2025 Pilgrimages
Contact us for more information on our upcoming pilgrimages:
Italian Pilgrimage in May 2025
French Pilgrimage August 2025
What is a Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage differs from a tour in several important ways. It is a personal invitation from God, comprised of His offer and dependent upon the pilgrim’s acceptance. God’s call may vary but the purpose remains consistent: It is an individual summons to know God more fully. A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to which the pilgrim joyfully responds “yes” to God’s invitation.
Although in previous centuries many trials were intrinsic to a pilgrimage, the modern pilgrim has an abundance of affordable travel options, yet the purpose remains unchanged. It is a journey to a holy, sacred place to usher the pilgrim into the presence of God.
The pilgrim must embark on this journey with joyful anticipation, being willing temporarily to separate himself or herself from the world and to offer himself or herself in humble service to another. A successful pilgrimage involves a commitment to leave behind one’s problems and to focus instead on seeking to learn more about our heavenly Father, making one’s heart full of desire for special graces, praises, petitions and thanksgiving, returning home transformed, renewed and restored by the abundant blessings received.
A pilgrimage is a time of prayer and to witness the miraculous signposts God has left for our return to Him. Ask God to bless you with a heart that will be receptive to the treasure chest of graces He desires to shower upon your pilgrimage. The success of your spiritual journey will depend upon your openness, faith, flexibility, and love.
Pilgrimage has become especially attractive for those of us whose everyday lives are filled with responsibilities and distractions. We easily find ourselves longing to leave behind the ordinary, to travel to the exotic, even if temporarily, in order to see what is truly important. We long for a life in closer communion with God. In the words of Huston Smith, “The object of pilgrimage is not rest and recreation—to get away from it all. To set out on a pilgrimage is to throw down a challenge to everyday life.”
Information on Italian Pilgrimages, Sanctuary of Saint Philomena and local information
Information on the Sanctuary of St. Philomena, Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, ITALY
The Sanctuary consists of the main church with the Sacred Altar of the body of St Philomena, a museum, devotional item shop and pilgrim center. The pilgrim center has been partly restored and can now host a pilgrimage of up to 40 devotees. The former Rector of the Sanctuary, Msgr. Giovanni Braschi RIP, undertook the work of the pilgrim center in order that the devotees who come from far and near can be close to St. Philomena in both body and spirit. He viewed the devotion to St. Philomena as one large family, of which is the Sanctuary should be a welcoming home to all who come to visit. The only funds supporting of the Sanctuary come through the sale of the devotional items, donations, Mass requests, pilgrim reservations and the help and support sent in by private devotees and the official devotional centers of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena.
There are many precious treasures stored within the Sanctuary, as you can see in this picture of the current Rector Msgr. Guiseppe Autorino with the many Papal gifts, Relics and other precious items. The tiles which was the grave of our Saint with the famous inscription PAX TECUM FILUMENA are there and the chair that Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot sat on when receiving the great miracle of Mugnano are among other unique treasures held in the sacred place.
Book into the Sanctuary Pilgrim Center
To book into the pilgrims centre of the Sanctuary please contact the Sanctuary of St. Philomena directly by email at: segreteria@santuariosantafilomena.it
This is not a hotel it is more like a home for the family of St Philomena to stay at while visiting their Saint’s earthly home. It is attached to the Sanctuary and gives direct access into the Church where the Sacred Altar of St Philomena is situated. The accommodation is of good basic quality, rooms have en-suite bathrooms, some have air conditioning with Southern Italian cuisine being served.
Meals and food served in the Pilgrims centre must be pre-arranged. There are restaurants and pizzeria’s with in the town, the closest one is around a 15 minute walk and accessed by a walk down the hill leading to the sanctuary. Directions are available on arrival to the Pilgrims centre.
Your booking helps support the Sanctuary.
Opening times of the Sanctuary of St Philomena:
08:30 – 13:00
15:00 – 20:00
Mass Schedule at the Sanctuary of St. Philomena
Sunday
10:00 am
12:00 noon
18:30 (19:00 Summer)
Weekdays
18:30 (19:00 Summer)
Confessions on request in Italian only.
Contact
Sanctuary of Saint Philomena
Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy
Tel: +39 081 825 7204
Email: segreteria@santuariosantafilomena.it
Web: www.santuariosantafilomena.it
To Book Accommodation in Mugnano or Surrounding Area
We have listed two places below that are trusted by us. They only speak Italian, if you would like our help to book this you can call our European Branch Office situated within Mugnano del Cardinale, we speak English, Italian and we are happy to assist.
We can also offer a shuttle service from Naples to Mugnano. If you would like assistance in coming in a group we are also happy to help with this. There are nearby hotels in Nola and Avellino which are approximately 20-30 mins from Mugnano.
Email: Archconfraternityphilomena@gmail.com
Telephone: + 39 081 3934189
Bed and Breakfast in Mugnano
This is a trusted B&B, used for many years by members of the Archconfraternity, family run and very clean. It consists of 3 x double rooms and has an elevator. It has some restaurants and bars on its doorstep. They offer an airport shuttle service. It is within walking distance.
Dolci Sogni
Address: Via Roma, 33 – 83027 Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy
Telephone: +39 320-814-7627
Convent in Avella
This is a pilgrim center run by nuns in a town near to Mugnano but not within walking distance, however there is a local bus which runs regularly.
