Join Fr. Ron Schock, a priest of the Diocese of Toledo, on pilgrimage to Lourdes and Italy! Beginning in Assisi, we will begin walking in the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Clare and continue on to Norcia, to honor the twin Saints, Benedict and Scholastica, and visit the Benedictine Abbey. We will visit the eucharistic miracle in Orvieto on the way to Rome, where we will visit some of the major basilicas and historical sites of the Eternal City. Transferring to Lourdes, France, to learn about the apparitions of Our Lady to St. Bernadette. And finishing our pilgrimage in Paris to visit the apparition site of the Miraculous Medal and St. Catherine Laboure. Fr. Ron Schock will offer the Sacrifice of the Mass daily at many of these holy sites while on pilgrimage.
Travel Itinerary*
*Subject to change
Day 1 – Sept 22: USA to Italy
Depart Detroit, MI, for your overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 – Sept 23: Tuesday – Assisi
Arrive in Rome, transfer to Assisi & check in at the Hotel. Enjoy dinner tonight at the Hotel. (Schedule for today will depend on flight arrival time). (D)
Day 3 – Sept 24: Wednesday – Assisi
This morning, begin the day with Mass in the Basilica of St. Francis (pending confirmation). After breakfast, you will participate in a guided tour of Assisi including such sites as the beautiful Basilica of St Francis, the Church of Santa Clara which houses her incorrupt body, visit the tomb of Carlo Acutis, as well as the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels which houses the Porziuncola. The Remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this lovely hillside town on your own. Dinner tonight at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 4 – Sept 25: Thursday – Norcia
Today’s excursion takes us to Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict and his sister St. Scholastica. We will visit the new Abbey, San Benedetto in Monte, pending confirmation. Afterward, we will have an update on the rebuilding of the town and Monastery by the founder of the order, Fr. Cassian Folsom, (pending confirmation) followed by lunch, on your own, in a local restaurant. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 5 – Sept 26: Friday – Assisi / Rome
Today we head to Rome. En-route, we will stop in Orvieto to visit the site of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, that prompted Thomas Aquinas to write Tantrum Ergo. Arrive Rome late afternoon/early evening. (B, D)
Day 6 – Sept 27: Saturday – Rome
Today we will visit the four Papal basilicas and walk through the Holy Doors. These include St Peter’s, the 1600- year-old St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the Saint’s burial place. (B, D)
Day 7 – Sept 28: Sunday – Rome
Today we will visit a few of the famous sites of Rome, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Navona Square etc. (B,D)
Day 8 – Sept 29: Monday – Rome / Lourdes
Depart Rome for Lourdes France. Depending on arrival time you may visit the Shrine of Lourdes or join the evening Candlelight Procession, if available. Dinner & overnight in Lourdes. (B,D)
Day 9 – Sept 30: Tuesday – Lourdes
After breakfast, participate in a walking tour of Lourdes, which highlights the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. These include the Boly Mill where St. Bernadette was born; the Locale Mill, residence of her parents; the “Cachot”, formerly used as a jail, where she lived at the time of the Apparitions; and the parish church containing the baptismal font where she was baptized. After dinner, please feel free to participate in the Candlelight Procession, if available. Dinner & overnight in Lourdes. (B,D)
Day 10 – Oct 1: Wednesday – Lourdes / Paris
After breakfast we depart Lourdes for Paris via the TGV train. Upon arrival in Paris, group will be met by tour escort and motor coach for transfer to Sacre Coeur for private Mass. Hotel for check-in & rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner & overnight. (B,D)
Day 11 – Oct 2: Thursday – Paris
Morning Mass at the Rue du Bac in the chapel where Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure. Following Mass, we will make a stop at the Church of St Vincent de Paul. We continue our morning with a tour of Paris, the “City of Lights” viewing such sights as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysee, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Dinner & overnight. (B,D)
Day 12 – Oct 3: – Paris to USA
Depart for airport this morning for your return flight home. Arrive in the U.S. same day.
NOTE: While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to changes beyond our control. All Masses are subject to final confirmation.
[Click to download Travel Itinerary & Terms and Conditions or Registration Form]
For additional information, questions, or to join us contact us at 419-290-8782 or maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com
LAND-ONLY COST
The land-only price of $3,999.00 per person is is payable with Cash or Check (based on a minimum of 30 participants with double occupancy). All Credit card payments will incur a 5% surcharge. *Price could change depending on the currency exchange rate mid to late 2025. We are unable to predict this aspect of the program so far in advance of travel. Pilgrims may leave from ANY AIRPORT, but please contact Maggie to arrange flights from another domestic or international airport. DO NOT BOOK AIRFARE WITHOUT SPEAKING WITH MAGGIE!
Included
10 nights in hotel
Breakfasts and Dinners daily
English speaking tour escort / guide throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers from international airport, for those on group air
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Private Mass arrangements daily (Locations noted pending confirmation)
Tips for Tour escort/guides & driver
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)
Not Included
Group round trip air from DTW / FCO – CDG / DTW. (Available at an additional charge once rates and routes become available.)
Optional Travel insurance – (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!!
Lunches & beverages w/meals other than those listed in “included”
Transportation to/from Domestic Airport
Items of personal nature
Any item(s) not specifically mentioned
Airline-imposed baggage fees
Limited Single Rooms – CALL FOR AVAILABILITY AND COST. Maggie – 419-290-8782
**Catholic Faith Journeys, LLC cannot change the cancellation terms or conditions based on the issuance of any warning or advisory issued by the State Department or Center of Disease Control, or the occurrence of any terror, health or other incident in one or more of the places this pilgrimage is scheduled to visit. All cancellation penalties remain in full force and effect. You are strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment and any health issues you may have while traveling.