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The Archdiocese of New York in conjunction with the Eastern Lieutenancy of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem will celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy pilgrimage to Italy April 1-8, 2016, led by Cardinal Dolan.
The pilgrimage, organized by Peter’s Way Tours, will include a walk with Cardinal Dolan to St. Peter’s Basilica Saturday, April 2, where pilgrims will enter through the Holy Door to receive a plenary indulgence. At 4 p.m. Cardinal Dolan will celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s.
Sunday, April 3, the second Sunday of Easter and the Feast of Divine Mercy, the pilgrims will return to St. Peter’s Square for Mass celebrated by Pope Francis. Pilgrims will receive a Papal Blessing in St. Peter’s Square.
Monday, April 4, participants will visit and tour the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, with an optional Scavi tour. Pope Pius XII ordered the Scavi excavation beneath the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica in 1939. Many popes are buried at the site, which includes the tombs of early Christians as well as pagans. Later that afternoon, Mass will celebrated be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the titular church of Cardinal Dolan in Rome.
Tuesday, April 5, will feature a full-day excursion to Orvieto, an Etruscan city located in the Umbria region between Florence and Rome. The cathedral there was begun in 1290 to shelter the relics of the Miracle of Bolsena (Miracle of the Host). Cardinal Dolan will celebrate Mass at the Shrine.
Wednesday, April 6, back in Rome, pilgrims will attend the Papal Audience and tour the Basilica of St. Paul and the catacombs of St. Callixtus.
Thursday, April 7, participants will visit the Basilica of St. Clement, the third successor to St. Peter. Cardinal Dolan will offer Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. That day, pilgrims will also visit the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, Christendom’s first basilica, and have the opportunity to visit other famous sites of Rome.
The pilgrims return home Friday, April 8. Information: www.petersway.com; email peter@petersway.com or call (800) 225-7662.
