Italy: Journey Toward The Face of Christ 2028
May 27 – June 7, 2028
Italy
DATES
May 27 – June 7, 2028
PLACE
Italy
“Rely on the mighty Lord; constantly seek his face”…1 Chronicles 16:11
As we pilgrimage through the spiritual byways of Italy, walking on time-worn cobblestones in ancient cities and traveling across highways that wind through breathtaking countryside, we will encounter truly unique places and people—living expressions of our 2,000-year-old faith. From the ancient rooms where St. Peter lived for seven years to the bishop’s residence in Assisi, from the sacred grotto of St. Michael the Archangel to the Benedictine monastery of Norcia, each stop brings us closer to the “living stones” of our Church. Ultimately, our journey draws us toward the Face of Christ—both spiritually and physically—in the miraculous Face of Manoppello.
Because of our work with Inside the Vatican magazine for over 33 years, we have cultivated deep and meaningful relationships that grant us extraordinary access to places and individuals typically beyond the reach of the ordinary traveler. These relationships open doors to rare opportunities, such as private chapels, historic residences, monasteries, and personal encounters with key figures in the Church, allowing pilgrims to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of our faith in a profoundly unique and personal way.
Pilgrimage Highlights
Visit Italy’s most sacred and spiritual sites and experience the profound renewal they offer. Here are some of the places we will pilgrimage to:
- Assisi: Visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, the Basilica of St. Francis, and the Tomb of St. Carlo Acutis
- Florence: Discover the Baptistry, Church of the Holy Cross, and the iconic Duomo (Cathedral) of Florence
- Norcia: Visit the Benedictine Monastery and their newly built church
- Loreto: Experience the Basilica of the Holy House of Loreto, a revered Marian site
- Lanciano: Venerate the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano at the Church of San Francesco
- Monte Sant’Angelo: Pray in the mystical Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel
- San Giovanni Rotondo: Pray at the Shrine of Padre Pio
- Manoppello: Venerate the Holy Face at this significant Shrine, Basilica of the Holy Face, home to the mysterious image of the “Man of Sorrows,” deeply revered for its spiritual significance
- Rome: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, and St. John Lateran. Explore the first “Vatican,” Marian apparition sites in Rome, a Eucharistic miracle, the Scavi beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, and the revered icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Attend the Sunday Angelus with Pope Leo
Pilgrimage Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday, May 27, 2028
Arrival: Welcome to Italy!
Upon your arrival at Fiumicino Airport, located just west of Rome near the Mediterranean Sea, you will be warmly greeted as you exit the secure area. Depending on arrival times, we may have a chance to enjoy a quick morning coffee, tea, and a traditional cornetto before boarding our private motor coach for the journey to Assisi.
After a scenic two-hour drive, stopping along the way for lunch, we will arrive in the beautiful, walled city of Assisi, where you will be escorted to your accommodations at the serene St. Anthony’s Guesthouse. Surrounded by lush gardens, this peaceful retreat has been lovingly managed by Sister Sue for over 25 years, and she will personally welcome us upon arrival.
Take time to rest and settle into your surroundings before joining the group for a private welcome Mass, a spiritual beginning to our pilgrimage. Following Mass, we will gather for a welcome dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants in Assisi, where you’ll enjoy the flavors of Umbrian cuisine.
Overnight: Assisi | Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 2: Sunday, May 28, 2028
Assisi
This morning, we will begin with Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis. It is a peaceful, leisurely walk downhill through the charming streets of Assisi to reach the basilica. After Mass, the Franciscan Friars, our friends and custodians of this magnificent basilica, will provide us with a private guided tour, sharing insights into its history, architecture, and spiritual significance.
Following Mass and our tour, we will enjoy a relaxing lunch at a nearby restaurant with breathtaking views of the Basilica of St. Francis.
In the afternoon, we will walk to Assisi’s historic center. Along the way, we will visit several important churches, including San Rufino, where both St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized.
Later, we will visit the house of the Bishop of Assisi, where St. Francis famously renounced his worldly possessions. If the bishop is available, we will have the privilege of meeting with him and walking through the newly discovered door that St. Francis passed through as he left his father to follow his divine calling.
Our day will culminate with a visit to the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, who was canonized on September 7, 2025. Carlo Acutis, a remarkable young man who died in 2006 at the age of 15, was beatified in 2020 and is buried in Assisi. His life and legacy continue to inspire countless pilgrims around the world.
Overnight: Assisi | Breakfast and Lunch included. Dinner on your own.
Day 3: Monday, May 29, 2028
Assisi
Our day begins with a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli), built over the Portiuncula chapel that St Francis established. We will begin with Mass in this sacred space, followed by a tour of the Basilica, an important site in the life of St. Francis.
