Paulist Pilgrimages Meaningful Journeys for Today’s Traveler The Spiritual Treasures of

In the Footsteps of the Syrian Hermits, Benedict of NORCia & Francis of

October 4-13, 2016

$2450 land only includes tips / stipends single + $400

Background

The of San Pietro in Valle was founded upon a Syrian Hermitage of the fifth century. The site contains a monastic church where we will have communal prayer. The Abbey also contains a very beautiful hotel, which maintains its monastic ambiance, positioned in a secluded, and majestic valley pass in the south of Umbria, north of .

From the Abbey our pilgrim journey takes us to some of the spiritual sites of the surrounding area. The rich spiritual history of Umbria weaves together the traditions of Syrian hermits (the 8th century cave-hermitage of "L'Eremo della Madonna della Stella."), St Benedict of Norcia (480-547 AD - the Basilica of San Benedetto, Norcia) and St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226 AD - Sacro Speco, near Narni). We complete our pilgrimage with three days in Assisi, the homeland of Francis and Clare.

FrKane and his pilgrim group will join with the community at Grosvenor Chapel, London, for days of prayer and ecumenical fellowship with Rev’d Dr. Richard Fermer, Priest-in-charge.

Since his arrival in Mayfair, Fr Richard has re-engage the Chapel in its calling to mission in Mayfair. He has helped organize events for the community from Brazilian Carnival nights to an Opera Gala, St. Nicholas' Day Services, a Children's Singing Club, and an art exhibition with the Royal Academy of Arts. He runs groups for working people, a bereavement group, and a Chapel Fellowship Group.

Itinerary

Tuesday, October 4 We depart for .

Wednesday, October 5 San Pietro in Valle We arrive and transfer to Ferentillo and the Abbazia San Pietro in Valle, our monastic home. Dinner in Fontemaggio restaurant.

Thursday, October 6 San Pietro in Valle The Grosvenor Group from London arrives and we begin our pilgrim journey and retreat with an introduction to pilgrimage and the area. Dinner in Fontemaggio restaurant.

Friday October 7 San Pietro in Valle We begin the morning with a visit and prayer service in La Chiesa di S. Maria Assunta, Valle do , a simple Romanesque chapel to learn about the Syrian spiritual tradition with a visit to the eight century caves hermitage of L'Eremo delta Madonna della Stella. Lunch nearby. Quiet time for meditation in the afternoon. Dinner in Fontemaggio restaurant.

Saturday, October 8 San Pietro in Valle / Norcia We will continue following St Benedict at Abbazia di Sant' Eutizio, visit Norcia and the Church of San Benedetto for a monastic office. Lunch and free time in Norcia. Dinner in Fontemaggio restaurant.

Saint Benedict's birthplace is in the charming mountain town of Norcia. Located in a valley, dating back to Roman times, is enclosed within its protective walls. The Basilica of San Benedetto is built over the house where he was born in 480 AD, along with his twin sister, . St. Benedict founded the monastic order that bears his name, as well as the Benedictine Rule, a practical guide for applying principles of discipline in monastic and personal life. St. Benedict, the patron saint of Europe, was the first to start a Christian monastic community.

Sunday, October 9 Sacro Speco / Assisi We explore the Franciscan heritage with a visit to Convento del Sacro Speco, near Narni, founded in 1213. Special liturgy in the small Franciscan Chapel. Lunch at a local trattoria. Travel to Assisi for overnight at Hotel La Terrazza.

Monday, October 10 Assisi We visit the churches of Assisi with a special liturgy in the Capella di Pace at the Basilica of San Francesco. Hotel La Terrazza.

Tuesday, October 11 Assisi Free Day in Assisi with a special festive local Umbrian dinner. Hotel La Terrazza.

Wednesday, October 12 Rome We return to Rome late morning. Overnight Rome.

Thursday, October 13 Return to USA.

Tour price includes: • Entire ground transportation by AC Luxury Van • Breakfast and dinner • Service of English speaking guide, wherever required • Monument entrance fees • Pilgrimage fees and stipends • All applicable taxes and handling charges.

Tour price excludes: • Hotel extras, tips, laundry, drinks and beverages • All expenses of personal nature • Any meals, other than those mentioned in the itinerary • Camera fee, where charged. • Entrances other than those mentioned • Any airfare, tourist visa, travel insurance etc.