Fr.
Peter T. Rowe, Pastor, St. Alexander R.C. Church, Fonthill, ON
Invites you to join him to Italy and
participate
in a very special customized
PILGRIMAGE TOUR
TO
ITALY
April
26 – May 8, 2009
Dear Parishioners and Friends:
We'll be making "sacred travel" to Milan and nearby Lake Como, then on to Padua (Padova) and vicinity, making sure to see Venice. Our pilgrimage will have us take in Ravenna and Assisi. Then we'll be en route along the Adriatic coast from Loreto to Ortona/Lanciano. We'll cross through the centre of Italy to the other coast, for a visit to Pompeii/Cassino before concluding our "pilgrim's progress" in Rome.
I
invite you to join me for this significant experience, and contact
Brinkman Travel to secure your spot.
Fr.
Peter T. Rowe
Day 1
Sunday, April 26, 2009 Depart
Toronto
We
leave North America for an overnight flight to Milan, Italy.
Day 2
Monday, April 27
Milan
Upon
our arrival, we embark on a city tour of Milan, the lively capital of
Lombardy, in the heart of northern Italy at the foot of the Alps, taking
in its vitality and dynamism. The hard-working Milanese pride themselves
on their city's wealth, international ties, and metropolitan
sophistication – it's a city of executives, marketers, and financiers
– and standing on the brink of the brave new "post-modern"
world. Its prestige is in no small part due to St. Ambrose (340-396), once
its bishop, doctor of the Church, and patron, and, centuries later, St.
Charles Borromeo (1538-1584). We stop at the most frequented parts of the
city: the fantastic "forest of marble" (135 spires) that is the
Duomo (cathedral) and even take a walk on its roof (where one can see the
Alps); La Scala, the most famous opera in the world; the Sforza castle;
and other renowned art galleries and libraries, basilicas and churches.
Most of what you'll want to see lies in a relatively small central area.
After having had a chance to adapt to the time change, come evening, we
join together for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3 Tuesday, April 28
Milan to Lake Como
Today
we spend a leisurely time in the Lombardy countryside, sojourning in the
vicinity of Lake Como. In the morning we travel a short distance outside
Milan to visit Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII, the birthplace (luoghicciolo
natio) of Angelo Roncalli, later Patriarch of Venice, Blessed Pope
John (Papa Giovanni). We peer into the family home (casa
natale), his summer retreat, the foreign missions seminary (with its
impressive window displays of his life), before celebrating our first Mass
together in the church of his baptism. From there we proceed to
villa-lined Lake Como for lunch on our own and a relaxing afternoon in
Bellagio, the lake's nexus or centrepiece, with its worldwide reputation,
splendid lakeside gardens, and magnificent views (you can see the Swiss
Alps) – a pleasant place to stroll. "So elegant and idle"
(wrote Henry James); the lake's unusual shape resembles a dancer. We
return to Milan for the evening. (B, D)
Day 4 Wednesday, April 29
Milan to Padua (Padova)
This
morning we depart Milan and travel the autostrada
in the direction of Padua (Padova), glimpsing Lake Garda and arriving by
lunch time in the fascinating city of Verona, rich in art and
architecture: for instance, the superb Romanesque basilica of San Zeno
Maggiore and the Roman amphitheatre, the largest structure of its kind
after the Colosseum. Upon arriving in Padua, we take a familiarization
tour of St. Anthony's city. We spend three nights there. (B, D)
Day 5 Thursday, April 30
Padua (Padova)
The
Basilica of St. Anthony (Basilica del Santo) is the highlight of this
day's itinerary, with its domes and towers, many chapels and sculptures,
reliquaries and of course the marble tomb of St. Anthony. This
international shrine is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in
the world – we aim to celebrate Holy Mass as a group there.
Another "must-see" is the Arena or Scrovegni chapel covered with
the monumental and expressive 36 Giotto fresco panels (of 1305), depicting
scene
s
from the life of Christ. By the magical power of his genius, Giotto
delivered
painting from the darkness of the Middle Ages; here Giotto shows himself
at his splendid best.
