Upon arrival in Milan, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel before stepping into the spiritual and cultural heart of the city.

We visit the magnificent Milan Cathedral, one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Here we are reminded of Christ’s Passion through the revered relic of the Holy Nail, drawing us into contemplation of His suffering love.

Later, we gather for our Opening Mass, formally entrusting the pilgrimage to God’s grace and dedicating our journey to the contemplation of the Holy Face of Christ.

We conclude the day with a Welcome Dinner and our first night in Italy.

Overnight in Milan (D)

Today we journey to Turin, a city deeply associated with one of Christianity’s most profound relics — the Shroud of Turin.

At the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Turin, we enter into quiet reverence before the Shroud, the mysterious image of a crucified man who bears the wounds of suffering love. For centuries, pilgrims have contemplated this sacred cloth as a powerful witness to Christ’s Passion.

We also visit the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, closely associated with St John Bosco, and pay homage at the tomb of this great educator and saint.

Overnight in Turin (B,D)

This day is dedicated to prayer, reflection, and contemplative encounter with the mystery of Christ’s suffering.

We return to the Cathedral for extended time before the Shroud, allowing silence to speak more deeply than words. In this sacred gaze, we contemplate the Holy Face — marked by suffering, yet radiating peace and mercy.

We also visit the Sanctuary of the Consolata and the Church of St Lawrence, both places of deep Marian and Eucharistic devotion.

Overnight in Turin (B,D)

We journey south through the changing landscapes of Italy toward Assisi, the city of St Francis.

Assisi draws us into simplicity and peace — a place where the Gospel has been lived with radical joy. Upon arrival, we settle into our accommodation and enjoy a gentle orientation walk through this sacred hilltop town.

Here we begin to sense the Franciscan invitation: to see Christ in all things and to reflect His face in our daily lives.

Overnight in Assisi (B,D)

Today we immerse ourselves in the sacred heritage of Assisi.

We enter the Basilica of St Francis, descending into the Lower Church and ascending into the Upper Basilica, where sacred art proclaims the life of Christ and His servant Francis.

We visit the tomb of St Francis, St Clare, and the humble church of San Damiano — where Christ once spoke to Francis from the crucifix, calling him to rebuild His Church.

We also ascend to the Hermitage, Carceri, a place of silence nestled in the forested hills, where Francis and his brothers sought God in solitude.

A highlight of the day is the visit to the tomb of St Carlo Acutis, a modern witness whose Eucharistic devotion continues to inspire pilgrims around the world.

We celebrate Mass, time to be advised, and return to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight in Assisi (B,D)

Today is a gentler day, allowing space for personal prayer and interior renewal.

We visit the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, home to the Porziuncola — the small chapel beloved by St Francis and the birthplace of the Franciscan movement.

Time is also set aside for Eucharistic Adoration and quiet reflection, allowing the graces of the pilgrimage to deepen within the heart.

This is a day to simply be still before God.

Overnight in Assisi (B,D)

We journey toward the Adriatic coast, stopping first at the Basilica della Santa Casa.

Here we venerate the Holy House of Nazareth — the humble home where the Word became flesh in the womb of Mary, and where the human face of Christ was first formed in hiddenness and love.

We continue to Lanciano, site of the first documented Eucharistic Miracle. Here, the consecrated Host and Wine became visible Flesh and Blood, a profound sign of Christ’s enduring presence among His people.

Overnight in Lanciano (B,D)

This morning we visit the Shrine of the Holy Face at Manoppello, home of the mysterious Volto Santo — a veil bearing the image of Christ’s face, delicate and luminous, visible from both sides.

In silence and prayer, we contemplate this sacred image and its invitation to behold Christ Himself.

We then continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, where we settle for a two-night stay.

Overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo (B,D)

Today is dedicated to the life and witness of St Padre Pio.

We visit the sanctuary where his body rests, his humble friary, and the places where he bore the stigmata — the wounds of Christ in his own flesh.

In this holy place, we reflect on the mystery of redemptive suffering and love poured out for others.

Overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo (B,D)

Travel to Rome, the heart of the universal Church.

Upon arrival, we visit the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, one of the great papal basilicas and resting place of St Paul the Apostle.

We then enjoy an orientation walk, absorbing the rhythm and grandeur of the Eternal City.

Overnight in Rome (B,D)

Today we journey through the spiritual heart of the Church.

We visit St Peter’s Basilica for Mass, standing at the tomb of St Peter beneath Michelangelo’s magnificent dome. We gather in St Peter’s Square and reflect on the global witness of the Church.

Continue onto the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Throughout the day, we reflect on the tradition of Veronica’s Veil — the image of Christ’s face impressed upon cloth on the road to Calvary.

Overnight in Rome (B,D)

Today, the Church marks Passion Sunday, the 5th Sunday of Lent, when the liturgy turns decisively toward the mystery of Christ’s suffering and death. Traditionally, sacred images are veiled from this day forward — a powerful sign that the glory of Christ is now hidden as we draw closer to Calvary.

This ancient practice speaks deeply to the mystery we have been contemplating throughout our pilgrimage: the Face of Christ — at once revealed and hidden, disfigured in suffering yet radiant with divine love.

The tradition of Veronica’s Veil, preserved within St Peter’s Basilica, finds particular resonance on this day. This morning, we return to St Peter’s Basilica where we gather near the traditional location of the relic for a guided time of prayer, entering into the spirit of Passion Sunday as we contemplate:

• The hiddenness of Christ in His suffering
• The courage and tenderness of Veronica
• The call to seek and serve the Face of Christ in the suffering and the poor

It is yet to be confirmed if Veronica’s Veil will be on public display.

We then continue to the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the mother church of the world, followed by the Scala Sancta, which we may ascend prayerfully, uniting ourselves with Christ as He goes forth to His Passion.

As our pilgrimage draws to its close, this day becomes its spiritual summit. We conclude with a Farewell Dinner, giving thanks for the many graces received.

Overnight in Rome (B,D)

We transfer to Rome Airport for our return journey to the USA.

As we depart, we carry with us the spiritual imprint of this pilgrimage — the Holy Face of Christ encountered in relics, in the Eucharist, in the saints, and in one another.

Once again we pray: “Your Face, Lord, I seek.”

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