7/9/2009
Archbishop to lead pilgrimage
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Archbishop John Vlazny will lead an 11-day pilgrimage April 19-29, 2010, to Italy, his fourth to Italy since he has been spiritual leader of western Oregon Catholics. Cost is $3,799. Theme of the pilgrimage is tied into the Year for Priests that Pope Benedict launched this spring.
Oregon pilgrims will spend three days in Rome, planning to attend a papal audience, the pope’s schedule permitting.
The group also will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest Christian church. Mass will be celebrated at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter. Tours of the Eternal City include stops at all the major basilicas, in addition to the Roman Colosseum. Before that, the pilgrims will spend three nights in Assisi, home of St. Francis and St. Clare, set in the Italian countryside.
The Oregon group will make stops in Cascia, home of St. Rita, patroness of desperate causes, and Loreto, to see the Holy House of Mary, relocated to Italy in the 13th century, from Palestine.
Pilgrims also will spend three nights in San Giovanni Rotondo, the town made famous by St. Padre Pio.
Sidetrips will be made to the Adriatic coastal city of Bari, home of the shrine of St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, unmarried women, pawnbrokers and perfumers.
Enroute to Rome, the buses will stop at Montecassino, mother house of the Benedictines and site of a furious battle between the Germans and the Allies during World War II.
Todd Cooper of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center is planning the pilgrimage and OCP Pilgrimages is arranging travel, accommodations, sightseeing and meals.
To reserve your place in the pilgrimage or to get your questions answered, please call Carol Stahl or Bob Pfohman at (800)547-8992.
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