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Home » Pilgrimages » 2010/05 Dr. Scott Hahn Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi – May 23-June 1, 2010

2010/05 Dr. Scott Hahn Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi – May 23-June 1, 2010

Day 1: Arrival

After 24 hours of travel they all arrived and filled our double-decker bus. Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn with three sons: Jeremiah, Joe and David led the group out of the baggage claim and into sunny Rome. Mike Aquilina and Rob Corzine followed with the whole group.

It was a beautiful day. We got them to the hotel quickly for check in, Mass and then out to our favorite restaurant for dinner. Everyone was tired so we got them to bed as soon as we could.


Day 2: Deep in the Vatican

What a great day! Touring the Vatican Museum with Liz Lev, then exploring St. Peters before everyone scattered for a free afternoon.

Then we had confession followed by Mike Aquilina’s talk on “pilgrimage” after which we went to Da Benitos for a fantastic dinner.

Day 3: Papal Audience

Today our group went to the General Audience with Pope Benedict. Dr. Scott Hahn was able to get a special ticket (he’d been working on it for a year, I think). After the final blessing he was able to meet the pope and present him with his latest books. You will see him describe it on the video.

Everyone was very happy to see the pope — most for the first time in their lives. It was a beautiful day and most had great seats. The pope goes through the crowd in his pope mobile so many get to see him up close.

After the General Audience we took the bus out the Via Appia Antica to our very nice restaurant outside under a canopy of vines with fountains gurgling behind. It was hard to break away.

We then walked across the street and descended into the St. Sebastian Catacombs, after which we had Mass in one of the seven pilgrim churches in Rome — St. Sebastians. He was a Roman soldier that converted to Christianity and was eventually martyred for his faith.

After Mass we came back to our hotel for Dr. Hahn’s excellent talk on the theology of Pope Benedict (perfect culmination to meeting him today!) and then everyone scattered to the many fine cafes in Rome for dinner and gelato.


Day 4: Ancient Rome

Today we had Mass at the tomb of St. Ignatius of Antioch (my personal hero) and St. Clement of Rome. Both were ordained by the apostles.

Then we visited the Church of St. Peter’s Chains, lunch, and then toured the Roman Forum and the Roman Colosseum.

Everyone enjoyed lunch and dinner in Rome.


Day 5: More Ancient Rome

Today we had a thrilling and very busy day. We started with a tour of the first Marian church which is huge! We visited and explored St. Mary Major with the wood from the manger where Jesus was laid.

Then to Mass at one of the oldest churches — St. Praxedes, a young woman who buried the martyrs of the second century. Her father knew the apostles. She mopped up the blood of martyrs and keep it as a precious relic.

Then we saw the great relics of Jerusalem brought to Rome by St. Helena. They are housed in the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. We find there the finger of Thomas, thorns from Jesus’ crown, a nail from the cross, the title sign above the cross in three languages, and more.

A fun lunch in Piazza Navona and then a walking tour to include the Pantheon, St. Maria in Sopra Minerva, Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Agostino (St. Augustine with the relics of his mother Monica and a painting of Caravaggio), then St. Agnes in Piazza Navona.
Part I


Part II

Day 6: in Rome, St. Paul, St. Agnes, Dr. Hahn’s Talk

Part I

Part II

Day 7: Arrival in Assisi, Land of Saints Francis and Clare (2 Parts)

Part II

Last Day: In Assisi, heading back to Rome (2 Parts)

Part I

Part II

4 Comments »

  1. Deacon Dennis and Mary Geisler said,

    December 6, 2009 @ 1:25 pm

    Hi!
    We are interested in finding out more of the details of this pilgrimage. Also we are praying that you have room for a few more.
    God bless and hope to hear from you soon.
    Denny and Mary Geisler
    2188 18 1/2 Street

  2. admin said,

    December 18, 2009 @ 1:32 pm

    Yes there are still more spaces available at this point. Hope you can make it!!

  3. Jeanne Keeling said,

    January 9, 2010 @ 9:51 am

    Hi! My husband and I are interested in your pilgrimage to Rome. Are there spaces available? Also, if there are spaces available, do you allow for disabled pilgrims? My husband is a quadriplegic and we were able to travel to Medjugorje 15 years ago and now want to go to Rome. I realize your bus is most likely not handicapped accessible, but I was wondering whether, if we rented an accessible car, could we tag along with your group? Thank you and God Bless you.

  4. ingrid nunez said,

    January 22, 2010 @ 11:38 am

    Hi,
    i have an elderly parent that can not walk to much and i wanted to know how much walking is expected on a daily basis so i can determine if she can make any of the holy land trips?

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