Join Father Giacomo Capoverdi and Sister Deirdre Byrne and the Rosa Mystica Family on A Pilgrimage to Italy: In the Footsteps of the Mystical Rose Join us on a sacred journey to Italy, the land where Our Lady first revealed herself as the Rosa Mystica — the Mystical Rose. This pilgrimage offers a profound opportunity to walk in the very places where the devotion began, to pray where countless faithful have encountered Our Blessed Mother, and to deepen our own love for her Son through Mary. Guided by our chaplain, Father Giacomo Capoverdi and sister Deirdre Byrne, we will celebrate daily Mass, share in prayer and reflection, and experience the beauty of our Catholic faith in some of the world’s most holy sites. Together, we will visit the shrines and sanctuaries dedicated to the Rosa Mystica devotion, as well as other treasured Marian and sacred places across Italy. This is more than a trip — it is a spiritual retreat and an encounter with grace. Pilgrims will return renewed, inspired, and strengthened, carrying home not only memories of Italy’s sacred beauty, but also the peace and blessings of the Mystical Rose. Come walk with us in faith and devotion, as we journey to the heart of Our Lady’s message of prayer, sacrifice, and penance, and discover anew the joy of being her children.

Father Giacomo Capoverdi is a devoted Catholic priest and a beloved shepherd. He is known for his pastoral heart who has a deep love of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He is ordained for the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island. He attended Seminary at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Father Capoverdi has served in parish ministry, spiritual direction, and retreat leadership for many years. Born on her feast day, July 13, Father has been closely connected to the message of the Rosa Mystica devotion. He has guided countless pilgrims in deepening their prayer life to trust in God’s mercy. As chaplain for this pilgrimage, Father Capoverdi will lead us in daily Mass, prayer, and spiritual reflection, helping us to encounter Christ through the maternal intercession of Our Lady, Mystical Rose. As an Italian-American, he is a frequent visitor to Italy. With his joyful spirit, his faith-filled heart and personal witness, he is an ideal companion for us on this sacred, spiritual journey.

Day 1 – April 6: Depart the USA for Milan, Italy 
Our pilgrimage begins with an overnight flight to Milan.

Day 2 – April 7: Milan 
Upon arrival, our English-speaking guide will greet us and assist with luggage before we board our bus. Our panoramic tour of Milan includes: The Sforzesco Castle (outside view); La Scala Opera House (outside view); The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; St. Ambrogio Cathedral. We will celebrate Holy Mass before checking in at our hotel for dinner and overnight (B, D).

Day 3 – April 8: Turin 
After breakfast and check-out, we drive to Turin (approx. 2.5 hours). Our pilgrimage sites include: Basilica of Maria Ausiliatrice (Our Lady Help of Christians): Tombs of St. John Bosco, St. Mary Mazzarello, and St. Dominic Savio. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: Home of the Holy Shroud of Turin. We will view the replica (the actual Shroud is displayed only by papal decree). Tomb of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, whose body was found incorrupt in 1981. We celebrate Mass in the afternoon, then return to the hotel in Turin for dinner and overnight (B, D).

Day 4 – April 9: Turin – Sacra di San Michele – Turin 
After breakfast, we travel about 1.5 hours to the Sacra di San Michele, a historic monastery founded between 983–987 on Mount Pirchiriano. Dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, it lies along the great pilgrimage route linking Mont Saint-Michel in France to Monte Sant’Angelo in southern Italy. After a guided tour and Mass, we enjoy free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we return to Turin for leisure and optional visits, including: The Royal Palace (not open on Wednesdays), The Chapel of the Holy Shroud. Dinner and overnight in Turin (B, D).

Day 5 – April 10: Turin – Montichiari (Rosa Mystica Shrine) 
After breakfast and check-out, we drive east (approx. 3 hours) to Montichiari to visit the Marian Shrine of Rosa Mystica in Fontanelle. Here we celebrate Mass and have lunch. Dinner and overnight in the area (B, D).

Day 6 – April 11: Siena – Florence 
After breakfast and check-out, we travel to Siena. Upon arrival, we enjoy a break for lunch and visit the Basilica of San Domenico, which contains relics of St. Catherine of Siena. We celebrate Mass, then continue to Florence (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, we stop at Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of Florence before checking in to our hotel for dinner and overnight (B, D).

Day 7 – April 12: Florence 
This morning we walk to the city center and celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Afterward, our guided walking tour includes: The Duomo; The Baptistery (outside view); Ponte Vecchio; Other historic highlights. Afternoon at leisure for shopping and personal visits. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight (B, D).

Day 8 – April 13: Florence – Loreto – Assisi 
After an early breakfast, we drive about 4.5 hours to Loreto, to visit the Marian Shrine containing the Holy House of Nazareth. We celebrate Mass and stop for lunch. Continuing through Umbria (approx. 3 hours), we arrive in Assisi. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or personal visits. Check in at our hotel for dinner and overnight (B, D).

Day 9 – April 14: Assisi – Castel Gandolfo 
This morning we visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, where we celebrate Mass and visit the Porziuncola, the chapel restored by St. Francis. We continue with a guided tour of Assisi, including: Basilica of St. Clare; Basilica of St. Francis. In the afternoon, we depart for Castel Gandolfo (area of the Papal summer residence). Check in at our hotel for dinner and overnight (B, D).

Day 10 – April 15: Departure 
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA.

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