Bob Rodgers Deaconate with Eat & Pray with the Saints in Rome Tour
Oct. 1 – Depart for Rome; arrive on Day 2
Oct. 2 & 3
– You will be greeted upon your arrival in Rome and transported to a papal audience with His Holiness Pope
Benedict XVI (pending availability). The remaining events of your days in Rome will be scheduled around the ordination of Bob Rodgers, which you will be privileged to attend on Thursday, Oct. 3 rd .
Another highlight of your days in Rome will be a 3-hour guided tour of the Vatican. St. Peter's Basilica, regarded as one of the holiest of Christian sites, is a late Renaissance church located within the Vatican. There has been a church on this site since the 5th century. In Catholic tradition, the basilica is the burial site of its namesake, Saint Peter, who is considered the first Bishop of Rome. Tradition and historical evidence hold that Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the altar of the basilica. The church is world-famous as a place of pilgrimage not only because it is associated with the papacy, but also because of its impressive works of art, including Michelangelo's Pieta. Nearby, at the Vatican Museums, you can see more great works of art, historical documents and the Sistine Chapel, frescoed throughout by the great
Renaissance artists Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Botticelli. Memories of these days in Rome are sure to live on in your minds and hearts for years to come!
(A more specific schedule of your days in Rome will be determined once the exact time and place Bob and Dans ordination are announced.)
(D 1 st day) (B, D 2 nd day) (2 nights in Rome hotel)
Oct. 4 – Coach transfer to Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica. You will have time to get settled in your comfortable four-star hotel before your 3-hour guided tour of Norcia, known to the Romans as "Nursia". It was settled as long ago as the 13th Century BC by the Sabines, who were ultimately absorbed into the Roman Empire.
Nowadays, Italian sportsmen and visitors from other parts of the world use Norcia as a base for various activities in the mountains above Norcia, including mountaineering, hiking, trail riding, camping and hunting. "Norcineria" is the word that Italians give to the various salamis and hams that are made from wild boars that local hunters bring down from the mountains. As you walk around town, you will be tempted to sample some of them in the many butcher shops of Norcia.
– T he Basilica of St. Benedict was built in the 13th century, either on an earlier Roman building, or possibly on the site of the house where St. Benedict and St. Scholastica were born. Benedictine monks were driven from Norcia in 1810; but in
December 2000 , a small group of American monks re-founded monastic life in Norcia according to the Benedictine tradition. Your visit will include a talk by one of the monks about St. Benedict, patron saint of Europe, and the
Benedictine Order. Other churches in Norcia include St. Augustine , a Gothic church containing a few interesting frescoes and Santa Maria Argentea , the City's Duomo, built in the Renaissance style. During the 16th Century, when the city was still within the Papal States, a small fortress, or Castellina was built. It now houses the City Museum , which contains interesting artifacts and documents from Roman and Medieval times.
– There is a ppossibility of participating in evening prayers with monks in the crypt of St. Benedict’s Basilica (Gregorian chant).
– A special dinner will be celebrated at a Buon Ricordo Restaurant. (The Union of Buon Ricordo is an association of restaurants dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the rich and diverse local cuisines of Italy. As a gift, each of the Buon Ricordo restaurants presents each diner who partakes of the local specialty with a hand-decorated ceramic plate to commemorate the unforgettable gastronomic experience.) (B, D) (Overnight in Norcia)
Oct. 5 – Depart for Cascia, which is a short distance from Norcia. It is the city of St. Rita. She was born around the year
1381 and died in 1447. With a local guide, you will visit the Basilica of St. Rita in Cascia, which holds her uncorrupted mortal remains. Known as “The Pearl of Umbria,” St. Rita is a symbol for peace. Her message of suffering, forgiveness, love and peace will become clear to you as you learn her story in the place where she lived a holy life and received the stigmata on her forehead. The beautiful church honoring St. Rita was consecrated on May 18, 1947, and elevated to
Basilica on August 1, 1955, by Pope Pius XII.
