Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
- Morning:
- Arrive in Rome and settle into your accommodation. Choose a central location near Vatican City or the historic center for convenience.
- Visit a local parish or smaller church for quiet prayer and reflection.
- Afternoon:
- Take a walking tour of Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Campo de’ Fiori to understand Rome’s historic charm.
- Evening:
- Enjoy dinner in Trastevere, a neighborhood full of charm and great Italian cuisine.
Day 2: St. Peter’s Basilica (San Pietro)
- Morning:
- Head to St. Peter’s Basilica early to avoid long lines.
- Pass through the Holy Door, reflect, and attend Mass if possible.
- Climb to the dome of St. Peter’s for a breathtaking view of the Vatican and Rome.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
- Spend time in St. Peter’s Square, praying and meditating.
- Evening:
- Walk along the Tiber River, and the new Piazza Pia, and enjoy the views of Castel Sant’Angelo and the illuminated basilica.
Day 3: St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) & Holy Cross in Jerusalem
- Morning:
- Visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome.
- Pass through the Holy Door and admire its beautiful interior, including the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), which you can ascend on your knees in devotion.
- Afternoon:
- Walk or take a short ride to the nearby Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Santa Croce in Gerusalemme), which houses relics of the Passion of Christ.
- Evening:
- Explore the nearby San Lorenzo neighborhood for dinner and a quieter, local atmosphere.
Day 4: St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) & Exploring Ancient Rome
- Morning:
- Visit St. Mary Major, one of the oldest and most beautiful Marian basilicas.
- Pass through its Holy Door and spend time in prayer.
- Afternoon:
- Explore ancient Rome: visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Optional: Stop by the Basilica of San Clemente, a fascinating multi-layered church with ancient frescoes.
- Evening:
- Walk through Piazza Venezia and up to Campidoglio for evening views.
Day 5: St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori le Mura)
- Morning:
- Travel to St. Paul Outside the Walls, the final major basilica.
- Pass through the Holy Door and spend time meditating on the life and teachings of St. Paul.
- Afternoon:
- If time permits, visit the nearby Tre Fontane Abbey, the traditional site of St. Paul’s martyrdom.
- Return to the city center to visit any missed landmarks or favorite spots.
- Evening:
- End your pilgrimage with a special dinner and prayer of thanksgiving.
Tips for Your Jubilee Pilgrimage
- Pilgrim’s Passport: Obtain a Jubilee Pilgrim Passport to collect stamps at each basilica. This will also help guide your pilgrimage.
- Transportation: Use Rome’s public transport (bus, metro, tram) or taxis to save time between basilicas.
- Prayer & Reflection: Carry a small journal or prayer book to jot down reflections at each basilica.
- Comfortable Shoes: Walking is a significant part of the journey in Rome.