Next, we will continue our pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of San Damiano, where we will be welcomed by Brother Mauro, a Franciscan Friar who resides at this ancient sanctuary. He will share the history and significance of this holy place, where St. Francis received the famous call from Christ to “Rebuild My Church.”
Afterward, you will have free time for lunch on your own in Piazza del Comune, the heart of Assisi, where you can enjoy a meal and explore the vibrant square. In the afternoon, another friend and guide will lead us on a walking tour of Assisi.
Our evening will conclude with dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants in Assisi, where we can reflect on the day’s experiences.
Overnight: Assisi | Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 4: Tuesday, May 30, 2028
Assisi, Norcia, Loreto
After breakfast, we will board our private motorcoach and depart for Norcia, a town nestled in the rugged mountains and steep valleys of central Italy. This region is known for its breathtaking landscapes and fresh, clean air, providing a peaceful retreat away from the crowded cities of Italy and Europe.
The area surrounding Norcia has a rich monastic history. In the 4th and 5th centuries, as Christian monasticism flourished in the deserts of Egypt and Syria (the Christian East), monks began to travel westward, eventually reaching Italy and southern France. During the time of St. Augustine (354-430 AD), and just before the birth of St. Benedict (480 AD), the valleys and mountains around Norcia became home to many monks. Some lived as hermits in solitude, while others formed small, interconnected communities that laid the foundation for the communal monastic life of St. Benedict.
Today, there is a remarkable revival of Benedictine monasticism in Norcia. We will visit the Benedictine monastery on the mountainside overlooking the town, where we will meet Father Cassian Folsom, an American monk who founded this community. Father Cassian will share his story and the history of the monastic restoration he led in Norcia.
For lunch, we will visit Agriturismo, a farm-to-table restaurant located in the foothills of the Sibilini Mountains, within the Sibilini National Park. From here, we will enjoy stunning views of Norcia while savoring locally sourced dishes. Father Cassian, prior emeritus of the monastery, will join us for lunch and offer a spiritual reflection.
In 1988, Father Cassian and two companions arrived in Norcia with the mission of restoring the ancient monastery and the Basilica of St. Benedict. Their work began humbly, but over time, it gained attention, and other young men joined the effort. Today, the monastery has more than 16 monks and is internationally recognized for its role in renewing the Benedictine tradition and fostering the restoration of the Faith.
In the afternoon, we follow in the footsteps of many saints through the centuries and pilgrimage to Loreto, which overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is the home of the Holy House of Loreto, the house of the Holy Family. According to tradition, this house was miraculously transported by angels from Nazareth to Loreto in the 13th century, prior to the expulsion of the Crusaders from the Holy Land. The materials of the house have been scientifically confirmed to match those found in Nazareth, and the house is noted for its lack of an ordinary foundation.
The Holy House of Loreto is one of the most important Marian shrines in the world, known for numerous miracles and healings. Pope John Paul II called it “the true Marian heart of Christianity.” Over the centuries, this sanctuary has been visited by approximately 200 saints, beatified persons, and numerous Popes, making it a significant pilgrimage site for the Catholic faithful. Our dear friend, Donatella, a native of Loreto, will meet with us to share the importance of this sacred site.
Overnight: Loreto | Breakfast and Lunch included. Dinner on your own.
Day 5: Wednesday, May 31, 2028
Lanciano, Monte Sant’Angelo, San Giovanni Rotondo
We begin our day with early Mass in the Holy House of Loreto before embarking on a scenic drive along the Adriatic Coast of Italy, heading toward Lanciano to venerate the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano – the first, and many believe the greatest, Eucharistic Miracle of the Catholic Church.
Following our visit to Lanciano, we will continue our pilgrimage to Monte Sant’Angelo and the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel. Perched on the slopes of Monte Gargano, this Sanctuary is one of the oldest Christian pilgrimage sites in Europe, dating back to the 13th century when it was founded by Charles I of Anjou. According to tradition, the Archangel Michael appeared multiple times in the dreams of the Bishop of Sipontum (modern-day Manfredonia), instructing him to dedicate a grotto on Monte Gargano to the Archangel.
Over the centuries, numerous prominent figures have visited this holy site, including Pope St. John Paul II, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Thomas Aquinas, and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, among many others. When St. Francis of Assisi visited the Sanctuary, he felt unworthy to enter the grotto and instead paused to pray and meditate at the entrance. He kissed a stone there and carved the sign of the cross in the form of a “T.”
In the afternoon, we will travel to San Giovanni Rotondo, a small town known worldwide for its association with the beloved St. Padre Pio.
St. Padre Pio, also known as “Padre Pio of Pietrelcina,” was a Capuchin friar and mystic who lived in San Giovanni Rotondo from 1916 until his death in 1968. He became famous for his stigmata — the visible marks of the wounds of Christ — and for his reputation as a miraculous healer and spiritual guide.
