2023 marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ memorable Christmas celebration at Greccio. Join us on a special pilgrimage that will allow you to enjoy the pageantry and passion as the residents of that town that Francis loved so greatly retell the story, not of the first Christmas, but of the day that Francis’ words awakened the Christ sleeping in their hearts.

Celebrate Christmas with family and friends before heading off to Italy the next day, arriving in Rome on the Feast of St. John (December 27th). That afternoon enjoy a “creche crawl” visiting the manger scenes in the streets and churches of Rome on a walking tour of the Eternal City.

On December 28th we will attend the Holy Father’s General Audience before heading off to the sanctuary of Greccio and checking into our lodgings at the Oasi Francescano next to the sanctuary. That evening you must dress warmly because we will have tickets for the live representation of the Greccio story.

The next day we will have Mass and a visit at the sanctuary of Greccio, followed by a special “late” Christmas dinner in the town before heading on to Assisi where we will look at the life and spirituality of its most famous citizens, Francis and Clare, all the while immersed in the festivities of the Christmas season, which lasts until January 6th, when you can watch la Befana arrive in Assisi from the top of the Tower in the Piazza del Commune.

An early departure on January 7th will get you to Rome’s airport in time for your flight home.