
Join Bishop O'Connell Catholic High School
An Easter Pilgrimage to Italy
March 27 – April 6, 2024 / $4150 per person, airfare from IAD included
Led by school chaplain Father Peter McShurley, you will arrive in Italy on Holy Thursday and spend the days leading up to Easter and Easter Sunday in Assisi, with a day trip to Florence on Holy Saturday. On Easter Monday you will travel to Rome, visiting Siena along the way. The rest of the trip will be spent in Rome. Everything is included in the cost except daily lunch: roundtrip airfare from Dulles (IAD), lodging, private bus transportation, private guides, daily dinner, gratuities and more.
This trip is open to students of Bishop O’Connell High School. There is enough space for 36 students and 8 chaperones. Chaperones – if you have not yet confirmed your participation with Father Peter McShurley you must do so before registering: frpmcshurley@bishopoconnell.org.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. For that reason we suggest that you register as soon as possible. Thank you!
Covid-19 Travel Requirements? None!
Overview
On this trip we will venture in the footsteps of the greatest saints and martyrs of our Catholic heritage. We will experience the history and magnificence of Rome firsthand and explore the most incredible places of Italy.

Assisi
The trip begins in Assisi, where we celebrate the Easter Triduum, from Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday. During this time we will walk in the footsteps of the great Saints Francis and Clare.

Florence
On Holy Saturday we will enjoy a day-trip to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the world’s most beautiful cities. You’ll see the David and Brunelleschi’s incredible Duomo!

Siena
Siena, found in the heart of the Chianti region, will take you back to the Middle Ages! On Easter Monday we explore Siena, where we will learn all about Catherine of Siena, Saint and Doctor of the Church.

Rome
This trip features five days in the Eternal City. We will explore Rome’s greatest sites, from the tunnels of crypts and catacombs to the many ancient amphitheaters and early Christian churches.
TRIP DETAILS
Pricing, Payments & Cancellation
Planning Timeline
August 15, 2023 - Registration Closes
If you would like to participate you must register no later than August 15, 2023.
After You Register - Purchase Travel Insurance
We will send you an insurance quote as soon as you register. We strongly suggest that everyone purchases travel insurance.
After You Register - Get a Passport and Upload it Below!
Apply as soon as possible. NB - Passports that expire within six months of the travel dates are not valid to enter Europe.
Additional Trip Information
Trip Patron
St. Joseph – the foster father of Jesus Christ – is the greatest of saints. As our trip patron, we will pray to St. Joseph before and during the trip, asking this incredible man, the protector of the child Jesus, to protect us on our pilgrimage!
“The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course.“