Italian Catholic pilgrimages to Assisi and Lourdes attract hundreds of faithful

A diocesan pilgrimage led by Bishop Antonio Napolioni brought dozens of Cremona faithful to Assisi and the Sanctuary of La Verna on June 13‑14, 2026. Participants visited the Basilica of Santa Chiara, the Porziuncola and the Verna, attending Masses and prayer services that emphasized the Franciscan tradition of simplicity and fraternity.

From May 31 to June 6, over 400 pilgrims from Vicenza and surrounding areas joined the Unitalsi Triveneta pilgrimage to Lourdes, with Bishop Giuliano also present. The journey, now in its 62nd edition, gathered roughly 800 participants from multiple Italian dioceses, who reported renewed hope and a sense of community after sharing the experience at the French shrine.

Both pilgrimages highlighted personal testimonies of faith, communal prayer, and the role of the Catholic Church in fostering spiritual renewal among Italian Catholics.