Pope Francis’ programme for his visit to Assisi in October is released

(Vatican Radio) Full details of Pope Francis’ programme for his one-day visit to the Italian town of Assisi on October 4^th have been released. Here is a complete list of his engagements:

7.45 The Pope arrives in Assisi by helicopter.

8.00 The Pope visits the Serafico Institute, a religious charitable institution that cares for sick and disabled children . He will meet the children in the institute’s church and deliver a short address.

8.45 The Pope makes a private visit to the Shrine of San Damian where St. Francis had his conversion after hearing the voice of Jesus.

9.20 The Pope arrives at the Archbishop of Assisi’s residence where he will visit the famous room where St. Francis stripped off his clothes and gave them back to his father and from then on lived a life of poverty dedicated to Christ. In this room, the Pope will meet poor people who are assisted by Caritas and deliver a speech.

10.00 The Pope arrives at the church of St. Mary Major for a private visit.

12.20 The Pope arrives by car at the Upper Basilica of Saint Francis and proceeds to the Crypt where he venerates the tomb of the saint.

11.00 The Pope celebrates Mass in Piazza San Francesco (St. Francis Square).

13.00 The Pope visits the Caritas Reception Centre at St. Mary of the Angels where he will lunch alongside the poor people who are being assisted at the Centre.

14.30 The Pope visits the Hermitage of the Prisons where he will pray in St. Francis’ cell.

15.15 The Pope visits the San Rufino Cathedral for a meeting with clergy, consecrated persons and members of the diocesan pastoral council and will deliver a speech.

16.15 The Pope visits the Basilica of Saint Clare where he will venerate the tomb of the saint, pray before the Crucifix of Saint Damian and greet the cloistered nuns.

17.30 The Pope pays a private visit to the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and prays there.

17.45 The Pope meets young people in the square outside the Basilica and delivers a speech.

18.45 The Pope arrives at the Shrine of RivoTorto and visits St Francis’ hovel.

19.15 The Pope takes his leave after greeting the authorities and flies back to the Vatican.

20.00 The Pope arrives back at the Vatican.