lourdes & ROME
Join Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School on a pilgrimage to France and Italy! We will be traveling to the Marian apparition site of Lourdes and the eternal city of Rome on a faith-filled adventure that will bring you to countless holy places in the Jubilee Year 2025. There will also be optional biking and hiking opportunities for those who are interested. Get ready for incredible sights, profound prayer, delicious food, and excellent company all along the way!
HIGHLIGHTS
- The tomb of St. Peter and the Vatican Museums
- The miraculous waters of the Sanctuary of Lourdes
- Walking through the Holy Doors of the Major Roman Basilicas opened for the Jubilee Year 2025
ITINERARY
Toulouse
Days 1-2 Greet trip staff in Toulouse I Pray at the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas in the Church of the Jacobins I Walk the quaint streets of “the pink city”, a nickname given to Toulouse due to the color of its bricks and stones I Visit the breath-taking Basilica of St. Sernin I Orientation, mass, and welcome dinner I Transfer to Lourdes the next morning
Lourdes
Days 2-4 Enjoy an optional bike ride from Cauterets in the Pyrenees mountains to Lourdes on a dedicated bike path completely downhill I Pray at the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette I Participate in the candlelight rosary procession I Visit the house of St. Bernadette I Discover the 3 basilicas of Lourdes I Participate in the “Water Gesture”
Rome
Days 4-7 Optional walk into Rome on the Via Appia Antica visiting the Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls and the Church of Domine Quo Vadis along the way I Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums I Visit the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona I Pray in St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and some catacombs I Marvel at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
LODGING
Religious Houses & Hotels
We stay mainly in the guest accommodations of religious houses (monasteries, convents, sanctuaries, etc.). The culture and history of these places really adds to the character of our pilgrimage. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and nice, but not “luxurious'”. Normally 1 or 2 roommates of the same gender. Single-room supplements are an option. Air conditioner is generally not available.
EATING
We eat mainly at restaurants. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Some meals may be picnics. Breakfasts provided are in the local style (typically not as hearty as American style). We can accommodate most food allergies.
LUGGAGE
You may bring any kind of luggage you would like on this pilgrimage- this is not a backpack-only itinerary. One checked bag will be included in your flight from Lourdes to Rome. Further size specifications will be provided as well as a detailed packing list.
PRAYING
Prayer is at the heart of the pilgrimage. Daily mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage for you to join as you like.
LOURDES & ROME
$1,890
INCLUDES
• 6 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• All dinners (with a drink)
• Ground transportation
• Flight from Lourdes to Rome
• Entrance fees into the Vatican Museums and some catacombs
• Pilgrimage materials (reading packet, prayer booklet, maps, group gear)
• Masses and other spiritual activities
• All tips and service charges to drivers, restaurants, etc.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Flights at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage
• All lunches
• Biking to Lourdes ($50)
• Single room supplement available ($450)
• Anything else not listed
DATES
July 6-12, 2025
Sign-up & Deposit Deadline: December 15, 2024
OPTIONAL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Day 2: Biking
Level 2: 17 miles, one-way down hill ride. 2 hours. Paved and gravel path. No car traffic.
Day 4: Hiking
Level 2: 10 miles, mostly flat. Daypacks.
Click here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels. All activities are weather dependent. Distances may vary from the information given above.
Details
Arrival
Staff will meet you at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). If you fly into Paris, there is a high speed train that will take you directly to Toulouse where you can meet the group at the lodging. The official pilgrimage start time is 3:00p.m., but we recommend you arrive as early as possible in order to be able to explore Toulouse. Please wait for a trip confirmation to buy your plane ticket.
Departure
This pilgrimage will end in Rome the morning of the last day. We will arrange private transportation for you to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) until noon that day.
Insurance
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
Eligibility
Must be part of the ACRSS community and be able to transport your own luggage and have a sense of adventure.
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up & Deposit
Please contact Sister John Peter Clarke, O.P. (SJPClarke@acrss.org)
Step 2: Registration
There will be registration packet that will be sent to you to fill out
Step 3: Payment & Confirmation
Please wait to buy your plane ticket until you receive a confirmation