July 10 to 24, 2026 (15 days / 13 nights)
Experience a pilgrimage to Italy with a group of catechists, lay pastoral agents, PCLs, and Youth Ministers, accompanied by Archbishop Christian Lépine in the summer of 2026.
**Bilingual Group in English and French**
Price range: 5,998.00$ through 6,179.00$
CULTURAL TRIPS
CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES
We invite you to experience a pilgrimage in Italy as a breath of fresh air for your vocation as witnesses and educators of the faith. From Padua to Turin, from Florence to Assisi, to the heart of Rome, we will walk in the footsteps of saints who shaped the Church through their faith, teaching, and service. This journey is intended to be a special opportunity to nourish your mission, draw from the source of Christian tradition, and rekindle the joy of transmitting the Gospel. Through prayer, celebration, encounter, and contemplation of the high places of our faith, each person will be able to allow grace to renew their heart and pastoral commitment. May this pilgrimage become for you a time of light, fraternity, and inspiration for your pastoral service.
Highlights
Extras
CONDITIONS:
PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PILGRIM
This pilgrimage is intended for all those involved in pastoral ministry—catechists, youth ministers, and other faith companions. It offers an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the saints, deepen one’s spiritual life, and rekindle missionary zeal.
Please consult the PILGRIM PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
LETTER OF MOTIVATION AND REFERENCE
Other than completing your registration form and keeping your payments up-to-date, please send, within 7 days after your online registration:
Instructions on submitting your documents will be sent to you by email after your registration.
The Diocesan Evangelization and Christian Life Office reserves the right to refuse any registration that does not correspond to the profile of the pilgrim or the conditions of registration.
Isabel Correa is the Senior Director of Evangelization and Christian Life and Director of Mission Jeunesse for the Archdiocese of Montreal. With over 25 years of leadership experience, she is dedicated to forming and accompanying young people, adults, and catechists in their spiritual and missionary journey. Isabel has previously thought at the Institut de formation théologique de Montréal and Laval University, and serves nationally as Coordinator for World Youth Day Canada for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). A seasoned pilgrimage leader, she has accompanied numerous groups to World Youth Day, the Holy Land, the Jubilee of Youth 2025, and the Camino de Compostela. Her pastoral approach fosters deep encounter, discernment, and spiritual growth. She is delighted to accompany catechists on this pilgrimage to Rome with the Archbishop.
Holly Eugenio serves with Mission Jeunesse at the Archdiocese of Montreal, accompanying youth, young adults, and the leaders who walk with them. Passionate about forming joyful missionary disciples, she collaborates with parishes, communities, and diocesan partners to develop spaces and experiences where young people can encounter Christ, grow in faith, and share their gifts in the life of the Church and with the world. She has participated in and led numerous pilgrimages, including several World Youth Days, the Camino de Compostela, pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and the Jubilee of Youth 2025. She accompanies both pilgrims and group leaders, helping them navigate the spiritual and practical dimensions of the journey and discover how God speaks along the road, through community, and through the encounters that mark each step. Holly is committed to supporting youth ministers and young people as they discern their place in a Church that is alive, hopeful, and ready for mission.
Archbishop Lépine has extensive experience as a pastor and teacher. Ordained a priest in 1983 at Saint-André-Apôtre, he first served in ministry at Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal before pursuing studies in philosophy at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome from 1986 to 1989. Upon returning to Montreal, he was appointed vicar at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges and pastor of Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal, where he remained until 1996, when he accepted the position of director of Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte’s Secretariat. In 1998, he was called to Rome, where he worked at the Secretariat of State and later at the Congregation for Divine Worship. Back in Montreal in 2000, he was named director of the Grand Séminaire. From 2006 to 2012, he served as pastor of the parishes of Purification de la Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie and Notre-Dame-des-Champs, remaining there until his ordination as auxiliary bishop on September 10, 2011. On March 20, 2012, he was appointed Archbishop of Montreal by Pope Benedict XVI. Archbishop Lépine is the tenth bishop of Montreal and the eighth archbishop since the founding of the diocese in 1836.
Flight from Montreal to Venice. Overnight on board.
Arrival in Venice and transfer to Padua, a city rich in history and spirituality. After checking into the hotel, enjoy an introductory tour, discovering medieval streets and a peaceful atmosphere. At the end of the day, Mass at St. Anthony’s Basilica, a sanctuary where the saint’s relics rest, a place of contemplation and deep devotion for centuries.
A day dedicated to Venice, a jewel of art and faith. You will admire St. Mark’s Basilica and its sparkling mosaics, stroll through St. Mark’s Square, and cross the Rialto Bridge. You can also discover small churches and places of worship, or simply soak up the serenity of the canals. At the end of the day, return to Padua for the night.
Travel to Turin and arrive at Valdocco, the birthplace of Salesian charism. Discover the Basilica of the Consolata and the historic district of Rondo della Forca. Mass at the Camerette Chapel, followed by a visit to Turin Cathedral, home to the Holy Shroud. The tomb of Saint Piergiorgio Frassati invites you to meditate on Christian commitment and the call to holiness.
