Our Pilgrimage will encompass some popular sites of pilgrimage for Catholics in Italy, France and Spain before arriving in Madrid for the World Youth Day celebrations.
ASSISI
Assisi is the hometown of St Francis and St Clare. Pilgrims will have the chance to explore this charming, medieval town, including the Basilica of St Francis, Church of St Damiano (built on the site where St Francis heard the voice of Christ through the crucifix "Go, rebuild my Church". As well as the Church of St Clare and Vespers with the Poor Clare Nuns.
SIENA
Home town of St Catherine, patron saint of Italy and doctor of the Church. While here, pilgrims will visit the Basilica of St Dominic, stroll the Piazza del Campo and also visit the Sanctuary of St Catherine.
ROME
Rome, the eternal city, is home for every wandering pilgrim. It's vibrancy and beauty is written into the monuments, artworks, cathedrals and basilica's that await us on the pilgrim's journey. From St Peter's Square to the Vatican Museum, from Michelangelo to Bernini, to the underground catacombs, Rome tells its amazing story of faith through the ages.
Pilgrims will see and experience many things in Rome, including, the Basilica of St Paul, ancient catacombs, Sistene Chapel, Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, Colusseum, Circus Maximus, Roman Forum, Panthenon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navano.
LOURDES
Home of St Bernadette and site where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette eighteen times during 1858. From 1858 to 2005 there have been 67 recognised cures as a result of those seeking healing from the spring at Lourdes. Lourdes has the second largest number of visiting pilgrims per year, after Rome.
Pilgrims vill visit the Sanctuary and Grotto at Lourdes, including the upper and lower Basilica's, the Grotto and the Baths and sites relating to the life of St Bernadette. Pilgrims will also participate in the evening candlelight procession and the international underground Mass.
LOYOLA
Hometown of St Ignatius. In Loyola pilgrims will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Sanctuary of St Ignatius, including the Casa Santa (Holy House), where St Ignatius was born and spent many of his early years. Pilgrims can also visit the sparse room where he lived and recovered from his injuries and developed his spiritual life.
BURGOS
Pilgrims will have a stay over in Burgos on the way to Madrid, and will have the opportunity to explore this city and enjoy a visit to the 13th century Gothic Burgos Cathedral.
MADRID
Here our Tassie pilgrims will join with an anticipated two million young people from all around the world for a week-long celebration of faith, fun, friendship and the universal Church and love of Christ.
This week includes Catechesis and a number of varied activities as part of the youth festival. Pilgrims will also participate in the main WYD events, including the Opening Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Madrid, the Papal arrival, large scale dramatisation of the Stations of the Cross, the Saturday Vigil and sleep out under the stars ready for the massive Final Mass on World Youth Day, celebrated by His Holiness, the Pope, concelebrated by the Bishops and Priests of the world, and attended by two million from right across the globe!!
