The Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage: Lisbon, Fátima, Assisi & Rome
This unforgettable journey is more than travel—it is a pilgrimage into the living heart of the Christian tradition. Designed for travelers seeking both spiritual depth and cultural beauty, the experience weaves together sacred sites, historic cities, and moments of quiet reflection. From the peaceful valleys of Assisi to the great basilicas of Rome, each destination reveals a new chapter in the story of faith.
Our pilgrimage takes place during the Franciscan Holy Year of 2026, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026). Pilgrims from around the world will journey to Assisi during this special year to remember his witness of humility, peace, and joyful faith. In Assisi, we walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare, visiting the places where their lives continue to inspire generations of believers.
Throughout the pilgrimage, travelers encounter places that have shaped centuries of Christian devotion. We stand before the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi, pray at the resting place of St. Paul in Rome, and gather with pilgrims from around the world in St. Peter’s Square. Along the way there is space for prayer, reflection, and fellowship—moments that transform travel into pilgrimage. By the time the journey concludes, you will carry home more than memories of remarkable places—you will carry the peace, renewal, and inspiration found along the sacred road.
Director: Fr. Martin Cain
Join Fr. Martin Cain, pastor of the historic Old Mission Church in San Luis Obispo for this pilgrimage experience.
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Special Features
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Franciscan Holy Year pilgrimage centered on St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Paul, with daily opportunities for Mass, prayer, and spiritual reflection woven throughout the journey.
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Immersive time in Assisi, including visits to the Basilica of St. Francis, key Franciscan sites, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore to pray at the tomb of the newly canonized St. Carlo Acutis.
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Rome in the footsteps of St. Paul, with visits to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and Tre Fontane Abbey, including the opportunity to sample the Trappist monks’ beer.
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Pilgrimage to the Major Papal Basilicas of Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran (the Cathedral of Rome), St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
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Private golf cart tour of Rome, exploring both iconic landmarks—the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona—and the hidden corners that reveal the city’s quieter beauty.
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Sunday in Rome featuring Mass at Santa Maria in Sassia and participation in the Papal Angelus in St. Peter’s Square before journeying to Assisi.
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Participation in a Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square, a powerful encounter with the universal Church.
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Visits to Rome’s important devotional sites including the Holy Stairs and the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, offering moments of prayer and reflection rooted in tradition.
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A balance of guided experiences and personal time throughout Rome and Assisi, allowing pilgrims to explore, pray, and encounter each place at their own pace.
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A festive farewell dinner in Rome, celebrating the journey with classic Roman cuisine and shared memories.
Tour Package Includes
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6 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels in Rome and Assisi in double occupancy; single rooms available at an additional cost.
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Daily breakfast throughout the pilgrimage, plus included group dinners as specified in the itinerary.
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All city hotel taxes, service charges, and applicable local fees.
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All group airport–hotel–airport transfers when traveling on the main program arrival and departure dates.
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Transportation by private, air-conditioned motorcoach for transfers and the journey between Rome and Assisi, along with a private golf cart tour in Rome, as outlined in the itinerary.
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Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Rome and Assisi, accompanied by the spiritual leadership and logistical support of your pilgrimage leader throughout the journey.
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All entrance fees and reservations for included visits listed in the itinerary, along with coordination for participation in a Papal Audience and Papal Angelus (subject to the Holy Father’s schedule and Vatican approval).
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Pre-departure materials and guidance to help pilgrims prepare both spiritually and practically for the journey.