Quality Franciscan Pilgrimages since 1972

PILGRIMAGES TO ASSISI AND ROME FOR SFOs

This pilgrimage is a journey for Secular Franciscans to deepen Franciscan Spirituality through the special places in Italy connected with the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. It is a life-changing, transforming, experience, immersing one into the gospel like never before. Ask those who have made the experience.

November 8, Saturday: Flight from the US to Rome.
November 9, Sunday, Rome: Arrival, rest, orientation, walk to St. Peter's.
November 10, Monday Rome: Mass at Tomb of St. Peter, where Francis visited on his first pilgrimage. Historical, spiritual input on the Basilica of St. Peter. Afternoon: Visit to St. John Lateran, the baptistry of the Franciscan family, and the most important Franciscan place in Rome. To San Frencesco a Ripa, Francis's home among the poor in Rome. Bus tour of Rome.
November 11, Tuesday, Rome/Greccio/Assisi: Free morning in Rome. Depart for Greccio. Bag lunches on bus. Arrival in Greccio. Chritmas Mass at this Franciscn Bethlehem. To Assisi, Orientation. Walk to Piazza Comune, center and heart of Assisi. Festive Christmas dinner.
November 12, Wednesday, Assisi: Powerpoint presentation on the San Damiano Crucifix, Personal Prayer before original Crucifix at the Basiica of St. Clare. Taxis to San Damiano for Eucharist, visit and healing ritual. Afternoon: Chiesa Nuova, Francis's paternal home. Historical visit and input. To Santa Maria Maggiore, visit and ritual of Francis stripping himself.
November 13, Thursday, Assisi: Eucharist at the Porziuncola in the valley below Assisi. Visit and ritual of sending forth. Afternoon: Taxis to La Maddalena, site of leper colony during the time of Francis and Clare.
November 14, Friday, Assisi: Journey to the Carceri above Assisi for visit and Eucharist. Here Francis and the brothers nurtured their life of prayer. Free afternoon. Cena (evening meal) at Ristorante Il Paradiso, staff treat.
November 15, Saturday, Assisi/La Verna/Assisi: Bus excursion to mountain of La Verna where Francis received the stigmata of Jesus. Eucharist in Stigmata Chapel. Picnic or sit down dinner. Time on the mountain. Focus on the centrality of the Cross in Francis's spirituality.
November 16, Sunday, Assisi: Basilica and Tomb of St. Francis. Eucharist: tomb of St. Francis. Historical/spiritual visit. Festive farewell dinner at the Casa. Free afternoon. Evaluation and close to the pilgrimage.
November 17, Monday, Assisi/Rome/USA: Early departure for aiport in Rome and return flight to USA.

DATES

COST

SOME EXPECTATIONS

RESERVATIONS •  DEPOSITS By July 15, 2008 our office needs a minimum of 20 confirmed registrations. If less than 20, the program will cancel. Maximum number of participants: 35 - 40. Each reservation requires that we receive the completed registration form and a $200.00 deposit. Deposits are not refundable, but can be credited to a future pilgrimage. Travel arrangements not included in the Full Package Price are subject to a $50.00 office fee (this excludes connecting flights to departure cities).

TRAVEL We use a variety of airlines to accommodate the needs of our pilgrims.  Our office can arrange travel from various cities in the US to arrive at the departure cities, extended travel to other destinations before or after any programs, or air travel for the California program, at an additional cost.

PAYMENTS Full payment and completed forms are due 95 days prior to departure. Late registrations are accepted, only if space is available.

CANCELLATIONS Prior to airline ticketing, full payment is refunded minus the $200 deposit, which is non-refundable.  If the airline ticket has been written, airline penalties apply, and the airline ticket may also be non-refundable.

