Tour Benedictine history in Italy. Under the spiritual direction of Fr. Anselm Smedile, O.S.B. and Campus Ministry Director, Susan Gabert, travel from Assisi to Rome visiting the formative places in St. Benedict's life.
The itinerary is for the 10 days in Italy. Although no changes are anticipated, there may be unforeseen occassions when alterations may be necessary. All Masses are subject to local church schedules.
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| Tuesday, Jan. 4 | Depart the United States via Logan Airport in Boston en route to Rome, Italy. |
| Wednesday, Jan. 5 | Arriving in Rome, the group will travel to Assisi by bus. The group will stop in the village of Santa Maria degli Angeli to visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels containing the Porziuncola, built by St. Francis and the Mother Church of the Franciscan Order. Nearby is the site of Saint Francis’ death. In this village, the group will celebrate the opening Mass of the journey and then continue to Assisi. |
| Thursday, Jan. 6 | While exploring the town of Assisi, the group will visit the tomb of St. Francis at the Basilica and visit other major sites associated with St. Francis, including the Chiesa Nuova, the Church of San Rufino, and the Church of St. Clare where the saint lies in repose and the San Damiano crucifix can be found. |
| Friday, Jan. 7 | Traveling to Norcia (Nursia in Latin) where St. Benedict and his sister St. Scholastica were born, the group visits one of the 12 monasteries founded by St. Benedict. The group has time to explore the ancient walled city famous for its wild boars and truffles. |
| Saturday, Jan. 8 | The group travels to Subiaco, where St. Benedict began his monastic life. The visit includes touring the Abbey of Santa Scholastica and the Monastery of St. Benedict with the Sacro Speco (Holy Cave of St. Benedict). The day ends at hotel in Rome. |
| Sunday, Jan. 9 | Sunday begins with mass at the Church of Santa Susanna. Travelers then enjoy a tour of Ancient Rome including the Forum and Coliseum. |
| Monday, Jan. 10 | Spending the day in the Vatican, the group begins with mass at the Basilica of St. Peter. The day continues with a tour of the Vatican museums and St. Peter's Square where they will see Michaelangelo's Pieta. |
| Tuesday, Jan. 11 | Tuesday includes traveling to the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino where St. Benedict wrote his Rules. Upon returning to Rome in the afternoon, the group visits the San Anselmo Seminary and the College of St. Anselm (Sant' Anselmo). |
| Wednesday, Jan. 12 | On the last day of the trip, the group transfers to Vatican City and attends a General Papal Audience with His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. Those who wish may participate in a walking tour of Rome starting at the Trevi Fountain, continuing to the Spanish Steps, and ending at the Piazza Navona. |
| Thursday, Jan. 13 | Flying out of Rome, the group returns to the United States. |
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