Overnight: San Giovanni Rotondo | Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 6: Thursday, June 1, 2028
San Giovanni Rotondo
We begin the day in San Giovanni Rotondo with a visit to the Church of St. Mary of Grace, where the mortal remains of St. Padre Pio are enshrined. This church is a significant pilgrimage destination for Catholics and people of many faiths, offering a place of deep reverence and prayer for those seeking to connect with the legacy of this beloved saint.
Then we will have a free afternoon to enjoy the city and to rest.
Overnight: San Giovanni Rotondo | Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 7: Friday, June 2, 2028
San Giovanni Rotondo, Manoppello, and Rome
We will have a free morning in San Giovanni Rotondo, then, after lunch we will depart San Giovanni Rotondo and travel to Manoppello to venerate the Holy Face of Manoppello. The Shrine of the Holy Face of Manoppello is home to a mysterious cloth bearing the image of a man with visible wounds on his face. Some believe this image is the actual face of Christ, formed at the moment of His Resurrection. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI visited this shrine to venerate the Holy Face. Our friend Alessandra, a local expert, will provide insight into the history and traditions surrounding this sacred image.
Following our visit to Manoppello, we will continue our journey westward to Rome, where we will check into your accommodations inside the Vatican, near the tomb of St. Peter. This will be our home for the next five nights as we continue our pilgrimage.
Overnight: Rome | Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 8: Saturday, June 3, 2028
Rome
We begin the day with Mass at St. Mary Major, one of the Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome. There, we will see the famous Salus Populi Romani icon, a painting of Mary that is traditionally believed to have been painted by St. Luke. It is considered the oldest known depiction of the Virgin Mary and is venerated as the Protectress of the Roman People.
A short distance away, we will visit the Church of San Alfonso, a beautiful Victorian-Gothic structure. Here, we will view the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, displayed above the altar in the sanctuary, beneath a stunning mosaic of the Holy Family. This icon has a long history of miraculous intercession.
Our journey continues to St. John Lateran, the oldest and first among the four Papal basilicas of Rome. As the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), St. John Lateran is the spiritual seat of the papacy and holds great historical importance, serving as the papal residence for centuries.
We will also visit the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), located near St. John Lateran. These steps are believed to be the stairs that Pontius Pilate had Jesus ascend in Jerusalem during His trial. In the 4th century, St. Helena brought these sacred steps to Rome, where they remain a site of devotion and pilgrimage.
Nearby, we will visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Holy Cross in Jerusalem), which houses several important relics from the Passion of Christ. Among these relics are thorns from Christ’s crown, nails from His cross, and the titulus—the inscription Pilate ordered to be placed above Jesus’ head at His crucifixion. This basilica is a place of profound reverence, and we will have the opportunity to venerate these sacred relics.
We will then travel to the Churches of Sts. Prassedes and Pudentiana. These two sisters were the daughters of St. Pudens, a Roman senator who was converted and baptized by St. Paul. It is believed that St. Paul stayed in their home during his time in Rome. St. Paul mentions Pudens in his Second Letter to Timothy, chapter 4, verses 19-22: “Final Greeting: Greet Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained in Corinth, while I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Try to get here before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers send greetings. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you.”
The Church of St. Pudentiana is also the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in 1610, adding to its significance as a place of great devotion.
Overnight: Rome | Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 9: Sunday, June 4, 2028
Rome
After morning Mass, we will enjoy some free time in Rome, and then we will attend the Sunday Angelus with Pope Leo, followed by a tour of the Scavi beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Scavi Tour beneath St. Peter’s Basilica takes pilgrims deep below the present basilica into the ancient Roman necropolis that once lay on the slope of Vatican Hill. Here, in a remarkably preserved network of streets and tombs dating from the 1st to the 4th centuries, we encounter the earliest layers of Christian Rome.
Excavations began in 1939 during the pontificate of Pope Pius XII. What archaeologists uncovered confirmed an ancient and uninterrupted Christian tradition: that this was the burial place of Saint Peter, the Apostle martyred in Rome.
The tour concludes at the site identified as Peter’s tomb, located directly beneath the high altar of the basilica — a place venerated by Christians for nearly two thousand years. Standing here, pilgrims find themselves at the very heart of the Church’s history, where faith, memory, and martyrdom meet.
After exploring the Scavi, we will take a private transfer to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most enchanting neighborhoods, situated on the opposite bank of the River Tiber, just south of the Vatican. Here, we will visit the Basilica di Santa Cecilia, built on the site of the family home of St. Cecilia, a noblewoman and martyr from around 230 AD. We will also explore Chiesa di San Francesco a Ripa, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, who once stayed at the adjacent convent.
Next, we will visit the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which may have been one of the earliest sites of Christian worship in Rome. According to tradition, it was founded by Pope Calixtus I in the 3rd century and completed by Pope Julius I in 340.