– In the crypt under the basilica, one can see the Chapel of the Eucharistic Miracle. In 1330, in Siena, a priest who was called to take Holy Communion to a sick person put the Host in his breviary. When he arrived there, he noticed that the

Host had bled. He went to see Blessed Simon Fidati, who took the Host to Cascia. Looking at it against the light, the blood stains make a human outline. The Host is on display in the crypt.
– Next you will visit Roccaporena and see the sites where important events in St. Rita’s life occurred: her native house; the garden where a rose was picked for her in the middle of winter from the snow-covered ground; the hospital where St.
Rita visited and cared for the sick; and the rock where, according to tradition, she went to pray each day.
– Your day will end with another memorable culinary experience – a cooking lesson followed by dinner in Norcia. (B, D)
(Overnight in Norcia)
Oct. 6 – After breakfast, you will bid farewell to Norcia as you depart for Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Standing in the heart of Tuscany in a beautiful spot near Siena, this abbey is one of the most interesting in Italy. With the help of two other
Sienese noblemen, Monte Oliveto’s Abbey and its Benedictine Congregation were founded by John Tolomei, who took the religious name of Bernard, in 1313. After the arrival of a number of new followers, the community accepted the Rule of St. Benedict and was recognized by Pope Clement VI in 1344. Works of art are to be seen everywhere in this monastery, but particularly noteworthy are the frescoed walls running along the cloister walls with 36 scenes from the stories of St. Benedict as told by St. Gregory the Great in The Dialogues . During your guided tour, you are sure to find the
Abbey a triumph of artistic beauty and spiritual peace! Highlights include:
– Learning about the work and prayer of the monks
– Wine tasting in the monks’ wine cellar
– Mass with monks singing Gregorian chant
– Dinner in a local restaurant near the monastery
(B, D) (Overnight at Monte Oliveto Maggiore)
Oct. 7 – After breakfast, depart for a guided walking tour in Siena and discover important places in life of St. Catherine of
Siena, who has been proclaimed patron saint of Italy, a Doctor of the Church and patron saint of Europe. You will visit the following: S an Domenico Basilica – This is an imposing gothic basilica closely linked to St. Catherine; and in the chapel dedicated to her, you will see relics of St. Catherine, including her holy head. St. Catherine Sanctuary – This shrine, enriched over the centuries with art, is at St. Catherine’s birthplace and will help you understand her origins. Fonte
Branda – Located in the area of Siena where Catherine was born, this is the oldest site in the city, and in addition to providing water to its citizens, it was important in other ways such as in Catherine’s father’s wool-dyeing business. Salita del Costone – Marked by a picture placed on the road, this is the place where Catherine experienced her first vision at only seven years old. San Giovanni Baptistery and Staircase – The baptistery is attached to the Cathedral of Santa
Maria Assunta; and it was here that Catherine was baptized. Along the stairs, a small cross on one of the steps marks the spot where she fell as a result of a temptation from the devil. On the left side of the oratory is a narrow cell where she rested after caring for her patients in the hospital.
– Independent lunch and free time in Siena
– Stop at a bakery for a local treat.