In
the afternoon we go for an outing into the countryside north of the city,
to Riese Pio X, birthplace of Pope St. Pius X; Camposampiero, the church
of the vision with the Christ Child (the "Anthonian Bethlehem")
and the chapel of St. Anthony's hut in a nut tree; and completing the
round trip at the sanctuary in the Arcella area of the city, commemorating
where St. Anthony actually died (in 1231). (B, D)
Day 6 Friday, May 1
Venice
Venice:
the next great feast! This legendary place built on islands, hence its 150
canals and 400 bridges, is a former maritime republic and lively city of a
multitude of moods and faces, with charming squares and sumptuous window
displays. There are the greengrocers' and fishmongers' shops, too. Whether
by vaporetto or gondola, you
will be captivated by the atmosphere of the Grand Canal. Our guided tour
enables us to explore the basilica and square of St. Mark as well as
the palace of the Doges. At your leisure you may then choose to visit the
Rialto bridge, the Academia gallery of paintings or several of the other
churches and museums. If there is enough time, the glassmaking island of
Murano is a short boat ride away. Whatever route you take, the
incomparable "lagoon city" will enchant you! (B, D)
Day 7 Saturday, May 2
Ravenna to Assisi
Leaving
Padua (Padova), we head around Ferrara to the mouth of the Po River to
catch a glimpse of the Romanesque abbey of Pomposa. Then it's on to
Ravenna: the "prototype" of Venice, site of Europe's finest
mosaics. Long before anyone heard of Venice, this secluded maritime town
(a safe haven also with canals) became the "second Rome" of the
West Roman Empire – and one of Italy's most historically and
artistically important towns. Miraculously, the sacred sites with their
renowned "mosaic mantle" survived the worst blasts of history.
Seemingly plain buildings give no clue to the richness inside: a startling
beauty to behold, a "symphony of colour in an atmosphere of spiritual
splendour," the mosaics are famous for their range of colours,
notably the deep blue, as well as their clarity and harmony of design. We
need to stop here, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1996), for the richest
evidences of early Christian art. Within walking distance are the
basilicas dedicated to Sts. Apollinaris and Vitalis, the Galla Placidia
mausoleum, the Arian and Neonian baptisteries, and the cathedral and its
museum. Also, the poet Dante completed his most famous work, "The
Divine Comedy," while living in Ravenna; he died there (1321) and his
tomb can be visited. We continue on to Assisi for two nights. (B, D)
Day 8 Sunday, May 3
Assisi
Majestically
situated, Assisi is not a museum but a living, indeed a lively place, 
suffused
with a gentleness, a beauty, and an austere dignity that can only be
called "Franciscan." You can be delighted by the flashing waters
of Venice, impressed by the art of Florence, awed by the splendour of Rome
– but you will be touched by the gospel simplicity of Assisi. In the
long history
of Christianity, no one has better understood and followed the way of
Jesus than Francis. It is not uncommon for even the casual visitor to find
here a share of his great joy and peace.
We
celebrate Holy Mass on our Sunday in Assisi. Two churches were built over
the tomb of St. Francis, the dimly lit Romanesque style lower church and
the fully lit French Gothic style upper church. Both levels are adorned by
imposing fresco panels: it was Giotto who succeeded in bringing into
visual prominence the spiritual force embodied in St. Francis. Nearby is
the basilica of St. Clare and the cathedral.
Your
afternoon is free, but excursions are available to the nearby monastery of
San Damiano (where Francis received his calling and composed his
"Canticle of the Creatures" – this is where St. Clare also
died in 1253) and the basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, within
which is the Portiuncula, a small chapel named after the plot of land on
which it was built. St. Francis died in the adjacent chapel in 1226. (B,
D)
Day 9 Monday, May 4
Loreto
What
would it be like to visit the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph? According
to ancient tradition, the house of the Holy Family was miraculously
carried from Nazareth in stages by angels and set down in a wood of
laurels (today's Loreto). To think that the mystery of the Incarnation
(Mary's fiat) took place within
these walls is truly humbling. One of the premier treasures of the
Catholic Church, the Holy House of Mary is enclosed within a beautiful
pontifical sanctuary and basilica. Many famous architects, painters, and
sculptors contributed to the building and decoration of the church (Sangallo,
Bramante, etc.). Loreto is located south of Ancona near the eastern
(Adriatic) coast of Italy.
