics are also here to venerate. Adjacent to the church is the home where she lived, fasted, and prayed. We take a stroll through the ancient streets of Siena, which converge on the Piazza del Campo known as one of the most beautiful squares in the world with its soaring bell tower and unique shell-like shape. We’ll enjoy some time for personal activities before returning to Assisi. (B, D) Overnight Assisi

This morning we will visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, the site of the beloved Porziuncola the tiny chapel rebuilt by St. Francis and his fellow friars after Francis took the commandment from the Lord to “rebuild my church” literally, and where St. Clare began her life as a nun. Afterwards, we will make our way up Monte Subasio – either on foot or minibus (our large motorcoach cannot handle the sharp turns) – to L’ Eremo delle Carceri, or the Carceri hermitage. These caves are where St. Francis and his followers first prayed and started their ministry to the world. Here, where St Francis often prayed, in the midst of the lush green forest and the singing birds, one gets a deep sense of the Franciscan spirit. After some time for prayer and our own private reflections, we return to the valley of Assisi. We will have some personal time for reflection to walk the streets of this medieval town and absorb the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare. Dinner tonight will be on our own. (B) Overnight Assisi

This morning, we will depart Assisi and journey south to Rome, our home for the next five nights. Our first site in the Eternal City is St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, commemorating the martyrdom of St. Lawrence, one of the first deacons of Rome. Peek through one of the grates under the altar and you might see some of the ancient tunnels that led to a catacomb where he was first buried. The remains of the martyrs St. Justin and St. Stephen are buried beneath the altar. This gem of a church also holds the body of Pope Pius IX who declared the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Afterwards, journey to the Piazza Navona and enjoy a walking tour of this section of the city, including the Pantheon, the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Continue to our hotel where we check in before diner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Rome

Today is filled with wonder and awe as we steep ourselves in the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica, which beckons us into its interior through the arms of Bernini’s Colonnade. After walking through the first set of Holy Doors on this pilgrimage, we marvel at Michelangelo’s Pieta and the Perpetual Adoration Chapel renovated by St. John Paul II. We then walk through the Vatican Museums which house artifacts from the around the world and Eucharistic art to prepare ourselves for the greatest masterpiece yet: The Sistine Chapel. Painted by Michelangelo, it is the most famous ceiling in the world under which popes are chosen to lead the faithful. One is always looking up at the masterwork of art that explains the theology of God. Afterwards, we take a peaceful tour of the tranquil Vatican Gardens. Later this afternoon, we will split up into small groups for tours of the Scavi – the necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica, pending confirmation.

We begin this morning with a little bit of free time before heading over to St. Peter’s Square to pray the Angelus with Pope Francis and receive his blessing – as his schedule allows. This afternoon, we walk a short distance to the Pontifical North American College, known as the NAC, for a tour and to see where Fr. Dalrymple went to school. The balance of the day will be free for personal activities, including dinner on our own. (B) Overnight Rome

The Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, are prayed this morning by climbing them on your knees because they are so sacred. Christ walked on these 28 marble stairs at the home of Pontius Pilate to be condemned to death. For those who cannot climb the stairs on their knees there are other stairs available for walking up that also lead to the chapel at the top. Our prayerful experience continues with a visit to St. John Lateran, the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic faithful and the oldest basilica in Europe. Here, we walk through our second set of Holy Doors. At nearby St. Mary Major we venerate the crib of Christ, view the famous icon painting attributed to St. Luke, and see inestimable artwork that makes Rome renowned throughout the world. We also walk through our third set of Holy Doors before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Rome

This morning, we travel to the last of the four major basilicas of Rome – and our final set of Holy Doors – St. Paul Outside the Walls. Though it was destroyed by a fire in 1823, it was originally built by Constantine in the fourth century over the site of St. Paul’s tomb and was rebuilt in the 19th century exactly as it was before the fire. We then journey into the lives of the martyrs as we visit the Catacombs. Here Christians celebrated the Mass in secret and buried the martyrs, including several popes. The balance of the day will be free until the evening, when we gather once more to enjoy our farewell dinner together at a local restaurant. (B, D) Overnight Rome

Today we say “Ciao” to Italia and transfer to the airport for our return flight home, cherishing all of the wonderful memories and graces of this pilgrimage.