– Travel to Assisi and check into your 4-star hotel. (B, D) (Overnight in Assisi)
Oct. 8 – Your guided morning tour will take in the religious and artistic sites of the medieval hill town of Assisi. You will visit the following:
The Porziucola & Our Lady of the Angels Basilica – The Porziuncola is the place where Franciscan ideas developed, and where Saint Francis lived and died. The Porziuncola is situated now inside the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in the town of the same name near Assisi. The Basilica, which ranks among Christianity’s most majestic basilicas, was built between 1569 and 1679. San Damiano – This church with a monastery near Assisi was the first monastery of the Order of St. Clare, where St. Clare built her community. One of the most significant happenings here was Saint Francis' encounter with Christ. He had been praying at San Damiano, which at the time was a very run down building. St. Francis saw the figure of Christ crucified come alive and say to him, "Francis, don't you see my house is crumbling apart? Go, then, and restore it!" Afterwards, St. Francis took action to repair San Damiano, although he eventually realized that God's message to him was to restore the Church as a whole rather than literally repair San Damiano. The Basilica of St. Clare –
This church in Assisi is dedicated to and contains the remains of St. Clare of Assisi, who was a follower of St. Francis of

Assisi and founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, known today as the Order of Saint Clare. The Basilica of St. Francis –
Built in the thirteenth century to house the body of St. Francis of Assisi, the basilica is decorated with more than 10,000 square yards of the most splendid frescoes of the late Gothic/early Renaissance period. The Cathedral of St. Rufino –
Both St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized here; and it was in this church that Clare first heard Francis preach and was touched by his message. The Oratorio of St. Francis
Piccolino – This is the simple stall where. Francis was born. The Chiesa Nuova or New Church – Built in 1615, St.
Francis’ family once resided here according to local legend.
– Free afternoon in Assisi (B, D) (Overnight in Assisi)
Oct. 9 – After breakfast, you will be guided by a local priest through four sanctuaries on the path of St. Francis in the
Rieti Valley. Along the way, you are sure to experience the same beautiful natural surroundings that Francis did many years ago, and to receive his message of love, peace, harmony and simplicity. You will visit the following:
The Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone – This is the first place that Francis visited in 1208 when he left Assisi where he was born. Arriving in Poggio Bustone, he greeted people with the words, “Good morning, good people.” A path takes you to a chapel where an angel appeared to Francis announcing the remission of his sins and the expansion of the
Franciscan Order. A church on the square, dedicated to St. James, holds a panel from the 14 th -
The Sanctuary of Greccio – This sanctuary seems to grow out of the mountain. St. Francis arrived here for the first time in 1209 and was fascinated by the devotion of the inhabitants of Greccio. In 1223, he asked Pope Onorio III’s permission to have the Nativity Scene acted out for the first time. The main focus of the sanctuary is the Chapel of the Nativity, constructed after the death of St. Francis and dedicated to St. Lucia. It was built on the site of the first dramatization of the
Nativity. One can see frescoes which represent the Nativity at Bethlehem and at Greccio. Visitors can also see the refectory, the dormitory and the little cell where St
The Sanctuary of Fonte Columbo – This sanctuary is surrounded by thick vegetation. It gets its name from the spring waters seen by St. Francis in 1217, while white doves drank from it. Francis named the place “Fons columbarum” (the dove fountain). Here he wrote the final Rule of his order, approved by Pope Onorio III in the autumn of 1223; and he underwent a painful eye operation in 1225. One can see the Holy Cave where St. Francis stayed for forty days to write the
Rule and the log from an oak tree where Christ is said to have appeared. A small chapel enshrines the Tau, symbol of the cross of Christ. Many like to think that this is the symbol Francis chose as his symbol.
The Sanctuary of La Foresta – This is where Francis came in 1225 since his health had worsened and it was necessary to have an operation on his eyes. The place is remembered for two events: the miracle of the grapes and the composition of the Canticle of Canticles . The little Church of St. Fabiano, with frescoes from the 15 th century, has been incorporated into the Church of Santa Maria built in later years. One can visit the dwelling where Francis stayed with his followers, the place of the miracle of the grapes, the 14 th century cloister and the cave in the rock where Francis probably wrote the
Canticle of Canticles.
(Lunch will be served here.)
– After lunch, depart for a guided tour of Foligno. In 1206, after hearing the Voice from the Crucifix, Francis took some bolts of cloth from his father's store and rode off to the nearby city of Foligno to sell them and his horse for money to rebuild San Damiano. He also visited the city other times; and in 1213, he started a Franciscan hospice there.
