GROUP TOUR BY TOUR BUS WITH ACCOMPANYING PERSON
The programme is valid for groups formed in advance with a minimum of 30
Rome – Piazzale dei Partigiani Ostiense Railway Station
8.00 am (morning). Please be on time and arrive at least 15 minutes before departure for stowing luggage and assignment of seats on the bus
The atmosphere of “Italy’s spiritual home” will deeply impress visitors. The visit to the home of St. Francis can now begin. This is the ideal place to admire the enchanting countryside and the perfectly preserved Medieval town of Assisi. The pilgrimage of “Perfect Joy”.
THE PILGRIMAGE OF DEVOTION to St. Francesco of Assisi is famous all over the world.
St. Francesco was born in Assisi in 1182, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, spending his youth in a life of ease and fighting in the wars between Assisi and Perugia. In 1205 he fell seriously ill and during this illness had a vision that made him go back to Assisi and dedicate the rest of his life to prayer. This is how he started a life of poverty, serving God. He lived as a hermit and restored the churches of San Pietro and the Porziuncola di Santa Maria degli Angeli. He gathered together a few disciples and founded the Franciscan Order based on his Rules. In 1224, when he was secluded at La Verna, he received the stigmata. When he was very ill and nearly blind, he wrote the Canticle of Brother Sun or Canticle of the Creatures, and died in Assisi on the night of 3rd and 4th October 1226. He was buried in the Basilica of Assisi.
He was canonized by Gregory IX and proclaimed Patron Saint of Italy by Pius XII. He is a well-known figure worldwide, and Assisi has become the symbol of Christianity and a place of pilgrimage. His feast day is on 4th October, the day of his death, but the celebrations start the day before, on 3rd October. The liturgical celebrations in honour of St. Francis are held on 4th October.