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"Bella Madre"
Beautiful Mother
At the crucifixion, Jesus entrusted His mother into the care of St. John, the apostle. Jesus said to Her, "Woman, behold thy son." But more importantly, He entrusted the disciple into the care of His mother when he said, "Behold thy mother." Why do visionaries say that She is beautiful? Because She loves!
Rome, Assisi and Lourdes
10 Days - Italy and France
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart the U.S. on an international flight bound for Rome. Meals will be served on the overnight flight.
Day 2: Upon arrival in Italy, we are welcomed in the "Eternal City" by our Tour Director, who will transfer us to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 3: After breakfast, enjoy a full day panoramic city tour of classical Roman Empire monuments (the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus and more) on the way to one of the catacombs where the early Christians were buried. Then, we continue with a visit to the three major basilicas: St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran and St. Paul Outside the Walls, time permitting. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 4: The Pieta Our day starts with a visit to the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the Christian world, built over the tomb of St. Peter. Inside this wonderful piece of architecture is the Pieta, an emotionally-moving masterpiece of the Madonna and Christ, and Michelangelo’s earliest marble sculpture. Papal Audience (on Wednesdays) or Papal Blessing (on Sundays) to be arranged pending the Pope’s schedule.

We then continue to the Vatican Museum, with its priceless collection of art and treasures, and the Sistine Chapel with its amazing, unique ceiling, one of Michelangelo’s greatest achievements. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city, both ancient and modern, on our own. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 5: We travel today to Assisi, spread across the slopes of Monte Subasio, and still retaining its medieval character. This town owes its fame to St. Francis, whose dedication to humility and charity became the foundation of the Franciscan Order, and to St. Clare who along with St. Francis made a significant contribution to the past and present of the city. Upon arrival, we will visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli built over the Portiuncula. It was in this chapel that St. Francis received a clear understanding of his vocation which made the first Franciscan community. A few steps away is the Capella Del Transito, which marks the spot where he died in 1226. We continue up the hill where we will celebrate Mass at the 13th Century Basilica of San Francesco, where one church has been superimposed upon another, and with a crypt containing the saint’s tomb and many of his possessions. Our walking tour begins with a visit to La Chiesa Nuova, the church built in 1616 on the site of the home of Pietro Bernardone and Lady Pica, parents of St. Francis, then we proceed to the Basilica of Santa Chiara which houses the incorrupt body of St. Clare, contained in a glass-walled sarcophagus. Kneel before the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis, asking him to rebuild His Church. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 6: Free day to explore Assisi on one's own. Optional day trips to Siena, Florence or Cascia may be arranged. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 7: After breakfast, we celebrate mass before departing for Arenzano. Dinner and overnight in Arenzano.
Day 8: After breakfast, we celebrate Mass at the Carmelite Monastery that houses a statue of the Infant of Prague, presented to the Carmelite monks at the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria in 1628 by the Princess Polissena Lobkowitz of Prague. Then, we continue our journey to Lourdes, one of the greatest pilgrimage shrines in the world. It was here at the Grotto of Massabielle in February 1858, that Our Blessed Mother appeared 18 times to a young sickly child named Bernadette Soubirous and later proclaimed to her that She was the Immaculate Conception. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.
Day 9: After breakfast, we celebrate Mass and then participate in the walking tour of Lourdes where we visit the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. The afternoon may be spent for private devotion at the Way of the Cross, with its life-size statues on the hill, Eucharistic Adoration, confession or take part in the Miraculous Baths to experience the message of Our Lady. After dinner, we participate in the Candlelight Procession or simply spend some more private time at the "Grotto". Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.
Day 10: We bid farewell to France as we depart for the airport to catch our return flight to the U.S. with a same day arrival.
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