American Federation of Pueri Cantores Italy – December-January 2029

Pilgrimage to Italy

Trip Date:

Dec 26, 2028

- Jan 2, 2029

Group Type

Private

Activity Level

Moderate

Price

From $3,439

Deposit $500

Hosted by

American Federation of Pueri Cantores

or call us at (574) 383-9396

Trip Overview

Travel to Rome for the International Congress of Pueri Cantores

Discover the heart of the universal Church on this handcrafted choir pilgrimage to Rome for the International Congress of Pueri Cantores. Encounter God’s majesty in the beautiful Roman basilicas, lift your voices at the Mass of Nations and the New Year’s Day Papal Mass, pray at the tombs of monumental saints, and walk through the ruins of Ancient Rome. Through prayer and song in the world’s most iconic churches, and immersion into all the beauty and culture Rome has to offer, this pilgrimage will inspire you to marvel at the work God has done through the Church and draw you into deeper relationship with Christ.

What’s Included?

Professional English-speaking local tour escort accompanying the group for the duration of the pilgrimage
Local Guides for St. Peter's Basilica and Colosseum/Roman Forum
Transportation on private motorcoach (Days 2, 4, 5)
Accommodations in centrally-located simple religious guesthouses - double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms, including taxes (limited singles available)
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals
Meals as indicated on itinerary
Registration Fee for the International Rome Congress of Pueri Cantores
Opportunity for daily Mass
Tickets for included activities
Audio headset for each pilgrim
Verso pilgrimage booklets and pilgrim kits
Preparation and follow-up materials

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Rome

December 26, 2028

Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Rome
- Group flight pricing (if desired) would be available approximately 10 months prior to departure

Day 2: Welcome to Rome

December 27, 2028

Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport and transfer to the accommodations
- Land-only pilgrims who fly on their own will transfer to the accommodations on their own
Group flight pilgrims who fly on a potential group flight (if offered) will be transferred as one group to the accommodations
Meet your tour escort who will accompany the group for the duration of the pilgrimage
Free time for lunch on your own
Check-in to the accommodations and freshen up (check-in typically available beginning at 3 p.m.)
Choir tour activities will officially begin at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate an Opening Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Pope Francis is buried and home of a relic of the Bethlehem manger
Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Casa Ravasco San Pietro or similar

Meals included: Dinner

Day 3: The Vatican

December 28, 2028

Celebrate Mass in the crypt of St Peter’s Basilica, followed by a tour of the Basilica, with time to pray at the tomb of St Pius X in the Presentation Chapel
Time for lunch on your own and to continue exploring
Afternoon entrance to the Vatican Museums, home of the Sistine Chapel
Attend the Opening Ceremony of the Congress
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Casa Ravasco San Pietro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Mass of Nations, Outside the Walls, Free time

December 29, 2028

Sing at the Mass of Nations at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where St. Paul is buried
Afternoon optional walking tour of the city center
- Stops may include Piazza Navona, Pantheon (exterior view only), Trevi Fountain, and important Roman churches such as Santa Maria sopra Minerva (where St. Catherine of Siena is buried), San Luigi dei Francesi (home of Caravaggio’s St. Matthew Cycle), and the Gesù (where St. Ignatius is buried)
Free for the evening, with dinner on your own
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Casa Ravasco San Pietro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Roman Basilicas, Ancient Rome

December 30, 2028

Start the day with Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome which holds a relic of the Last Supper Table
Prayerfully climb the Scala Santa, the Holy Stairs brought from the palace of Pontius Pilate by St. Helena
Continue on to the Basilica of Santa Croce and venerate the Passion relics
Time for lunch on your own
Afternoon entrance to the Colosseum and Roman Forum with tour
Free for the evening, with dinner on your own
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Casa Ravasco San Pietro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Rehearsal

December 31, 2028

Rehearse for tomorrow’s Mass at St. Paul VI Hall
- Typically, the Holy Father has greeted the choirs during this rehearsal
Participate in the Prayer for Peace at St. Peter’s Basilica
Mass to be arranged at a local church
Enjoy a celebratory New Year’s Eve Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Casa Ravasco San Pietro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: New Year’s Day Papal Mass

January 1, 2029

Sing in the New Year’s Day Papal Mass
Free for the rest of the day (all activities on your own)
- Consider one or more of the following pilgrimage activities: take a guided tour of the ancient catacombs on the outskirts of Rome, stroll through the historic Trastevere neighborhood and pray at the churches of Santa Maria in Trastevere and St. Cecilia, or descend beneath the Basilica of San Clemente to discover centuries of archaeological and Christian history
- Alternatively, explore Rome on a cultural adventure such as a pizza or pasta-making class, a mosaic-making workshop inspired by Rome’s ancient and Christian art, or a visit to one of Rome’s renowned museums, such as the Capitoline Museums
New Year’s Day and Closing Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Casa Ravasco San Pietro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Fly home