The day begins at the Museo Casa Don Bosco, where you will immerse yourself in the life and work of the saint. You will attend Mass at S. Francesco di Sales and enjoy some free time to visit the shop. After lunch, you will discover the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, the resting place of Saints John Bosco and Dominic Savio. The day ends with a visit to the Wandering Oratory, to better understand the Salesian mission and pedagogy.
Departure for Chieri, where Don Bosco’s school and seminary are located, followed by a picnic in Morialdo. Spiritual walk to Becchi, following in the footsteps of Dominic Savio, before visiting “Mia Casa,” Don Bosco’s birthplace, and St. John Bosco Basilica. At the end of the day, hike to St. Andrew’s Church in Castelnuovo, followed by Mass. Agritourism dinner and return to Turin.
Morning Mass at Casa Don Bosco, then drive to Florence. Check in at the hotel and orientation tour of the historic center.
Day in Florence. Here you can discover the Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), famous for its dome designed by Brunelleschi, and the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s iconic historic bridge known for its jewelers.
Depart for Siena, where you will attend a community Mass at the Basilica of San Domenico, then visit the house of Saint Catherine of Siena. In the afternoon, continue on to Assisi, the city of Saint Francis, where you will check into your hotel for the night.
Guided tour of Assisi, through medieval streets and sanctuaries, before attending Mass at the Basilica of Saint Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also have free time to pray and meditate in the city.
Departure for Rome. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Free time.
Visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest and first of Rome’s four major basilicas. Its architecture is impressive, with a main façade adorned with columns and sculptures. One of the basilica’s most remarkable features is its main altar, which houses relics from the table used at the Last Supper. Then visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas in the city, which is also the resting place of Pope Francis, who died in April 2025. The basilica was founded in the 4th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, the basilica was built on the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to a wealthy Roman couple, asking them to build a church in her honor. One of the most impressive features of the basilica is its magnificent 6th-century mosaic depicting scenes from the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ. This mosaic is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in Rome.
You will attend an audience with the Holy Father, a unique moment of communion and contemplation. In the afternoon, visit St. Peter’s Basilica. The basilica was built on the site where, according to tradition, St. Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and the first pope, was buried after being martyred in Rome. The dome, designed by Michelangelo, is one of the largest in the world and is one of Rome’s most recognizable symbols. You will also visit the Vatican Museums, veritable treasures of sacred art.
The day begins at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, founded in the 4th century on the site where, according to tradition, the apostle Paul was buried after being martyred in Rome. Over the centuries, the church has been enlarged, renovated, and rebuilt several times due to damage caused by fires and other disasters. The current structure dates mainly from the 19th century. One of the most remarkable features of the basilica is its main altar, which houses the relics of St. Paul. Continue on to the majestic Colosseum, emblem of the greatness of the Roman Empire, where you can relive the gladiators fighting for their lives in front of thousands of spectators. Explore the Roman Forum, the vibrant center of political, religious, and social life in ancient times, with its temples, basilicas, and impressive ruins. Every step you take in these iconic places will transport you back to the glorious era of ancient Rome, making your visit an unforgettable experience.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Montreal.***Itinerary subject to change ***
Price
Early bird discount*:
Regular price:
* Rates are subject to change depending on availability at the time of booking and the euro exchange rate.
* All prices are based on the exchange rate in effect on December 9, 2025.
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Registration
Registration deadline: May 10, 2026
(60 days before departure or when the maximum number of passengers is reached). It may be possible to register after this date, but a surcharge may apply.
To register
You can register on our website (see top right of the trip webpage) or download and complete the PDF form and send it to us with your $750 deposit. Please register as soon as possible, as places are limited. Please include a photocopy of your passport with your registration (international travel only).
Travel insurance
For travel insurance, contact us to find out your premium.
Nb of participants
Minimum 25 – Maximum 40
Required documentation
All Canadian travelers to Italy must have a passport valid for at least three months after their planned return date, as well as ETIAS (date of entry into force not yet known).
For more information about participant eligibility, pastoral questions or the pilgrimage program :
Holly Eugenio
Associate Director, Mission Jeunesse – Evangelization and Christian Life
(514) 925-4300, ext. 216
evc@diocesemontreal.org
For more information concerning registration, payments, invoicing, and travel documentation :
Eric Ramirez
Spiritours
(514) 374-7965, ext. 202
eric.ramirez@spiritours.com
Padua (2 nights): CASA DEL PELLEGRINO
Turin (3 nights): PACIFIC HOTEL FORTINO
Florence (2 nights): MAISON SUORE OBLATE
Assisi (2 nights): SUORE FRANCESCANE ANGELINE
Rome (4 nights): ANTICO PALAZZO ROSPIGLIOSI
Travel insurance is undoubtedly a PEACE OF MIND that allows you to live and fully enjoy your trip. It allows you to deal with the unexpected without finding yourself with a financial burden. Travel insurance allows you to travel in complete SAFETY. Did you know that when you take a group trip with Spiritours, you automatically get a 10% discount on your insurance? Check with your agent for more information, or click below to shop for an individual insurance premium with Blue Cross.
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