"Step 2" in the Spiritual Pilgrimage journey with Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu. For more information, visit www.pilgrimcenterofhope.org

1. SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE TO
ROME & ASSISI
with The Pilgrim Center of Hope
a Catholic Evangelization Ministry

2. Pilgrimage organized by Deacon Tom & Mary Jane Fox, directors,
The Pilgrim Center of Hope
A Catholic Evangelization Ministry
in the Archdiocese of San Antonio
7680 Joe Newton Dr. San Antonio, TX 782451
1.210.521-3377 / dtmjfox@pilgrimcenterofhope.org

3. Directions: Read through today’s slides until you conclude
with the prayer for the day. Here’s a calendar to help you.
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
26 27 28 29 30 01 02
JUN JUN JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL
03 04
JUL JUL

4. Departure

5. 26 Excitement, anticipation, joy and wonder accompany the
pilgrims in their thoughts and conversation as they
JUN travel across the Atlantic Ocean to Italy, the land of the
saints, of martyrs, the home of the Vicar of Christ!
Upon arrival in Rome, the group will see the Coliseum
and view the Arch of Constantine, raised around 318
A.D. to commemorate Constantine’s victory. They will
have Mass at Sacred Heart Church and time to pray and
make preparations for the following days.

6. 27 Lord Jesus, you call us each by name. Thank you! We
ask your blessing upon each pilgrim. May they have a
JUN safe journey and may their journey of faith bring them
closer to your Sacred Heart. Lord Jesus, hold us in your
PRAYER
arms and protect us always. Glory be to the Father, to the
Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now
and forever. Amen.

7. 28
JUN St. Callixtus Catacombs

8. 28 The day will begin by visiting St. Callixtus Catacombs.
“These Catacombs are the most important and imposing
JUN of the sixty catacombs of Rome. They may be
considered as ‘the cradle of Christianity and the archives
of the primitive Church,’ because they illustrate the
usage and customs of the early Christians, the Credo
(the religious beliefs) they professed, and the history of
martyrdom. The sepulchers, now empty, once contained
the remains of nine popes and of eight bishops of the
3rd century. You can still see the original inscriptions on
the wall—though broken and incomplete—regarding
five of the popes. Their names are written in Greek,
following the official usage of the Church in that time.”
(www.catacombe.roma.it)

9. St. Mary Major Basilica

10. 28 Traveling along the Appian Way, we will break for lunch
nearby.
JUN The afternoon will be spent visiting two Papal Basilicas:
the Basilica of St. Mary Major & the Basilica of St. John
Lateran. This Basilica of St. Mary Major is the most
ancient Christian basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary,
one of the most important shrines in the world
dedicated to our Blessed Mother. Its Pauline Chapel has
an icon painted by St. Luke the Evangelist; it is also
believed to be a miraculous one. Our daily Mass will be
celebrated here.

11. St. John Lateran Basilica

12. 28 The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the Cathedral of
Rome. It is dedicated to both St. John the Baptist and St.
JUN John the Evangelist. The Altar of the Holy Sacrament
contains a cedar table that is said to be the one used by
Christ at the Last Supper. The Pope gives his
benediction from this Basilica on Holy Thursday. Large
statues of Christ and the saints, dating from the 18th
century are found along the side.

13. Scala Santa

14. 28 Nearby, the Scala Santa (Holy Staircase) is believed to be
a staircase from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem and
JUN brought to Rome in the 4th century by St. Helen. It is a
practice for the faithful to climb the staircase on their
knees in memory of Christ’s Passion. There will be time
for pilgrims to purchase religious items in the Vatican
area to have blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during Papal
Mass on June 29th!

15. 28 Thank you, Lord, for the gift of the Catholic Church, for
the witness and courage of St. Peter and the many
JUN Christians who gave their lives for love of you and the
Church. May the Holy Spirit help us in moments of
PRAYER
doubt and of conflict to turn to you and have hope!
Amen.

16. 29
JUN

17. 29 Today marks a historical moment in the life of
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller and of the Archdiocese
JUN of San Antonio! We will join Archbishop Gustavo in the
Basilica of St. Peter for Mass with Pope Benedict XVI
during which our Archbishop will receive the Pallium
from the Holy Father.