Casa delle Figlie della Carità Canossiane
Address: Via Cardinale D’Avanzo, 37/41 – 83021 Avella, Avellino, Italy
Telephone: +39 (0)81 8251265
Cell 1: +39 3389932028, Cell 2: +39 3404167382, Cell 3: +39 3388852306
E-mail: info@accoglienzasuorecanossianeavella.it
Web site: www.accoglienzasuorecanossianeavella.it
Directions to Mugnano del Cardinale
Naples airport is a 30 minute drive from the Sanctuary of St. Philomena. There are airports in Rome (approximately 3 hour drive). The train is also a good alternative from Rome. There is a fast train which takes approximately 1 hour 10 mins or approx. 2 hours. There is currently no direct bus from Naples to Mugnano del Cardinale. If you decide to take a local taxi from Naples please be aware that they charge double the cost (to and return, although you are not on the return), this is a normal price and it is set by the governing taxi authority. We can arrange a taxi or shuttle if you wish.
Local Information
The town of Mugnano del Cardinale is an untouched part of Italy. It is the most beautiful yet basic part of the Italian culture. This town specializes in and is recognized worldwide for its the production of delicious Salami. There are a variety of small shops and bars, with some very nice ice cream parlors as well as a small shopping center. This lovely town is safe as well as beautiful and one can feel at ease to walking around the town. The local people are very nice and most hospitable and are happy to help and assist anyone visiting the Sanctuary. The only language spoken is Italian which gives our visitors the unique opportunity to put their Italian language lessons to practical use especially while visiting the marvelous local market in Mugnano on Tuesday mornings and those in Biano on Thursday mornings.
At the foot of the road from the Sanctuary there are buses (driving towards the left) to Avellino (30 min), the local town where there are many shops, bars and restaurants and the area is very safe. Buses driving to the right will take you to Biano (5 min) or Nola (30 min). Biano is within walking distance and the train there will take you into Naples terminal (1 hour), however this will be changing so check ahead of time. You can connect there to Rome, Sorrento and Pompeii among other places. Naples has a large variety of mainstream shops, bars, restaurants and churches, in particular the Church of Saint Genaro, Patron Saint of Naples.
By car you can reach these places more quickly by turning right at the foot of the road. In about 5 minutes you will reach the motorway entrance on your left. After this, turning left will take you towards Avellino (20 mins) and toward San Giovanni Rotondo (3 hrs). The right turn will take you toward Naples (30 min) and on to Sorrento (1 hr 20 min) and Pompeii.
Feast Days Celebrated at the Sanctuary
January
10th – Celebration of the Birthday of St. Philomena
with local external celebration and fireworks.
Sunday after the 10th – Feast of the Patronage and the Annual Blessing of the Oil.
Morning procession to the 10:00am Mass and Blessing of the Oil with the Bishop.
May 25th – Discovery of the body of Saint Philomena in the Catacombs of St. Priscilla in Rome.
Solemn Mass at 10 am and 7 pm
June
Second Sunday – Feast Celebration of St. Anthony
Weekend of external festivities with Solemn Mass Celebrations.
July
Second Sunday – Feast Celebrations of Our Lady of Grace.
Weekend of external festivities with Solemn Mass Celebrations.
August
St. Philomena Feast Celebrations all month.
Feast celebrations begin on the 10th through the second Sunday.
With external festivities and Solemn Mass celebrations.
10th – Liturgical Feast of St. Philomena within the local diocese of Nola. Translation of the Sacred Relics from Rome to Mugnano.
11th – Worldwide Feast of St. Philomena.
Second Sunday – Principle Feast Celebrations.
Morning of Battenti processions – not to be missed! Afternoon procession of the Miraculous Statue throughout the town, ending with solemn Mass.
13th – Celebration of the name of Philomena within Italy. Known as “Onomastico.”
Last Sunday – Consecration of children to St. Philomena, after 10am Mass, after 12 Mass, after 7pm Mass.
Surrounding Area
The Sanctuary is uniquely located thus allowing access to many other shrines and local attractions. St. Philomena demonstrates in the story of her translation from Rome to Mugnano del Cardinale that she greatly respects the saints and martyrs. The location of her Sanctuary clearly demonstrated this as she introduces her pilgrims to the other Shrines, of famous Saints, that are located nearby.
Located close to Naples, St Philomena’s Sanctuary is an ideal base for sightseeing. Naples is a beautiful city of great antiquity that also has a large variety of mainstream shops, bars, restaurants and churches, in particular the Church of Saint Gennaro, Patron Saint of Naples. St. Gennaro’s blood miraculously liquefies each year in September. Naples is also the location of a natural wonder, Mount Vesuvius a volcanic mountain of great historical significance. For all those who love nature a visit to Vesuvius is a must!
The nearby Sorrento Peninsula is a triumph of natural beauty and breath taking views that dominate the sea. There are characteristic villages perched on the Sorrento Coast and devotees can visit St. Andrews Cathedral in Amalfi. For those who seek complete relaxation as well as time for endless meditation these locations are ideal.
Other interesting sites include Pompeii – with its Ruins and Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii Sanctuary, Monte Virgine (AV) dedicated to Our Lady and the Sanctuary of St. Gerald Maiella (San Gerardo Maiella) (AV).
Day trips can be conveniently made to Rome, Monte Cassino Abbey (CE), San Giovanni Rotondo (the earthly home of St. Padre Pio, Monte San Angelo in Gargano for St. Michael the Archangel, Salerno for St. Matthew and further out to Lanciano (CH) for the Eucharistic Miracle and to Assisi for St. Francis.