This morning we visit the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, the third Holy Door of our pilgrimage. During our visit to Saint Mary Major, we have the opportunity to venerate many sacred relics, including the manger of the Infant Jesus, the Madonna Salus Populi Romani (Rome’s most important Marian image), and the tomb of Pope Saint Pius V. We celebrate Mass at St. Mary Major. At the Basilica of St. John the Lateran, we pass through our pilgrimage’s fourth and final Holy Door, enabling us to receive Plenary Indulgence. This Basilica is where the Pope is installed and officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this staircase is from Pontius Pilate’s palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. We may climb the steps on our knees to remember Christ’s agonizing Passion. We then walk over to the nearby Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, where we see the relics of the True Cross. The rest of the day is at leisure. Following time to relax for lunch, we visit Piazza Navona, where we see the magnificent fountains by Bernini. Next is a visit to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the resting place of St. Catherine of Siena and the Pantheon. Our final stop of the day is the Trevi Fountain, where we may throw a coin into the water with a finish for us to return to Rome. Our pilgrimage ends with a lovely farewell dinner with wine in a local restaurant near our airport hotel. Overnight Rome. (B.Special dinner)
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