In the Footsteps of St. Benedict with the Monks of Norcia, Italy October 5 - 14 2016 Day 1 Oct 5 – Depart USA for overnight flight to Rome, please arrive before 10:45 am. Day 2 – Oct 6 - Rome/Norcia Upon arrival in Rome set off into the wild hills of Umbria for the medieval walled town of Norcia; birth place of St. Benedict and his twin sister, St. Scholastica, in 480. Upon arrival meet with the Monks of the Monastery of San Benedetto, our host for our stay in Italy. While in Norcia all are invited to join the monks for Vespers and Compline. Overnight in Norcia. (D) Day 3 – Oct 07 – Norcia Morning visit to the Monastery of San Benedetto, built over the birthplace of the twin Saints. Afternoon visit to the nearby 12th Century Abbey of Sain’Eutizio and the Church of San Scholastica. Take in the pastoral scenery of the hills that surrounded the Saints in the time of their youth when their Christian formation was nurtured by the monastic tradition of the local monks. Arrive first at the Abbey of San’t Eutizio, build upon the land that St. Spes and his hermits lived on in the years preceding the birth of Benedict & Scholastica. As Benedict often came here to pray during his youth, this Abbey has been referred to as the “cradle of the Benedictine Order”. We continue on to the Church of San Scholastica. Tradition tells of the twin saints sharing a close spiritual bond from childhood and that after Benedict left for Rome, Scholastica dedicated her life to God by living in community with the other holy women on an area of land near Norcia. It was on this land that the Church of San Scholastica was built centuries later. Overnight in Norcia. (B, D) Day 4 – Oct 8 - Norcia Morning visit to the future monastery of the Benedictine Monks of Norcia. Pending confirmation we will continue on to Castelluccio and then on to Cascia, home of St. Rita. Return to Norcia for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Day 5 – Oct 9 – Norcia/Assisi/Norcia After an early Mass enjoy an excursion to Assisi, the 12th Century birthplace of St. Francis & St. Clare, who, like Benedict & Scholastica, dedicated their lives to God and changed history. Upon arrival will visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angles which houses the Porziuncola. We will continue up and enter the walled city to visit the Church of Santa Clara which Land Only $2,499.00 per person, houses her incorrupt body and the Basilica of St. Francis where his Cash/Check discount, based on remains are located. Return to Norcia for dinner and overnight. (B, D) double occupancy. Full price paying Day 6 – Oct 10 – Norcia/Subiaco Early morning departure for the with credit card: $ 2,574.00. Monastery of Sacro Speco in Subiaco. Early afternoon arrival at the monastery built into a mountain cliff overlooking spectacular natural Included scenery. This monastery enshrines the sacred cave where St. Benedict 8 Nights accommodations spent three years living a hermetic life before initiating the beginning of 8 Breakfasts and Dinners the Western monasticism. We will also visit the Monastery of Santa English speaking tour escort/ Scholastica, also founded by St. Benedict. Overnight in Subiaco. (B, D) guide throughout Private motor coach throughout Day 7 – Oct 11 - Subiaco/Monte Cassino/Rome Morning departure Transfer from Rome (FCO) airport, for Monte Cassino, where in 529, St. Benedict founded the abbey on to Norcia for those arriving before the ruins of a pagan fortress. Monte Cassino, world renowned as a 10:45 am. beacon of holiness and culture as well as the burial place of its Entrance fees as noted in itinerary beloved founder. This afternoon we take our departure and head for Private Mass arrangements the Eternal City, Rome. Upon arrival we check into our hotel with (subject to increase 30 days time before dinner free. (B, D) prior to departure) Day 8 – Oct 12 - Rome This morning we will head to St Peter’s Square Not Included for the Papal Audience, pending confirmation, with our Holy Father, Air from USA / ROME (Need to Pope Francis. This afternoon we will visit the Church of San Benedetto arrive by 10:45 am to get bus to in Piscinula, originally a 4th century villa of St. Benedict’s relatives Norcia) where he lived while studying in Rome, and the Basilica of San Optional Travel insurance: Crisogono to see the tomb of 18th Century Bl. Anna Maria Taigi and a (strongly recommended) fresco of St. Benedict healing a leper. Continue on to visit one of the Lunches & beverages w/meals Catacombs. (B, D) All tips to tour escort’s, guides and Day 9 – Oct 13 – Rome Morning tour of Christian Rome to include drivers St. John Lateran, Scala Santa, the Holy Stairs and St Mary Major. Items of personal nature The afternoon is free to explore or shop. Farewell dinner and Any items not specifically mentioned overnight in Rome. (B, D) Limited Single rooms add: $ 729.00 Day 10 – Oct 14 – Rome/USA Morning departure to Fumicino Airport for your return flight to USA. Based on your flight schedule you may CONTACT need a private shuttle/taxi to Fumicino at your expense. (B) Margaret McDaniel NOTE: While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when Phone: 419-290-8782 certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to changes beyond our control. All Masses are subject to final confirmation. [email protected] A portion of the proceeds from this pilgrimage will be donated to the Monastery of San Benedetto .