Readers of The Catholic Post, and all interested persons, are invited to make a pilgrimage to Rome an unforgettable, grace-filled part of their observance of the Holy Year of Mercy. But time is running out to sign-up — the preliminary registration deadline is May 6. 

The Catholic Post, in conjunction with the Collette travel company, is offering a seven-day trip to Rome and the Vatican Oct. 21-27, 2016, just one month before the closing of the extraordinary jubilee year proclaimed by Pope Francis.

Msgr. Dale Wellman, spiritual director

Msgr. Dale Wellman, spiritual adviser of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for more than four decades and newly appointed episcopal vicar for senior priests, will be the tour’s spiritual director. Representing The Catholic Post and serving as pilgrimage photographer will be Jennifer Willems, assistant editor.

The itinerary is highlighted by two likely encounters with Pope Francis — at his Sunday Angelus on Oct. 23 and his Wednesday general audience three days later.

Participants will also have the opportunity to pass through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome as well as jubilee doors at other papal basilicas including St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major.

In addition to its spiritual components, including several Masses, the time in Rome will offer guided tours of Classical Rome — featuring the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and an in-depth visit to the Colosseum — the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Jennifer Willems, assistant editor, The Catholic Post

Click here for a full itinerary and flyer with more trip information .

Cost is $3,779 per person (based on double occupancy) and includes:

— airfare from Chicago

— bus transportation from Peoria to Chicago

— accommodations at the Hotel Imperiale Rome

— Eight meals (five breakfasts and three dinners, including wine).

For more information, contact The Catholic Post at (800) 340-5630 or Collette at (800) 851-8942 and reference booking 722396.