– Angela of Foligno was born about 1248, twenty-two years after the death of Francis of Assisi. With sudden deaths in her family, she felt called to follow a more religious and devout life, forsaking everything. In the years that followed she modeled her life on that of St. Francis of Assisi and lived a life of total commitment to God. Her teachings, visions and deep spiritual wisdom became internationally recognized as coming from a blessed person. She established a community of sisters in Folgino that lived according to the Rule of the Third Order. This allowed them to engage in works of charity without being cloistered. Her incorrupt body can be seen in a glass reliquary at the Church of Saint Francis in Foligno.
(B, L, D) (Overnight in Assisi)
Oct. 10 – After breakfast, experience another culinary treat - Chocolate Cooking School in Perugia.
– Gubbio is next. You will enjoy a guided tour of this stunning pre-Roman city, where it is thought that St. Francis tamed a wolf that was terrorizing the town. Some highlights include the following:

Church of St. Francis Assisi –This church is a Gothic structure with an impressive rose window. Inside is a fresco from the 1400s, Life of the Virgin , and frescoes from the 1200s in the main apse. In the cloister are bits of Roman mosaics. The attached convent houses an art collection.
Church of San Francesco della Pace – This small building dates back to the 17 th century. It contains a memento of the cave which, according to tradition, for two years was the home of the wolf miraculously tamed by St. Francis. The altar is said to be made from stone taken from the place where Francis brought about peace between the wolf and the townspeople.
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria – This small church, decorated with frescoes from the 15 th and 16 th centuries, belongs to the convent of the Friars Minor where Francis stayed. Francis’ encounter with the wolf took place in the woods nearby. He called the wolf and taught it not to harm anyone. In exchange, the people of Gubbio agreed to feed it and take care of it as long as it lived.
– Following are some sites to see in the city center:
Piazza Grande, or Piazza della Signoria , is Gubbio's main square. From the piazza there are spectacular views over the countryside.
Palazzo dei Consoli is a huge 14th century Gothic building made of limestone. Inside are an art gallery, archeology museum, and civic museum. Here you'll find the prized Eugubine tablets, seven bronze plaques from over 2000 years ago, written in the ancient Umbrian language. They contain the most extensive description ever discovered of ancient religious rites in the Western world.
The Duomo , still higher up, is a 13th century church with a simple 15th century facade. Its high altar is a Roman sarcophagus. There are notable stained glass windows, choir stalls, and a carved throne.
Palazzo Ducale , built for the Duke of Urbino in 1476, is across from the Duomo. It has a nice Renaissance courtyard and the palazzo is open to visitors.
Ranghiasci-Brancaleoni Park spreads below the Palazzo Ducale. It started as an English garden in 1841. In the park are a covered bridge, neoclassical pavilions, trees, and a cafe. (B, D) (Overnight in Gubbio
Oct. 11 – After breakfast depart for a guided tour of The Sanctuary of La Verna: St. Francis of Assisi’s Holy Mountain. In the spring of 1213, the Count of Chiusi gifted Francis with the Mount of La Verna. He described it as “very solitary and wild and extremely well-adapted to anyone who wants to do penance in a place remote from people, or who wants to lead a solitary life.” So La Verna became one of the hermitages which Francis visited for periods of retreat. It is unknown how often he visited, but we do what happened there in the summer of 1224.
Francis was tired and ill, and by this time he had given up personal leadership of his Order. He now sought personal intimacy with the Lord. During the nights spent at La Verna in prayer, Francis asked to experience some of the love and pain which Jesus felt at the moment of His death and resurrection. His prayer was heard; and about the time of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14), his body was marked by wounds of Christ. Towards the end of September, he left La Verna. Only a few of his close friends ever came to know what happened at La Verna before he died in October,
1226.
“By reason of the singular experience of Christ which St. Francis had there (at La Verna),” Pope Paul VI said, “souls still number it among the high places of the spirit.”
La Verna holds many messages. You are sure to find one for yourself!
– Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at Taverna del Lupo, the Buon Ricordo restaurant in Gubbio (B, D) (Overnight in
Gubbio)
Oct. 12
– Depart to the Rome airport and begin your journey home with renewed faith and memories to last a lifetime!