January 2, 2029

Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport and depart on your journey home
- Land-only pilgrims who fly on their own will transfer to the airport on their own
- Group flight pilgrims who fly on a potential group flight (if offered) will be transferred as one group to the airport

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Simple Accommodations

Rome: Casa Ravasco San Pietro or similar

Please Note: Pilgrims should reference their Pack & Prep Handout, distributed approximately one month prior to departure, for finalized accommodation details.

Casa Ravasco San Pietro

Pricing

Package Cost

$3,439

Optional Add-ons

Group Flight

flight quotes are available 10 months prior to departure

Single room supplement (limited availability)

$1,358 / person

Travel Protection

Quote provided after registration

Pricing listed per person in double, triple, and quad-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.

The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Rates assume a minimum of 40 full-paying pilgrims.

If pilgrims traveling by themselves are unable to be matched with a roommate, the single room supplement may apply. See Additional Information section below for details.

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

Led by

Group Leader

Jeremy Hoy

Granger, IN

Jeremy Hoy has served as the Director of Liturgy and Music at Saint Pius X for the past 22 years. With a deep passion for sacred music, liturgy, and the formation of young musicians, he has dedicated his ministry to helping others encounter Christ through the beauty of worship and music. In 2023, Jeremy had the privilege of leading a group of students to Rome for the International Congress of Pueri Cantores, an experience that brought together young singers from around the world in prayer, fellowship, and music. During the congress, he also served as organist at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Jeremy is looking forward to returning to Rome in 2027 with another group, continuing his commitment to sharing the richness of the Catholic musical and liturgical tradition with all his musicians and the parishioners of Saint Pius X.

Group Leader

Samantha Kneibel

More Details

What's Not Included

Roundtrip group flight (optional add on if group is 10+ pilgrims – pricing available 10 months prior to pilgrimage)
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

All final balances are due by June 26, 2028. The schedule for pilgrims registering is as follows:

Group deposit – Upon signed agreement – $6,000 ($150 per person on 40 pilgrim minimum)
Individual deposit – Upon registration – $500 per person
Payment #2 – December 26, 2026 – 25% of total package cost
Payment #3 – June 26, 2027 – 25% of total package cost
Payment #4 – December 26, 2027 – 25% of total package cost
Balance – June 26, 2028 – Final balance due

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Final package price is estimated. Pricing is based on currency exchange rates as of October 2027. Pricing includes an estimated $400 for event registration fees. Prices are based on the current exchange rate of 1€ to $1.16USD. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates, airline taxes and fees (as applicable), 2028 accommodation rates, or event registration fees could affect the final pilgrimage pricing. Any changes in final pricing will be communicated before the final payment deadline. 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. 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 180 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted. We highly recommend the purchase of individual travel insurance.

Until December 26, 2026 – Free cancellation
December 27, 2026-June 26, 2027 – $500 per person
June 27, 2027-December 26, 2027 – 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
December 27, 2027-March 26, 2027 – 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
March 27, 2027-June 26, 2027 – 75% of trip cost is non-refundable
June 27, 2027 or after – 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

*Final package pricing may adjust based on confirmed accommodations and/or any significant changes in currency exchange rates.

Additional Information

Important Information for Pilgrims Seeking to be Matched With A Roommate

Pilgrims who register by themselves can indicate in their Pilgrim Portal that they would like to be matched with a roommate. Verso Ministries will make every effort to accommodate that request, however, cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
If, by 90 days prior to departure, Verso has not been able to match a solo pilgrim with a roommate, the single room supplement will be applied to the pilgrim’s invoice and due for payment.
If Verso is able to match a pilgrim with a roommate after they have paid the single room supplement, the pilgrim will be refunded the extra charge.

Jump To

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Verso Ministries prepare me for my journey?

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. From pre-departure spiritual formation emails and webinars hosted by the Verso trip leader, to providing you with a pilgrim kit to bring with you on your journey, we accompany you through the entire process – before, during, and after the pilgrimage – to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email to answer and assist with any questions you might have.

Read More

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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Should I purchase travel protection?

We recommend that all pilgrims consider purchasing travel protection. We partner with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer travel protection. According to TII, travel protection helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help. Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation from TII. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call TII. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.

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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

The 7 Traditional Pilgrimage Churches of Rome

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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