18. 29 Symbolic of the office of an Archbishop, the pallium is a
vestment proper to the Pope, who confers it on
JUN archbishops as a sign of their union with and obedience to
him. The pallium itself is a band of woolen cloth worn
around the neck, with short pendants of the same material
hanging down in the front and back, and decorated with
six black crosses. It is woven of wool from two lambs that
are presented to the pope each year at the Basilica of St.
Agnes in Rome on the saint’s feast day (January 21). After
Mass, the group is invited to the Pontifical North
American College (NAC) located near St. Peter’s Basilica.
NAC, a seminary for American seminarians from various
dioceses, will host a reception for the Archbishop Gustavo
Garcia-Siller and Archbishop Jose Gomez in celebration
of their palliums.

19. 29 Lord, thank you for the gift of the priesthood! Through
the priest, also called “in persona Christi,” we receive the
JUN Eucharist and their vocation of service in love, faith and
charity. Lord, thank you for Archbishop Gustavo. May the
PRAYER
Holy Spirit inspire him to shepherd the flock you have
bestowed upon him! Thank you for the priests in our lives
that have led us to live a life of faith! Bless the pilgrims
and all of us baptized in the faith, that the Holy Spirit will
stir within all of us a desire to learn more about the
history and riches of the Catholic Church. We praise you
Father in Heaven! Thank you Lord Jesus! Come Holy
Spirit and ignite us with the fire of your love! Amen.

20. St. Peter’s Basilica
30
JUN

21. 30 The morning will be in the Vatican area. The first stop is
the Vatican Museum, which will include the famous
JUN Sistine Chapel, then to St. Peter’s Basilica where we will
receive a private tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. As we
approach the Basilica, pilgrims are filled with excitement
as they anticipate entering the most recognized Church in
the world! How many Christians long to walk through
these doors to see the richness of the faith displayed in
sacred art, and to pray at the site where Peter—an Apostle
and the first pope—is buried? St. Peter was crucified
upside down in Rome; his tomb is located under the main
altar. The blood of martyrs is the seed of the faith.

22. St. Paul Outside the Walls

23. 30 After lunch, we will visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside
the Walls for Mass in the reserved chapel. This Basilica is
JUN the second largest in Rome after St. Peter’s, and houses
the Tomb of St. Paul under the main altar. The Basilica
also offers: mosaics of the popes, Chapel of the Crucifix
(where St. Brigid prayed often), Chapel of St. Benedict,
and a reliquary room with relics of Saints.

24. 30 “Holy God, we praise thy name; Lord of all we bow before
thee! All in Heaven above adore thee. Infinite thy vast
JUN domain, everlasting is thy reign!” Thank you, Lord, for
the gift of Your servants and witnesses of faith & hope
PRAYER
that lived through the centuries. May we be reminded of
their example to desire to grow in faith, hope and charity!
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it
was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

25. 01 Assisi, Italy
JUL

26. 01 We depart this morning to Assisi. Although it is only 102 miles
north of Rome, the drive is around three hours due to the heavy
traffic between these two cities and a stop along the way! Upon
JUL arrival in Assisi, the group will enjoy local cuisine for lunch.
In the afternoon, a member of the Franciscan religious
community will guide the pilgrims in a tour of the Basilica of
St. Francis. The church is dedicated to St. Francis; he died in
Assisi on October 3, 1226. Less than two years later, plans began
to construct a church in his honor by his own community, the
friars, and the people of Assisi. The tour takes pilgrims in the
upper and lower church, including the crypt where the tomb of
St. Francis is located. It is a peaceful, grace-filled, small area; so
much like the saint himself !
We will hear about the life of St. Francis; explanations of
frescoes by Giotto of the 13th century. His frescoes are based on
the life of Francis as recorded by St. Bonaventure and the
history of Assisi related to the life of Francis.

27. Tomb of St. Francis

28. Fresco by Giotto

29. 01 The Basilica of St. Francis also has a Chapel of Relics,
including personal items that belonged to Francis. One
JUL item on display is Francis’ simple brown habit.
Afterwards, we have time to pray and rest in this historic
and sacred place. The afternoon will end with Mass in the
Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria located in the
church. This Basilica has two floors, and was built shortly
after the saint’s death. After Mass, we will go to the crypt
of the Church to pray at the Tomb of St. Francis.
Before returning to the hotel, we’ll enjoy walking the
ancient, cobblestone paths of Assisi, enjoying views of the
Umbria valley.