Dinner will be on your own in Trastevere before we return to our accommodations.
Overnight: Rome | Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 10: Monday, June 5, 2028
Florence (Day Trip)
Today, we will pilgrimage to Florence, a journey of about 2.5 hours. Florence (Firenze in Italian), the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, is renowned for its profound influence on Western art and culture. The city’s sacred art and religious buildings beautifully reflect this legacy.
We will visit some of Florence’s most iconic churches:
- The Baptistery is famous for its stunning bronze doors, created by Lorenzo Ghiberti in the early 15th century, which depict scenes from the Old Testament.
- The Church of the Holy Cross (Basilica di Santa Croce) is where several prominent historical figures are buried, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Niccolò Machiavelli.
- The Duomo (Cathedral) of Florence is an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance.
Afterward, our expert guide from Tuscany will lead us on a walking tour of the city, passing through landmarks such as Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge.
The afternoon is free time for lunch and exploring Florence on your own.
In the late afternoon, we will depart Florence for Rome and return to your accommodations.
Overnight: Rome | Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 11: Tuesday, June 6, 2028
Rome
We begin our day with morning Mass, after which we will travel south of Rome along the historic Appian Way towards the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where the tomb of St. Paul is enshrined. This basilica is dedicated to St. Paul, who was beheaded in Rome.
The Appian Way is one of the oldest and most important roads of ancient Rome, stretching from the city to the heel of Italy. Time permitting, we will also pass by the Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls, and, if possible, visit the Domine Quo Vadis Church, where Christ appeared to St. Peter, urging him to return to Rome to continue his preaching and eventually face martyrdom.
Next, we will visit the Church of St. Paul at the Three Fountains (Chiesa del Martirio di San Paolo alle Tre Fontane), one of the oldest churches in Rome, marking the site of St. Paul’s martyrdom. According to tradition, because St. Paul was a Roman citizen, he was beheaded rather than crucified. It is said that as his head struck the ground three times, springs of water appeared at each spot. Inside the church, we will see the pillar where St. Paul is believed to have been bound before his execution.
If the gatekeeper is available, we may have the opportunity to venerate the pillar. The original church was built in the 5th century, but the current structure dates from the 16th century. We will also visit the prison cell where St. Paul was held before his martyrdom, located in the crypt of another church on the grounds. These grounds are peaceful and reverent, offering a quiet space for prayer.
Our next encounter will be at the site of the Grotto of Our Lady of Revelations, the site of an extraordinary apparition in 1947. Here, Our Lady appeared to Bruno Cornacchiola, a bitter anti-Catholic, and revealed profound truths about salvation. During the apparition, Our Lady encouraged Bruno to turn to her in times of doubt and despair. This moment of grace led Bruno to a profound conversion, returning to the Catholic faith and becoming an evangelist. The site has been the location of two reported miracles of the sun, similar to the famous Fatima phenomenon, which occurred on the 33rd and 35th anniversaries of the apparition.
We will stop for lunch along the way.
Overnight: Rome | Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch on your own.
Day 12: Wednesday, June 7, 2028
Farewell
After breakfast, we will transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for your return journey home. Our departure is scheduled for 7:00 AM. As we say farewell, we bid a heartfelt goodbye to all our fellow pilgrims and friends. Until we meet again…
Breakfast included.
Tour Details & Guidelines
Air Travel:
This pilgrimage is offered as a Land Only Package. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own air travel for the Journey to the Face of Christ 2028 pilgrimage. After booking, you will receive the name and contact information of our recommended travel agent.
Arrival Information:
- Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- Date: Saturday, May 27, 2028 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
- Flight Arrival Time: Before 10:00 AM (Local Time). This arrival time allows approximately one hour to pass through passport control and retrieve baggage before the group transfer.
- Transfer: Group transfer from the airport to Assisi
It is strongly recommended that participants consider arriving on Friday, May 26, 2028, one day before Day 1 of the pilgrimage, Saturday, May 27, 2028. Arriving early allows time to rest and offers greater flexibility in selecting flight options.
For those who choose to arrive before Day 1, we have selected a designated early-arrival hotel. Any extra nights are the participant’s responsibility. On Day 1, the group transfer will pick up participants from this designated hotel, and there will be a group pick-up at the airport.
Departure Information:
- Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2028 (Day 12 of the pilgrimage)
- Flight Departure Time: After 10:00 AM (Local Time)
- Transfer: Group transfer from our hotel near Vatican City to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Recommended Travel Agency:
For booking flights, we recommend using an experienced travel agency. They will handle your airline reservations and forward the details to our office, ensuring a seamless process. You will receive the contact information for Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages’ recommended seasoned travel agent in your Welcome Letter, which is sent immediately after you register.
To get an idea of flight costs and availability, we recommend using Google Flights as a simple, helpful tool for initial research.