PILGRIMAGE TO MILAN AND ROME –

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF

ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI NOV 6 TO 16, 2024

 

St Frances Xavier Cabrini, first United States citizen to be canonized, so generously served the Lord in Chicago where she lived, worked, and later died. When entering the Cathedral courtyard, you are greeted by an original statue of St. Frances Cabrini. An identical statue has been commissioned to be enthroned at St. Paul -outside- the Walls Basilica in Rome on her feast day Nov. 13,2024. You are invited to witness this historic moment. Join our 10-day pilgrimage from Chicago to Milan and Rome with visits to her birthplace in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano and other sites that inspired her, Codogno, Assisi, the tomb of St Dominic in Bologna, the Major Basilicas, the Sunday Papal Blessing, all highlighted by the morning dedication of the Statue of St. Frances Cabrini.
Spiritual director: Fr. John Boivin Tour coordinator: Deacon Dennis Robak

Wed Nov 6– Leave O’Hare for Rome on United Airlines for Milan.

Thurs Nov 7 – Arrive Milan at 8:20am. Upon arrival in Milan, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area and proceed to the Arrivals Hall where you will be greeted by your tour escort. Since it is too early to check in to our hotel, you will have a panoramic tour of Milan with a stop at the Santa Maria delle Grazie where Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Boivin. Check in at the hotel at 2pm. Rest of the day free.

Fri Nov 8 – Depart at 8am after breakfast for Codogno to meet one of the Sisters of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who will guide us in visiting the Cabriniano Museum which is based in several rooms of the House first established by Mother Frances Cabrini. The exhibition path allows us to enter through the same door Mother Cabrini crossed through, climb the same stairs, and pass through the places which were originally the cells of the seven nuns and the Saint’s room. We visit the relic of her heart in the convent chapel. We walk around the town before proceeding to Sant’Angelo Lodigiano the birthplace of St Frances Cabrini and visit the museum located in her childhood home. Mass will be celebrated in the chapel. Return to Milan in the afternoon for a Skip the Line visit to the Duomo. You will also be able to walk around the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele for some shopping and dinner.

Sat Nov 9 – Departure at 8am for Rome with a stop in Bologna for Mass at the Basilica of St Dominic to be celebrated by Fr. Boivin. After lunch on your own, depart for Rome with arrival around 7:30 pm.

Sun Nov 10 – Mass on your own today since it is not allowed to have one’s own scheduled mass on a Sunday. Bus transfer to St Peter’s Square for the noon appearance of the Pope. In the afternoon, tour of two major Basilicas- St John Lateran and St Mary Major.

Mon Nov 11 – Full day excursion to Assisi with departure at 8am. Tour will include visits to St. Mary of the Angels, St Francis Basilica and Basilica di Santa Chiara. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Boivin at this Basilica.

Tues Nov 12 – Depart hotel at 8am for a Skip the Line tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St, Peter’s Basilica. Mass to be celebrated by Fr. Boivin at St. Peter’s. Afternoon free.

Wed Nov 13 – Bus transfer for the 10am dedication ceremony at St Paul-outside-the Walls Basilica with reception following. Afternoon free in Rome.

Thurs Nov 14 – We start the day with Mass celebrated by Fr. Boivin at the Basilica of St. Bartholomew by the Tiber. This Basilica is the titular church of Cardinal Cupich. Full day sightseeing tour of Rome with stop at the colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, stop and visit Capitoline Hill and Pantheon. Photo stop at Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Fri Nov 15 – Free day in Rome. Farewell dinner tonight at Le Terme del Colosseo. Pick up from the hotel at 6:30pm.

Sat Nov 16 – Early breakfast at the hotel and departure from the hotel at 7:30am for the non-stop United flight to Chicago arriving in Chicago at 2:10pm in Terminal 5.

 

Tour cost based on a minimum of 20 passengers.

Cost per person based on double occupancy $4570

Single supplement (limited, first come first served) $1100

Price quoted based on payment by check or cash only.

Above costs include:

• Roundtrip airfare from Chicago on United Airlines
• Accommodations in first class hotels: 2 nights NYX Milan and 7 nights Starhotels Metropole Rome
• Full breakfast daily
• Farewell dinner
• Touring by private air-conditioned motor coach
• Sightseeing as indicated including local guides, all entrance fees and Whispers
• Luggage handling and all transfers.
• Not included: Lunches and dinners except for the farewell dinner, tips to guides and driver.

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended. Rates vary according to age and coverage. Participants are limited to 30.

Reservations accepted on a first come-first served basis with a deposit of $2000 per person. Tour cost is guaranteed for reservations made before Aug 1. Final payment is due by Sep 1, 2024.

Cancellation and refunds.

Cancellation fees apply to each person. If you cancel, your tour cancellation fees and penalties will be deducted as follows:

• If cancelled before Aug 1, the cancellation fee is $100 per person.
• After Aug 1 but before Aug 30, cancellation fee is $400 per person.
• After Aug 30 cancellation fee is 100%