30. 01 Lord, Saint Francis was called ‘another Christ.’ His great
and deep love for you led him to live a life of poverty, deep
JUL prayer and charity. May those on pilgrimage encounter
the spirit of St. Francis! May we all be given the fortitude
PRAYER
and wisdom in following your Holy Will as St. Francis
and his followers did before us. St. Francis of Assisi, pray
for us to remain faithful to the Lord! Glory be to the Father,
to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is
now and will be forever. Amen.

31. 02
JUL Church of San Damiano

32. 02 This morning, we will visit two holy sites: the Basilica of
St. Clare and the Church of San Damiano. The Basilica of
JUL St. Clare, dedicated to one of Francis’ followers, is the
location of the Tomb of St. Clare along with a display of
various personal items of both Clare and Francis. Upon
entering the Basilica, the famous San Damiano Crucifix is
found in a side chapel.
This crucifix, a unique icon of Christ on the cross
surrounded by images of the apostles, was originally in a
tiny chapel in the country of Assisi. When Francis prayed
before this Crucifix, he heard the Lord speak to him,
“Francis, rebuild my church which is in ruins.” That
moment is significant in the life of Francis.

33. Convent of St. Clare

34. 02 San Damiano Church is the location of Clare’s convent
where she and her community of Sisters lived a
JUL contemplative life of prayer. Seeing the ancient convent
with its simplicity gives us another sign of the
community’s simple life. Clare died in this convent.
Pilgrims will enjoy lunch on their own. Assisi offers so
many pizzerias, restaurants, cafes; most with beautiful
views of the valley.

35. Porziuncola

36. 02 The afternoon will be spent in the Basilica of St. Mary of
the Angels. This large church is built over the little
JUL chapel of the porziuncola where St. Francis started his
community. The church has a small room where St.
Francis died and has many of his relics.
In the Bull for the canonization of St. Francis, Pope
Gregory IX wrote: “Francis imitated the example of our
father Abraham, when he spiritually left his land, his
parents and the house of his father to move towards the
land the Lord had shown him with his divine inspiration.”

37. St. Mary of the Angels Basilica

38. 02 A chapel has been pre-reserved for our pilgrims to pray
the Rosary; a prayer based on the Gospel of Luke, chapter
JUL 1. The Rosary will be offered for you, your intentions, and
for the pilgrim group – that our pilgrimage, which has
been an investment in our spiritual life, will remain a
memorable and fruitful one for the rest of our lives.
We will enjoy our last meal and night in Assisi. The
evening’s meal will consist of the local Umbria cuisine;
beginning with the famous prayer of St. Francis:
Canticle of the Creature.

39. 02 PRAYER: Lord slow us down. Sometimes we get so busy
that so many distractions challenge our values and
JUL priorities. Taking the time to be present and see the
beauty you created can be an inspiration and lead us to
PRAYER
praise you. St. Francis and St. Clare, you responded to the
Lord’s call to follow Him unconditionally. Pray for us to
remain faithful to the Lord. Glory be to the Father, to the
Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now
and will be forever. Amen.

40. 03
JUL
Our Lady of the Angels Basilica

41. 03 This morning, we will return to Rome. Before leaving
Assisi, our last Mass on this pilgrimage will be at the
JUL Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi. Upon
arrival in Rome; pilgrims will time on their own to visit
other churches, historical sites or simply enjoy the
ambiance of Rome, the ‘Eternal City!’

42. 03 “O God, you are my God – for you I long! …For your love
is better than life, my lips offer you worship! I will bless
JUL you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on
your name.” Psalm 62:2,5
PRAYER

43. 04 The Pilgrims depart from Rome filled with many good
memories, trusting that many blessings and graces were
JUL bestowed upon all!

44. 04 O Lord, guide Your servants safely home and in the path
of Your salvation, that amid all the changes and chances
JUL of this life they may ever be sheltered by Your help. Bless
us Lord with your protection. Through Christ our Lord.
PRAYER
Amen.
Our pilgrimage continues! Thank you Lord for walking with
us, for your Presence in our lives! Thank you Blessed Virgin
Mary for your intercession!
St. Joseph, pray for us!
St. Peter, pray for us!
St. Paul, pray for us!
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us!