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St. Clement Parish and the Hortus Foundation Italy Pilgrimage – October 2026

Pilgrimage to Italy

Trip Date:

Oct 7, 2026

- Oct 15, 2026

Group Type

Private

Activity Level

Moderate

Price

From $6,999

Deposit $2500

Hosted by

St. Clement Parish and the Hortus Foundation

or call us at (574) 383-9396

Trip Overview

Registration Deadline: June 5, 2026

Saint Clement Parish, together with the leadership team of the Hortus Foundation, San Clemente Project, invites pilgrims to embark on a deeply spiritual and culturally enriching pilgrimage to Rome centered on the living heritage of the Catholic Church, sacred beauty, and the enduring witness of the saints.

Over the course of the pilgrimage, participants will journey through the heart of Christianity by visiting some of the most significant churches, basilicas, and sacred sites in Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, Castel Gandolfo, and the Monastery of St. Benedict in Subiaco. Along the way, pilgrims will encounter the profound connection between faith, art, history, and evangelization that has shaped the Church for over two thousand years.

At the center of the pilgrimage stands the Basilica of San Clemente, one of the most extraordinary and historically layered churches in the world. Pilgrims will celebrate Mass, explore the upper and lower basilicas, descend into the ancient archaeological levels beneath the church, and witness firsthand the ongoing restoration work led by the San Clemente Project and the Hortus Foundation leadership team. This unique experience offers not only privileged access to one of Rome’s hidden treasures, but also insight into the mission of preserving Christian heritage for future generations.

The pilgrimage is designed not simply as a tour of Rome, but as an invitation to rediscover the beauty, universality, and living tradition of the Catholic faith through prayer, fellowship, sacred art, and meaningful encounters. Combined with authentic Italian hospitality, curated cultural experiences, and moments of spiritual reflection, this journey offers pilgrims a rare opportunity to experience Rome not merely as visitors, but as participants in the living story of the Church.

What’s Included?

Local, licensed tour escort and tour guide(s)
Transportation on private motorcoach or minivans (included some days)
Accommodations in double occupancy rooms (single rooms available on a limited basis)
Meals as indicated on itinerary
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals
Opportunity for daily Mass
Tickets for included activities
Verso pilgrimage booklets and pilgrim kits
Preparation and follow-up materials
Pack & Prep Meeting for all pilgrims to review itinerary, activities, logistical arrangements, and spiritual preparations

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Rome

October 7, 2026

Depart Chicago on your overnight flight to Rome
- Pilgrims have the option to join the group flight or arrange their own airfare

Day 2: Welcome to Rome

October 8, 2026

Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport
Meet your driver and transfer to the hotel
- Pilgrims will be grouped according to arrival times and transferred to the hotel via private driver
- Please note: Check-in times for the hotel typically begin at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Rooms may not be ready
  upon arrival
Gather as a group in the hotel lobby for an orientation tour of Rome’s historic city center
Enjoy an Opening Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Le Meridien Visconti

Meals included: Dinner

Day 3: St. Peter's Basilica

October 9, 2026

Mass in the crypt of St. Peter’s, followed by a tour of the Basilica with time to see Michelangelo’s Pieta and pray at the tomb of St. John Paul II
Group lunch at a local restaurant
After lunch, enjoy a Vatican Mosaic Workshop
Continue exploring Rome at your leisure with a free evening
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Le Meridien Visconti

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Crowds of pilgrims in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Day 4: San Clemente

October 10, 2026

Start your day with Mass at San Clemente, followed by a tour of the excavations led by the Rector of the Basilica
Group lunch at San Clemente
After lunch, visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, which holds a relic of the Bethlehem manger and the tomb of Pope Francis
Continue exploring Rome at your leisure with a free evening
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Le Meridien Visconti

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Castel Gandolfo

October 11, 2026

Enjoy an excursion to Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence overlooking Lake Albano
Celebrate Mass and learn more about the Laudato Si Center on a guided tour of the grounds and gardens
Group lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a tour and tasting at a local winery
Return to Rome for a dinner a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Le Meridien Visconti

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Doria Pamphilj, Outside the Walls

October 12, 2026

Start your day with a visit to the Doria Pamphilj Gallery to see its notable collection
Time for lunch
In the afternoon, venture outside the walls of Rome to visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, with Mass and time to pray at the tomb of St. Paul
Visit the Abbey of Tre Fontane
Return to Rome for a group dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Le Meridien Visconti

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Subiaco

October 13, 2026

Enjoy a day trip to Subiaco
Celebrate Mass and have time for prayer and reflection, as well as a group lunch
Return to Rome for a free evening
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Le Meridien Visconti

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: The Vatican

October 14, 2026

Attend the Papal Audience (pending the Holy Father’s schedule)
Time for lunch
After lunch, visit the Dicastery for Communication to learn about how the Gospel is evangelized in the modern world
Closing Mass at a local church
Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Le Meridien Visconti

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Fly home

October 15, 2026

Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport and depart on your journey home
- Pilgrims will be grouped according to departure times and take to the airport via private driver
- Pilgrims have the option to join the group flight or arrange their own airfare

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Le Meridien Visconti

Pricing

Package Cost

$6,999

Optional Add-ons

Group Flight (Optional Add-on)

$1,283 / person

Business Class Seating on Flight

Estimated $6,000-$8,000 / person*

Single Room Supplement

$1,991 / person

Travel Protection

Quote provided after registration**

Pricing listed per person in double rooms and does not include airfare. The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

*Business class seating is estimated. Please contact Verso Ministries directly by email at hello@versoministries.com or by phone at (574) 383-9396 to book business class seats.