NON INCLUSIONS Price does not include: (a) passport and visa fees; (b) travel, visits, gratuities, or excursions not scheduled as part of the official program; (c) travel, life, accident or health insurance; (d) airport or border taxes for extracurricular travel before or after a program. Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. is not responsible for any additional air or surface transportation costs incurred by participants who miss scheduled group travel departure times, nor is it responsible for any medical expenses incurred by any member of the group or any additional costs incurred by participants who are unable to complete the program for whatever reason.

PASSPORTS & VISAS Required for the office - photocopy of the first page (photograph/signature page only) of your valid passport is needed for all international destinations. If you have residency in a country other than the USA, please check with your local consulate or travel office to find out if you need a visa to enter Italy or the Holy Land. If required, let us know as soon as possible and we will send you a letter to take to the respective Consulate.

MEDICAL CONDITION Good health is necessary to enjoy the experience. Pilgrimages are strenuous, with considerable walking (often in hilly areas),  and stair climbing each day. Most international sites are not handicap or wheelchair accessible. Please consult with your doctor, if health problems exist.

REQUIREMENTS Participation is required from beginning to end; no cutting short or extracurricular activity during the program. Your full commitment is needed to share, enjoy leisure time, read, and use the experience in life and ministry.

RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suppliers providing transportation, sightseeing arrangements and hotel accommodations for Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. They are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of Franciscan Pilgrimages Programs, Inc.  All coupons, receipts and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by suppliers.  By utilizing the service of the suppliers, you agree that Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. will not be liable for any change in schedule, strikes, delay, acts of governments, acts of war, acts of terrorism, fires, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantine, medical or customs regulations, accident, loss, injury, or damage to you or to those traveling with you in connection with any accommodations, transportation or any other services or resulting directly or indirectly from any occurence or conditions beyond its control, including defects in vehicles, breakdown in equipment, thefts, delay or cancellation of or changes in itinerary for any act, omission, or event during the pilgrimage.  Neither Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. and/or agents of the airlines concerned are to be held responsible for the late arrival of passengers at airports or hotels due to inclement weather, nor are they to be held liable for payment or any refund for unused hotel accommodations or meals occasioned by such late arrivals at the hotels holding rooms as confirmed itineraries.  Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. and suppliers contracted for services reserve the right to refuse to accept or retain any person whose behavior is deemed likely to affect the smooth operation of a tour, or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other pilgrims.  Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc., its agents, and suppliers shall be under no liability to any such person for refund, compensation, repatriation or any other matters arising.

TRAVEL INSURANCE  Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. strongly suggests the purchase of travel insurance. There are a number of options for such insurance.  A brochure is supplied to us by our travel agent (TravelLite Insurance) and can be sent to you.  An alternative is Tripmate Insurance Company (www.Tripmate.com at 1-800-888-7292).  Your own insurance agent may have a recommendation.  It is the sole responsiblity of the pilgrim to request and review the insurance brochure.  Policies and restrictions imposed by the insurance company are not limited to that which is stated in the insurance brochure.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Each pilgrimage consists of input by well-prepared, trained staff • wholesome meals served family style • visits to sacred Christian and Franciscan places • solid historical information • free time • good fun with companion pilgrims • daily prayer and Eucharist at holy places • spiritual conferences • opportunities to enjoy local cafes and restaurants • time to revisit places of special meaning • suggestions on where to shop • time to enjoy the beautiful countryside and culture • time for quiet.

Full package prices include departure from two airports:  JFK (in New York City) and ORD (in Chicago) -- (Connecting flights from most major cities into these two airports are available at a reasonable fee.  The Pilgrimage office will help make your travel arrangements.) • All airline taxes, security fees and airport taxes (estimated to be $250 - $300) • Lodging in all cities • All gratuities for bus drivers, lodging, restaurants and luggage • Bus transfers and luggage handling • All group entrance fees • All taxi services in Assisi • All meals (except for three) • Daily Mass and Rituals • Input and guidance of two qualified Pilgrimage Leaders.

STAFF

Staff assignments are subject to change.