In celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi—his peaceful passing to eternal life on October 3, 1226—the Church will observe a Franciscan Jubilee Year from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, as proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV. This sacred year invites the faithful to walk more closely in the footsteps of Saint Francis, embracing conversion of heart, humility, and a renewed commitment to Gospel peace.
Throughout the Jubilee, hearts are drawn to Assisi, where extraordinary moments will unfold, including the first public display of the body of Saint Francis—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for pilgrims. In a world longing for peace, the witness of Saint Francis—his simplicity, mercy, and care for all of Creation—is needed now more than ever. This pilgrimage offers the chance to journey where he lived, prayed, and completed his earthly pilgrimage, walking the same paths and experiencing the sacred places that shaped his life of radical love for Christ and all people.
You are invited to embark on a 15-day sacred journey to Fatima and Lourdes with the Assisi Jubilee Pilgrimage, traveling through Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on May 25 to June 8, 2026.
Begin your pilgrimage with Mass at the Church of St. Anthony in Lisbon, Portugal. In 1195, St. Anthony of Lisbon—also known as St. Anthony of Padua—was born on the very spot where this church now stands. Across from it, you’ll find the Lisbon Cathedral, where St. Anthony was baptized.
Next, travel to Fatima, Portugal, where you’ll spend two nights at the revered Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima—one of the world’s most renowned Marian shrines. This sacred site draws pilgrims worldwide due to the apparitions of the Blessed Mother, under the title Our Lady of Fatima (also known as Our Lady of the Rosary), to three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—between May and October 1917.
Cross into Spain at Salamanca, an ancient university city par excellence. Enjoy some free time at the Plaza Mayor before continuing to the medieval city of Burgos. Celebrate Mass at the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Mary—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s greatest Gothic masterpieces. This historic jewel truly stands as Burgos’s crowning treasure.
Journey through the picturesque Pyrenees Mountains to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, where you’ll spend two nights at this renowned pilgrimage site of healing, prayer, and profound peace. In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to St. Bernadette Soubirous at the Grotto of Massabielle. Visit this sacred grotto, where Our Lady’s presence was made known, and spend time in prayerful reflection. In the evening, experience the moving rosary procession as pilgrims from around the world unite in song and prayer, filling the night with the “Ave Maria” sung in unison and the Rosary recited in different languages.
From Lourdes, journey along the stunning French Riviera to Nice, often called the “Queen of the Riviera,” where the azure Mediterranean meets elegant promenades. Then leave France for Italy, driving through the delightful hills of the Perugia countryside to reach the walled city of Assisi—the beloved hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. This ancient hilltop town, with its medieval streets and sacred basilicas, stands as a timeless testament to the lives of these two great saints who chose poverty, prayer, and devotion to Christ above all else. Not to be missed is a visit to the 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its magnificent frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis.
Depart Assisi for Loreto to visit the Basilica of the Holy House, a revered shrine believed to be the home where the Blessed Mother was conceived and born, and where the Holy Family lived. Continue to Lanciano to visit the Church of St. Legontian, site of an eighth-century Eucharistic Miracle that remains preserved to this day. Then journey to San Giovanni Rotondo, where you’ll spend two nights in the town where Padre Pio lived most of his religious life. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Grace (Santa Maria delle Grazie), where Padre Pio celebrated Mass and heard confessions for decades. See his humble cell, his confessional, and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata—sacred places that offer intimate glimpses into the life of this beloved saint.
Depart for Pietrelcina, the humble birthplace where St. Padre Pio was born Francesco Forgione in 1887. Celebrate Mass at the Chiesa di Sant’Anna, the parish church where he was baptized, and visit the modest Forgione family home, preserved as it was during his childhood. Then proceed to the Chiesa Santa Maria degli Angeli, where Padre Pio first received the invisible stigmata in 1910.
Conclude your pilgrimage in Rome, the Eternal City and heart of the Catholic Church, where you’ll spend two nights immersed in sacred history. Receive the Papal Blessing at the Vatican and visit the four major Jubilee Basilicas: St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica. Be sure not to miss the Church of St. Alphonsus de Liguori, home to the revered icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Join a 15-day sacred journey to Fatima and Lourdes with the Assisi Jubilee Pilgrimage, traveling through Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy with a Pilgrimage Chaplain from May 25 to June 8, 2026. Come celebrate the Assisi Jubilee with us and open your heart to the graces that await at these sacred shrines.