**Travel protection premium is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International

Rates assume a minimum of 18 full-paying pilgrims.

Led by

President of the Hortus Foundation

Alessandro Crocco

New York, NY

Alessandro Crocco is the President of the Hortus Foundation and leads the San Clemente Project, the major restoration and preservation initiative underway at the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome. Together with the San Clemente Project leadership team, he will offer pilgrims a firsthand look at the restoration mission and the vision for preserving this extraordinary site for future generations.

Pastor of Saint Clement

Fr. Peter Wojcik

Chicago, IL

Fr. Peter Wojcik is Pastor of Saint Clement Parish in Chicago and Pastoral Strategy Leader for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Originally from Poland, Fr. Peter brings pastoral leadership, theological formation, and a deep passion for the renewal and evangelizing mission of the Church.

Resident Guides

John and Ashley Noronha

Rome, Italy

John and Ashley Noronha have lived, studied, and worked in Rome since 2008. Through their engaging approach to sacred art, history, and symbolism, they help pilgrims discover the spiritual depth and beauty of Rome’s churches, masterpieces, and Christian heritage.

Flights

There is an optional group flight available for this pilgrimage. Details are below. Interested in business class seating? See the Pricing section for price estimates and contact hello@versoministries.com directly to book.

Pilgrims may also arrange their own airfare based on the designated arrival/departure times provided.

Arrival Flight Information

American Airlines #110 (October 7)
- Departs Chicago (ORD) at 5:10pm
- Arrives in Rome Fiumicino (FCO) at 9:10am (October 8)

Departure Flight Information

American Airlines Flight #111 (October 15)
- Departs Rome Fiumicino (FCO) at 11:05am
- Arrives in Chicago (ORD) at 2:45pm

Hotel/Airport Transfer Information

Pilgrims will be transferred to/from the airport in Rome one group.

Arrival Flight Information

Arrive by: October 8, 2026
Arrival time: At or before 9:00 AM
Arrival airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO)

Departure Flight Information

Depart on: October 15, 2026
Departure time: Any time
Departure airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO)

More Details

What's Not Included

Roundtrip group flight
Verso Pilgrimage Director (included if group is 30+ pilgrims)
Passport, visa, or luggage fees
Any personal purchases
Any meals not indicated on itinerary
Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy

Payment Schedule

Deposit due upon registration (due by June 1, 2026) – $2,500/person
July 1, 2026 – Final balance

Please note: Final package price is estimated. Pricing is based on currency exchange rates as of May 2026. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates may impact final pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations of individual pilgrims must be made in writing (email or letter) to Verso Ministries. Individual pilgrims should cancel with their group leaders, who are then responsible for notifying Verso Ministries in writing (email or letter). Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims. Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted. We highly recommend the purchase of individual travel insurance.

Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free cancellation
14 days after deposit until 91 days from departure: Deposit is retained
90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

Jump To

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I register now?

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Pilgrimages can fill up quickly, especially if pilgrims decide to bulk register as a group, so registering as soon as you think you will be able to travel with us guarantees you a spot on open pilgrimages. If you register and find out you can no longer attend, as long as you registered more than 180 days prior to the departure and cancel within 14-days of registering, we will fully refund your deposit. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest.

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Who can I contact for more information?

Our team is eager to help and is available 9am-5pm EST by phone at 574-383-9396 or by email at hello@versoministries.com.

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Who would I be traveling with on pilgrimage?

If a pilgrimage is open to all, registration is open to any pilgrim wishing to participate. As such, our groups welcome a diverse range of pilgrims, from families and married couples to single travellers and retired adults, giving you the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

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Why should I travel with Verso Ministries?

At Verso, we believe in crafting pilgrimages that offer you a view of God’s world and his work in it that you can’t get anywhere else. We believe that everything – from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims – shape the ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, but it’s how you prepare – from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. We shepherd you through the entire process so you can achieve the most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts; we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

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Resources

Discover helpful guides and tips to prepare for your pilgrimage and enrich your journey with Verso Ministries.

Finding the Saints in Rome

How to Prepare for Your Trip to Rome

7 Reasons to go on a Catholic Pilgrimage

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

“Verso provided a safe, quality travel experience, but even more important – a transformative pilgrimage. You are making a solid choice when traveling with Verso and will not regret the decision.”

Rev. Jonathan Meyer

Pastor, All Saints Parish

“It was the experience of a lifetime. This pilgrimage gave us a true glimpse of what it would be like to walk with Jesus in the Holy Land. Celebrating Mass, traveling with superb guides, and reflecting on Biblical passages enriched our love of the Holy Land and deepened our faith.”

Deacon John & Ada H.

Pilgrims, Holy Land

“Who doesn’t love a trip that’s already perfectly planned for you? You don’t have to do much except come and experience the trip. I’m really grateful for Verso because they know what they’re doing.”

McKenzy S.

Pilgrim, World Youth Day

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