Saints, Miracles, and Treasures of the Church: 11-Day Jubilee Pilgrimage with Fr. Andy Davy, MIC

Join us on a journey through Italy as we encounter the saints, miracles, and treasures of the Church that have shaped our faith for centuries. This unforgettable 11-day pilgrimage is a grace-filled opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

From the heart of Rome to the peaceful hills of Assisi, we’ll walk in the footsteps of beloved saints and pray at their tombs. We’ll venerate the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, pray in the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Loreto, and come close to the relics of Christ’s Passion. Along the way, we’ll explore awe-inspiring basilicas, sacred relics, and holy sites that testify to the beauty and truth of our Catholic faith.

In addition to these powerful spiritual experiences, you’ll also savor the rich culinary traditions of Italy—enjoying authentic regional dishes and some of the finest wines the country has to offer.

This itinerary offers a glimpse of the spiritual and cultural treasures that await. 

Please be advised schedule is subject to Divine Providence. Final details will be confirmed closer to the date of travel. Your patience is greatly appreciated! 

** Please note there is a great deal of walking required in Italy.  Many sites are NOT handicapped  accessible. You will need to be able to walk up to 4 miles. **

We do not offer travel insurance. If you would like to purchase travel insurance, we recommend our travel partner, Travelex International. Please contact Susan Zbierski, Senior Travel Advisor at 847-519-4819 or susanz@travelexinternational.com, for more information.

Please note that travel insurance must be purchased within 14 days of deposit. 

For questions about this trip, please contact The Mission of Cor Jesu at info@corjesumission.org or 815-575-9480.

Our pilgrimage begins as we gather at O’Hare International Airport to board United Airlines flight 970 for our overnight journey to Rome. As we take off, we leave behind the noise of everyday life and turn our hearts toward the sacred beauty and grace awaiting us in the heart of the Church.

We begin our time in Italy at the very heart of our faith—Vatican City. We’ll walk the storied halls of the Vatican Museums, gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, and—God willing—join the Holy Father for a Papal Audience. From there, we’ll step into the living history of the Church as we visit Rome’s most sacred sites: St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Abbey of Tre Fontane, and the ancient Catacombs where early Christians bore witness to their faith. Our pilgrimage continues on foot through timeless basilicas—St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the Holy Stairs, and more—as we follow in the footsteps of saints and martyrs who paved the way before us.

We journey south to venerate the relics of St. Philomena, the courageous young martyr beloved by saints and popes alike. From there, we continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, home of Padre Pio, whose humble life in this remote village touched the world. We’ll celebrate Mass in the very church where he once offered Mass and heard countless confessions of the faithful. We’ll visit his tomb, walk the paths he knew, and spend time in personal prayer and reflection. As we encounter the places where he lived, suffered, and prayed, we draw closer to this wonderworker and deepen our own trust in the healing power of Christ.

We begin the day with Mass at the site of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano—a powerful and awe-inspiring encounter with the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. From there, we journey to Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth, miraculously transported and treasured by the faithful for centuries. This sacred home, where the Word became flesh, invites us into the heart of Mary’s “yes.” We’ll then continue on to the serene hilltop town of Assisi, where peace, simplicity, and the spirit of St. Francis await.

In the hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare, we’ll walk the same cobblestone streets they once did, immersed in the beauty and simplicity that shaped their lives. We’ll visit their tombs, celebrate Mass, and reflect on their radical love for God and the poor. Our journey also brings us to the tomb of Bl. Carlo Acutis, a modern witness to Eucharistic devotion, and to sacred sites like the Porziuncola and San Damiano, where Francis first heard the call to rebuild the Church. A visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting offers a moment of joy and fellowship. It’s easy to see why pilgrims have been drawn to Assisi for centuries—this town leaves a lasting imprint on every soul who visits.

We begin the day with a final Mass in Assisi, offering our gratitude for all we’ve received on this sacred journey. Then we return to Rome for one last afternoon and evening in the Eternal City. Enjoy this free time at your own pace—whether you choose to explore, shop, revisit a favorite church, or simply soak in the beauty around you, it’s the perfect way to reflect and savor the final moments of pilgrimage.

Our final morning begins with Mass at the convent. After a quick breakfast, we check out and board the bus for our journey back home. We will depart  on our International flight on United Airlines Flight UA 971 back to Chicago.