A finally and a finally
This week I have two finally(s) for you.
The first finally is so simple that it’s shocking it’s taken this long. Did you know that up until a few weeks ago, the official way to request tickets to audiences or Masses with the Holy Father, was to send a fax? There have always been other ways to request tickets, which I go over in detail in my free Guide to Rome, but yes, in 2025, the Vatican required you to fax your request.
Just last month, in what is possibly the greatest improvement to come out of the Jubilee, the Prefecture of the Papal Household launched a new website to request tickets. It is very well done. You can request tickets (for individuals or groups) to all public Masses and Audiences. The schedule already goes through December. You can even modify your request if your plans change or you need to add more tickets. Amazing.
And remember, Masses and Audiences with the pope are always free. Too many tour companies charge up to 50 Euro for tickets, which is illegal, so they offer to “help” you get a seat.
Now for the next finally…
After 17 months, I am finally going back to the Holy Land!
My schedule this year is so packed, that I really only had room to add two trips.
In April I’m leading a pilgrimage that ends on Palm Sunday. A great way to start your Holy Week! A few groups are starting to trickle in, so in April, we should still have most sites to ourselves. Sign up for April here.
In June I’m leading a pilgrimage that will include a few nights in Jordan… Petra, a night of luxurious camping in the desert, and a few nights in a five star resort on the Dead Sea. Sign up for June here.
Not ready for the Holy Land, but want to do something?
I just had two spots open up on my Lenten Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. In addition to visiting the Station Churches, having some amazing food and wine experiences, and the graces of passing through the Holy Doors, we will also be alone in the Sistine Chapel. I haven’t checked, but I can pretty much guarantee that no one else is able to offer private visits to the Sistine Chapel for all their Jubilee groups. But I am. :) Sign up here for the Lenten Jubilee pilgrimage.
I also recently had two cabins open up on my sold out Rhine River Pilgrimage. If you don’t mind a week of relaxing luxurious cruising around Europe, this is the trip for you. Sign up here for the Rhine River Cruise.
Thanks for being here!
– Mountain
Mountain, please check your email.