Turin Shroud

The Holy Shroud of Turin & places associated with St John Bosco

Introduction

Turin may be most commonly known for Fiat and the Winter Olympics but throughout the centuries it has also been a centre of religious interest and devotion. The Turin Shroud that tradition claims is the cloth that encloses the dead body of Jesus has been kept in Turin for over four hundred years and is being shown in 2010 for the first time since it has undergone major repair. The Shroud may raise the problem of many relics, that of authenticity, but for Christians it is not the object itself that is important but those central beliefs of our faith that it helps us to contemplate. However, there are many more things and places that witness to the devotion of the this city, as we will see not only great houses of prayer such as the church of the Consolata but also the living evidence of what Christian charity can achieve in the institutions founded by St John Bosco and St. Joseph Cottolengo.
No visit to Turin could though, ignore its place as one of the most important and also one of the most elegant cities in Italy, with its beautiful setting lying as it does at the foot of the Alps. Turin has been a major centre of commerce and politics throughout the centuries, culminating in being made the capital city of Italy for a few years before Rome was given that role. Today it is still very active but retains a sophisticated feel and French touch that is visible in its beautiful squares and buildings and there will be time to see the principal sites during the tour and also enjoy them in the allocated free time.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - FRIDAY

London - Turin

Early morning flight by Ryanair from Stansted to Turin. Transfer to hotel and arrive in time for dinner.

DAY TWO - SATURDAY

Turin

After breakfast take part in a guided tour of the principal religious sites of Turin during which Mass will be celebrated. We will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, situated in a picturesque corner of the city, which has been a place of devotion for over a thousand years and where the people of Turin have often come to in times of trouble to pray before the Icon of Our Lady. The Church of Corpus Domini remembers a Eucharistic miracle which occurred in the 15th century. In the quarter of Valdocco we visit the Church of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice (Our Lady Help of Christians), which St. John Bosco raised the funds for after in a dream Our Lady had instructed him to build a church on this site. St John Bosco and Dominic Savio are both buried here. Next to the church is the Salesian Institute and nearby is the vast complex of Cotttolengo, founded by St. Joseph Cottolengo to provide hospitals, schools and homes for the poor and which inspired Don Orione in his mission. In the afternoon we make our way to the renaissance Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, where the Holy Shroud has been housed for more than four hundred years. The timed visit begins with a short period of preparation during which a video and various exhibits are shown to help explain the appearance of the shroud, the various theories and its history, but this is all done in an atmosphere of calm and quiet. At the end you will enter the Cathedral and have time in a small group to venerate the Shroud. Return to the hotel for dinner.

DAY THREE - SUNDAY

Turin

Following breakfast and the celebration of Mass, there will be a tour to discover some of the great secular sites of Turin. Situated in the centre of the city is the elegant 17th century Piazza San Carlo, flanked by noble palaces and the churches of St. Christina and St. Charles Borromeo. Just a short distance from the Piazza San Carlo we reach Piazza Castello where the ruling family of Turin converted an ancient fortified gateway into a castle which became Palazzo Madama under the House of Savoy. Leaving the historical centre towards the River Po we see The Mole Antonelliana tower, rising to a height of 167 metres, it dominates the Turin skyline. It was originally designed to be a synagogue but the City authorities took over the building and it is a testament to the great industrial expansion of the 19th century. The afternoon will be free for your own exploration but especially recommended are the Egyptian Museum, which has the second best collection after the British Museum outside of Egypt and the Galleria Sabauda, which houses some great works by artists such as: Bellini, Van Eyck, Rubens and Veronese. Dinner in the hotel.

DAY FOUR - MONDAY

Turin - Monteferrato Hills

After breakfast we leave by coach and stop just outside at the Basilica of Superga, situated on the top of a hill, from where there is a superb panoramic view of the city and surrounding area. The church is a masterpiece designed by the architect Juvarra and was built by Victor Amadeus II in thanks for a victory in battle over the French in 1703. We continue on into the countryside to the small town of Castelnuovo Don Bosco (formerly called Castelnuovo d’Asti but renamed after the saint!) We will visit the new sanctuary and the house where John Bosco was born. Mass will be celebrated here. In the afternoon there will be a drive into the pretty Monferrato hills, where a stop will be made for a wine tasting, in this area which is well known for its wines. Dinner in the hotel.

DAY FIVE - TUESDAY

Turin - London

After breakfast we will transfer by coach to Turin airport for the return flight to Stansted.

Travel Dates and Cost:

21st May 2010 - 25th May 2010
Five days
£599

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Terms of Payment:

Deposit of £120 per person on booking (plus insurance if required). Final payment due two months before the departure date. The above price is guaranteed until 30th April 2010, any bookings received by Pax Travel after this date may be subject to a flight surcharge.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Return scheduled flights by Ryanair: Stansted – Turin – Stansted. UK and Italy departure taxes. Accommodation for 4 nights in a 3 star hotel in Turin, in twin-bedded rooms with en-suite facilities. Airport transfers to and from hotel in Turin. All touring whilst in Italy as set out in the itinerary. Entrance to see the Holy Shroud in Turin. Service of a Pax Travel Italian-speaking tour escort. Meal Plan: Buffet breakfast each day, 4 dinners in the hotel or in a restaurant in Turin.
Members of all Christian denominations are welcome. Catholic Mass will be celebrated each day.

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance, currently at £23.00. Single room supplement at £23 per person per night (limited availability). Entrance fees to museums and castles. Lunches, Drinks (including at meals) and souvenirs.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Catholic

OTHER PILGRIMAGES IN Italy