The St Richard’s Parish Pilgrimage to Rome
3^rd – 10^th April 2014

Thursday 3^rd. early start, coach departed St Richard’s 3.45 for Manchester Airport. Uneventful departure and flight with a pleasant surprise on arrival at our Hotel, L’Oasi in the Aranova district of Rome, lunch had been arranged  this was not planned as we were on Bed, Breakfast and evening meal arrangement. In the evening after Dinner we went on a guided coach tour of Rome by night, a very impressive way to end the first day.    

                            





 

 








Friday 4^th. After Mass in the Hotel, we left for our guided tour of the Vatican, this was led by Sister Emanuela who surprised most of us when she spoke, as she spoke with a Wigan accent so we had no trouble interpreting what was said. She saved us a lot of walking as she took us to what she considered important to our visit with very clear and concise explanations all round, our visit ended in the famous Sistine Chapel. After lunch we had time to go round the outside of the Vatican and surrounding area                 

 
Saturday 5^th. After breakfast we set off by coach for the Catacombs of St Calixtus, we were lead by a guide deep down the spectacular workings where bodies had once been entombed. They even have  a small chapel down there where we had Mass. After a break for lunch we went to the Basilica of St  John Lateran then across the road to La Scala Santa, the chapel of the Holy Stairs.       
 

Sunday 6^th. After breakfast the coach took us into Rome to make our way to the English College for Mass. Beautiful chapel and the Mass was a sung Mass. After we were made welcome with a cup of tea or coffee and relax in the college garden. Then we walked to the Piazza Navona were the three fountains are and lots activities going on. Move on to the Trevi fountain and mingle with the crowds there, then on to the Spanish steps and mingle with the crowds there. After dinner in the Hotel we were entertained with a quiz.
 
Monday 7^th. Today the coach took us into Rome to see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the surrounding area.
 
Some went on the open to tour bus which gave a comprehensive overview of Rome.   


Tuesday 8^th. Early start today as we set off for Pompeii a three hour ride on the coach. A really spectacular revival of what was once a town lost for centuries under the Ash from the volcano Vesuvius still not completely uncovered.   

Wednesday 9^th. Today is a special day as it is when we go for the Papal Audience. The roads were so clogged with traffic we were almost late. A fantastic experience thousands of people all there for the same reason. After, we were able to spend some time round the outside of the Vatican and some shopping.                                
 
Thursday 10^th. All good things must come to an end. So after breakfast we set off for Ciampino Airport for our flight back to Manchester where our coach was waiting to return us to St. Richard’s.
 
 Where to Next ?.