The
popes have always held the shrine of Loreto in special esteem, taking it
directly under their authority. Assisi and Loreto were the only two places
visited by John XXIII while he was pope, becoming the first to officially
travel outside the Vatican in almost 100 years. There he prayed for the
success of the forthcoming Second Vatican Council (1962). (B, D)
Day 10 Tuesday, May 5
Ortona/Lanciano to Sorrento
We
are drawn to Ortona to remember when and how Canadians liberated the town
in the intense fighting of "Bloody December" 1943, by
house-to-house combat in winter weather. We pause at the Moro River war
cemetery, where 1,357 Canadian soldiers are buried. Afterwards comes lunch
and a liturgy at nearby Lanciano, the most moving site of the 8th-century
Eucharistic miracle, which to this day defies all human explanation
(science does not remove mystery but comes to affirm it); here the pilgrim
can find greater meaning and clarity in the Lord's solemn words:
"take and eat, this is my body." From there we cross from one
coast of Italy to the other, concluding our day in Sorrento. (B, D)
Day 11 Wednesday, May 6
Pompeii/Cassino to Rome
We
begin the day on the great bay of Naples, in sight of the mist and smoke
of Vesuvius, at the pontifical sanctuary and basilica of the Most Holy
Rosary, Pompeii, with Holy Mass. Blessed Bartolo Longo was a Naples lawyer
who was dabbling in
Satanism but was converted; from 1872 on, he resolved to propagate the
rosary while working hard providing for orphaned children. The great
church houses the portrait of Our Lady of the Rosary, which originally
arrived in the area on a cartload of manure.
Afterwards, we are guided through the extensive and varied ruins of the
nearby "dead city" buried in 79 AD in one of the most disastrous
volcanic eruptions in history. On the UNESCO World Heritage List (1997),
this favourite resort of rich Romans was a booming town when Vesuvius
erupted; the systematic excavations give plenty of evidence of the intense
activity that went on in the town.
On
the way to Rome, we turn off to see the celebrated abbey of Montecassino,
founded in 529 by St. Benedict, the radiating centre of his Rule and his
spirit, affording remarkable views of the Liri valley. A key German
stronghold in the system of defenses guarding the approaches to Rome, the
abbey was subjected to fierce bombardment in 1944 which destroyed it
entirely (it has since been rebuilt to its former plan). (B, D)
Day 12 Thursday, May 7
Rome
"All
roads lead to Rome" where there is a wealth of delights! While we are
only one full
day in the Eternal City (likely pilgrims on this venture will have been
there before or may wish to extend their stay), we do spend ample time at
the Vatican – the heart of the Church for Catholics worldwide –
including its museums (Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms), St. Peter's
Basilica, and the tombs of the popes (Pius X, John XXIII, John Paul II).
To begin the day though, we travel via the metro to the basilica of St.
Paul-outside-the-Walls for Holy Mass to crown our observance of the Year
of Paul 2008-2009. (B, D)
Day 13 Friday, May
8
Rome to
Toronto
After
breakfast we will receive a transfer to the airport for our flight back to
Toronto (and perhaps other gateways). We echo St. Paul: "Thanks be to
God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15) (B)
Price including air from Toronto (other gateways upon request)
-
$ 4575 per person based on double occupancy
-
$ 625 single supplement (limited availability)
Credit
card payments
Should
you prefer to pay by credit card, then please
add 3% credit card processing fee to your total amount!
Price
includes:
-
Daily Mass/prayers and services of Fr. Peter T. Rowe
-
Scheduled air service Toronto – Milan and Rome – Toronto
-
Airport taxes and fuel related charges as they stand as per August 30, 2008 (subject to change)
-
Eleven nights hotel accommodation in fine Italian hotels, including service charges and taxes
-
Private air-conditioned motor coach with panoramic windows and reclining seats
-
Private round-trip boat transportation Tronchetto to San Marco (Venice)
-
English-speaking licensed guides for half-day in Milan, Venice, and Pompeii
-
Daily breakfast and dinner, indicated with breakfast (B) and dinner (D)
-
Entrance fees to all sights as per itinerary.
