2025 JUBILEE OF DEACONS

Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the office of Deacons in Ministry

In the synagogue of his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus claims the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). This year of the Lord’s favor refers to a jubilee, which according to the law of Moses, is to occur every fiftieth year as special season of God’s mercy (Leviticus 25:8-22). In a similar way, the Church declares jubilee years, or holy years, to commemorate occasions of significance in the history of salvation.

Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Jubilee opens in December, and throughout the year, the Holy See will host events for various groups at the Vatican. February 21 through 23 will be the Jubilee of Deacons, with prayer, catechesis, and worship for deacons and their wives from across the globe.

Set against the backdrop of the eternal city of Rome and picturesque cities of Italy, the Jubilee of Deacons pilgrimage promises to be a time of spiritual renewal and fellowship. We are confident that your participation will renew your vocation in service to our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We look forward to joining you on pilgrimage with eyes fixed on Jesus our hope.

Tour Dates

February 18 - March 1, 2025

Tour Chaplains

Fr. Parker Sandoval | Fr. Juan Ochoa

Deposit Amount

$350 Per Person

Departs/Returns

Tour Price

Los Angeles, CA

$3,850 Per Person

Tour Highlights

  • Vatican

    Vatican

    Rome is the city of the martyrdoms of Sts. Peter, Paul, and Lawrence. Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church, headed by the Pope.

  • Jubilee Doors

    Jubilee Doors

    Jesus says, “I am the door.” Holy Doors are opened during Jubilee years, through which pilgrims pass to obtain an indulgence. Jubilee years are a special time of mercy and mark milestones in the history of the Church.

  • Assisi

    Assisi

    Assisi is a charming hilltop city and the birthplace of St. Francis; his spirit fills the city.

  • Milan

    Milan

    Milan is a vibrant metropolis and the largest diocese in Europe. The gothic cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world.

  • Siena

    Siena

    Siena is renowned for the annual Palio di Siena horse race. The cathedral is a Renaissance masterpiece.

  • Florence

    Florence

    Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to architectural gems such as the dome of the cathedral. Unparalleled collections of Renaissance artworks fill many museums.

  • Board flight from Los Angeles Airport Rome Fiumicino Airport.

  • Arrive at Rome airport and greeted by the tour manager and bus driver. Transfer to hotel in Rome where we will check in and stay overnight.

  • We drive along the ancient Appian Way to reach the Catacombs and the Basilica of St. Sebastian. We also visit the Church of Domine Quo Vadis. According to a tradition, the apostle Peter, fleeing the city to avoid martyrdom, encountered Jesus to whom he addressed the following words “Domine, quo vadis?” (Lord, where are you going?), and the Lord replied “Venio Romam iterum crucifigi” (I am coming to Rome to be crucified again). We continue to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and see the tomb of the saint who provided instructions for deacons in his First Letter to Timothy. We pass through the first Jubilee Holy Door and celebrate Mass. We then visit the Church of the Martyrdom of St. Paul. After lunch, we tour the Colosseum (inside) and visit the church and multi-level archeological ruins of the Basilica of San Clemente. We return to the hotel for dinner and stay overnight.

    • Visit the Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls and see the tomb of St. Lawrence Martyr, patron of deacons; here we celebrate Mass.

    • Visit the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem to see the sacred relics from the Holy Land, including a replica of the Holy Shroud.

    • Visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the seat of the Bishop of Rome; here we pass through the Jubilee Holy Door.

    • Visit the Holy Stairs and the Church of St. Prudenziana, perhaps the oldest church in Rome.

    • Visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the oldest shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and pass through the Jubilee Holy Door.

    • Visit the Vatican Museums and see the Sistine Chapel.

    • Jubilee procession to enter the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.

    • Papal blessing in St. Peter’s Square.

    • Jubilee of Deacons catechesis at the Vatican.

    • Visit the Pantheon, the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps.

  • We depart for Assisi. Upon arrival, we visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, for which the City of Los Angeles is named. Within the church is the shrine of the "Porziuncola," or the Little Portion Chapel, where St. Francis died; we celebrate Mass here. After lunch, we visit the Basilica of St. Clare and see her remains and the miraculous crucifix of San Damiano. We then walk through the narrow streets of the medieval city to the Basilica of St. Francis, himself a deacon; the saint is buried in the crypt. We check in at the hotel for dinner and stay overnight.

  • We depart for Siena, and upon arrival, visit the Basilica of St. Dominic Church and see the relics of St. Catherine; here we celebrate Mass. We then visit the beautiful Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. Enjoy time at your leisure to see the famous Piazza del Campo, known for its horse races. We continue to Florence to check in at the hotel. Later, we enjoy dinner and stay overnight.

  • We visit the Basilica of the Holy Cross and celebrate Mass. We then go on a guided tour of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, ending at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Baptistry of St. John. During the afternoon, explore Florence at your leisure, soaking in the city’s rich history and world-class museums. We return to the hotel for dinner and stay overnight.

  • We visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and celebrate Mass. Spend the rest of the morning in Florence, exploring additional attractions in the city. After lunch, we continue to Milan, and upon arrival, check in at the hotel for dinner and stay overnight.

  • We go on a guided tour of this cosmopolitan and stylish city. We visit the grand Cathedral of the Nativity of St. Mary; here we see the tomb of St. Charles Borromeo and celebrate Mass. We then visit the Basilica of St. Ambrose and see the remains of the saint. In the afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure in the fashion district around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, before returning to the hotel for dinner and stay overnight.

  • We transfer to Milan airport for our departure flight back home.

Daily Itinerary

Tour Includes

  • We take care of your flights to and from destinations and we can help with any requests with the Airlines on your behalf.

  • We use superior class hotels and book rooms with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

  • Don’t worry about your check-in luggage when going to your room and checking out because the porters will deliver it to your door.

  • The advantage of traveling with the group is a group transfer to and from the airport.

  • Our team of Professionally trained guides provide all-around information and always available to answer any questions you may have.

  • A daily private mass with the tour Chaplain at some of the most important churches and basilicas.

  • Breakfast and dinners are included daily. Sometimes the meals are served buffet style, or a 3 course meal.

  • All entrance fees to all of the sites are taken cared of. No more waiting in line to grab your tickets. We’ve already pre-purchased them for you.

  • Makes listening and exploring the different sites easier.

  • Tips & Gratuities for Guides, Drivers, Porterage Service, Waiting staff at breakfast and dinners.

  • We highly recommend travel insurance when traveling abroad.

  • Some lunches will be on your own, other days it will be included.

  • ETIAS preapproval

  • Traveling alone? You can occupy and have your own room - a supplement applies.

  • We know you love to shop and eat, so be prepared with your shopping money!

Not Included