Diocesan Pilgrimage to Assisi – November 2026

Statue of St Francis at Ards Friary, Co. Donegal

 

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST FRANCIS

KILMORE DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO ASSISI

Tuesday 24 – Sunday 29 November 2026 inclusive

Led by Bishop Martin Hayes

To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (October 3, 1226), Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Special Year of Saint Francis from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. This Jubilee Year continues the grace of the recently concluded Jubilee Year of Hope and invites all the faithful to live as pilgrims of hope, inspired by the life of Saint Francis — his humility, poverty, mercy, and love for Christ and peace.

This Jubilee of Saint Francis is a time of grace, calling all Christians to grow in holiness, mercy, and peace by following the Gospel way lived by the Poverello of Assisi.

The Diocese of Kilmore is pleased to offer this unique pilgrimage in the footsteps of St Francis during this special year of grace to those who would like to take part.

During the Jubilee, the Apostolic Penitentiary in the Vatican, by the will of the Holy Father, grants a Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions.

Participating in this pilgrimage is one way of gaining this special Plenary Indulgence.

Bookings for the pilgrimage are now being accepted. 

Should you wish to proceed with booking a place (or places) on the pilgrimage, you are kindly asked to contact Marian Pilgrimages directly and as soon as possible on (01) 878 8159 as places are limited, especially for those seeking single room accommodation

  • Fare: €1,495.00 per person sharing twin/double/triple rooms with private facilities.
  • Full religious programme with daily Masses and spiritual activities.
  • Return flights from Dublin to Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome) with RyanAir.
  • Baggage allowance of 10kg to be checked in plus one item of hand luggage (that can fit under seat).
  • Light Dinner on evening of arrival.
  • 5 nights’ accommodation in the 4-star Fontebella Palace Hotel on breakfast and evening meal basis.
  • Porterage at the Fontebella Palace Hotel on evening of arrival and morning of departure.
  • Transport to and from coach parking area in Assisi on evening of arrival and morning of departure.
  • Free Wi-Fi in hotels.
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach and people-carriers (where necessary) throughout your itinerary.
  • All airport, local city taxes, charges and government levies included.
  • Services of Marian Pilgrimage Tours’ Representative and professional English-speaking guide throughout the pilgrimage.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE FARE: 

  • Single room supplement (VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY – Cost: €450 per person).
  • Lunches or other refreshments/snacks.
  • Pilgrimage insurance while abroad €40.00 up to 79 years of age. An extra €40 for pilgrims between 80-93 years.
  • Travel to and from Dublin Airport – there is a possibility of coach service to bring pilgrims to and from the airport (subject to demand and which would be an additional cost). 

INTENDING PILGRIMS SHOULD ALSO NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

  • The Fontebella Palace Hotel is classified as a 4-star property. Located within an ancient 17th-century mansion in the historic centre of Assisi, it features Renaissance architecture and panoramic valley views. The Basilica of Saint Francis is just a very short distance away as are cafés, restaurants and shops. There is also a café in the hotel.
  • Please note Assisi is an ancient, hill-top town. The narrow streets of the town mean that tourist coaches cannot enter, and a number of inclines need to be negotiated to arrive on foot into the centre of the town of Assisi.
  • Once inside the town, further inclines will need to be negotiated to arrive at the following points of interest:
    • Basilica of St. Francis
    • Basilica of St. Clare
    • Tomb of St. Carlo Acutis
  • Such inclines, in addition to the ancient, cobbled streets, mean that Assisi is not suitable for wheelchair users or mobility aids.
  • There are no official local facilities for hire of either wheelchairs or mobility aids.
  • Please note this pilgrimage involves a certain amount of walking and physical activity, such as steps/stairs, standing for extended periods and walking on uneven surfaces; especially when visiting historical and religious sites. We kindly ask that you assess your comfort level with these activities before booking and travel with a companion that can provide assistance, if required. 
  • Flight arrangements might be subject to change outside the control of the Pilgrimage Team and/or Marian Pilgrimages.
  • It is our intention to follow the itinerary as published.  However, due to factors like local holidays, traffic or weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary to make changes to the order of events or even the rescheduling or cancellation of certain events.
  • Please note that there are no tea/coffee making facilities in the bedrooms of the Fontebella Palace Hotel. Pilgrims may wish to bring their own travel kettles (with travel adapter) with them. 
  • Intending pilgrims should also note that, in November, Assisi is cool, breezy, and often wet. Because it is a hilltop town in central Italy, temperatures drop quickly after sunset, with daytime highs around 10°C to 14°C and colder evenings. Pilgrims should pack warm layers, a wool coat or insulated jacket, a scarf, light rain gear and waterproof walking shoes with good grip for potentially wet cobblestones.

For further information, please contact Seán Coll, Pilgrimage Director, on 049 4375004 (Extension 102) or by email to [email protected]

Supported and Developed by GetOnline Pro