In
addition, you will receive:
-
Pre-tour seminars including a film night
-
Information package provided during our social night three weeks prior to departure in St. Alexander Church's hospitality room in Fonthill
Not
included: Lunches;
travel insurance; any items of a personal nature such as beverages; tips
to driver and guides.
As we part company, we will do so with the knowledge that our lives have been enriched in faith and friendship!
To
book complete the registration form
and and return to Brinkman Travel.
Important
to know!
Travel documentation:
Tour members must be in possession of a valid passport valid until at
least August 8, 2009.
Reservations
and payments:
Price
Guarantee:
Brinkman Travel reserves the right to adjust prices if there is a change
in currency exchange rates, fuel surcharges or taxes. The quoted tour
price is not subject to GST.
Cancellation
Fees:
Cancellations are subject to the following maximum cancellation charges:
-
Up to December 15, 2008 Deposit
-
Up to February 26, 2009 $2,000 per person
-
Later cancellation 100% of the cost will be charged
If
you need to cancel, you must notify Brinkman Travel in writing. Brinkman
Travel Inc. will refund all money paid towards the tour less the
applicable cancellation fee. These charges apply to the tour only, and do
not include cancellation charges for any extra arrangements.
Insurance:
Brinkman Travel highly recommends you purchase its deluxe RBC Voyageur
package insurance protecting you against cancellation charges based on
canceling or interrupting your tour for medical reasons only occurring to
yourself or someone in the immediate family, preventing you from
traveling, and when accompanied by a doctor's official written
declaration, as well as providing you with unlimited medical insurance,
air accident, baggage, etc. Premium is pending upon age, duration, and
cost of tour. Insurance premium is due at the time of booking and is
non-refundable.
Shared and
Single Accommodation: Passengers must indicate at the time of booking whether they
want to share a room or if they prefer a single room; there are a limited
number of single rooms available. Your roommate, if known, should also be
indicated. Triple rooms, while not recommended, can usually be arranged.
Should it not be possible to find a compatible roommate, then the single
person must be prepared to pay the single supplement no later than one
month prior to departure.
Physical
Disabilities: Any physical disability requiring special attention or treatment must be
reported when reservations are made. Brinkman Travel and/or their agents
reserve the right to accept or retain anyone who may, in their sole
judgment, require care and attention beyond that which can be provided.
Minimum
Number of Participants: To guarantee the departure and price of this exclusive
customized BT Pilgrimage Tour, 30 passengers are required. Should we
have between 22 and 30 passengers, a surcharge of $150 per person will
apply. When we reach 32 or more passengers, Ineke Brinkman or another
English speaking tour escort will act as your travel hostess throughout
the tour.
Baggage
Allowance:
Tour members are allowed one suitcase per person, not exceeding 40 pounds
in weight with dimensions not to exceed 158 cm (total length, width, and
height). Tour members are responsible for their carry-on luggage at all
times.
Itinerary
Variations: Unforeseen circumstances beyond our control may make changes necessary;
we reserve the right to vary the itinerary and to substitute hotels.
Travel
Documentation: Tour documents (hotel list, flight itinerary, passenger list and packing
list, etc.) will be handed out/mailed three weeks prior to departure.
Responsibility: Brinkman Travel Inc. of St. Catharines acts as an agent for the various owners or contractors providing transportation, hotels, and other services for the tour members. Brinkman Travel Inc. shall not be liable or held responsible directly or indirectly for any delay, injury including death, loss of enjoyment, personal and/or property caused to any person, company or association providing accommodation, transportation, or other services in connection with the tour. The right is also reserved to withdraw all or part of the tour should conditions warrant and to make such alterations in the itinerary as may be found desirable for the convenience of the members and proper execution of the tour. The right is reserved to decline or retain persons as members of the tour, in which case equitable refund will be made at the discretion of the operators. In the event of a tour being cancelled, Brinkman Travel's sole responsibility shall be the refund of monies paid by the participant.
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L2T 3H3
Phone: 905.988.9100 Fax: 905.988.9400 Email: mail
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