Italy Through the Eyes of the Saints

The Department of Catholic Studies invites you to experience Italy as the saints did on our Spring 2025 study abroad program. Walk in the footsteps of St. Padre Pio, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Peter, St. Paul and many more. This transformative pilgrimage will lead you to sacred sites across Assisi, Siena, San Giovanni Rotondo, Naples, Pompeii, Mozzagrogna, Rome and beyond. Participants will also explore Livorno, where St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was introduced to the Catholic faith.

Join us from May 23 to June 4, 2025, for an unforgettable journey of faith and academic discovery led by Father Gerald Buonopane and Ines Murzaku, Ph.D., this study abroad experience will immerse you in the lives of the saints while visiting Italy's most significant religious, archeological, historical and cultural landmarks.

This unique course offers three "Core 3" credits. The program begins on May 23, 2025, with departure from JFK International Airport, arriving in Rome the next day. From there, students will travel to Assisi to visit the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare, the Chiesa Nuova and the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Next, the group will head to Mozzagrogna to visit the Monte Sant'Angelo Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel and tour San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St. Padre Pio. The journey will conclude with an exploration of Rome's iconic landmarks, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Vatican Museums.

Students will also visit Rome's major basilicas, including St. Peter's Basilica and celebrate Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls.

"We are thrilled to continue our Catholic Studies tradition of offering students the opportunity to experience Christianity from a different vantage point-this time, seeing our faith through the lives and legacy of the saints in Italy, including our own Mother Seton" said Murzaku, director of the Catholic Studies Program and founding chair of the Department of Catholic Studies.

The total cost of the trip is approximately $5,240, which includes all air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations (double occupancy), breakfast and dinner each day and entrance fees to all sites and museums.

Scholarships are available for Catholic Studies majors, double majors, and minors. Interested students must apply by October 15, 2024, through the Study Abroad Official Website. We also encourage you to contact Murzaku with any questions or to express your interest.

A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to secure your spot on this incredible journey.

Categories: Faith and Service, Nation and World