The Lion Pilgrimage
The Lion Pilgrimage
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A FORMATION EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG ADULTS WHO ASPIRE TO IMPACT THE CULTURE FOR GOOD.
"Are you wanting to make an impact? Contribute to the development of Australia? Make it a better country? A free and fair country? The Lion Pilgrimage is for you.
Taking its name from Pope Leo XIII, and now Pope Leo XIV, the Lion Pilgrimage is a different pilgrimage experience. It aims to form future, emerging leaders who feel the call to rise above the pursuit of power and money, and to serve their country in public and political life.
Pope Leo XIII began modern Catholic Social Teaching in 1891. Since that time the teaching has developed under successive popes and will continue under Pope Leo XIV. Since 1891, we understand four pillars supporting the Social Teaching:
The dignity of the human person. The pursuit and maintenance of the common good. The principle of subsidiarity. The principle of solidarity.
Our pilgrimage will be an opportunity to grow in our understanding of the teaching, making it a force for good in Australia. The Lion Pilgrimage will help deepen faith, make lasting connections, encounter the saints and influencers who have changed history, and to enjoy the sights, food and wine of Italy.
Come and join us for a pilgrimage that will be both active and contemplative, full of joy."
Bishop Anthony Percy
DEPARTS THURSDAY 09 JULY 2026
DEPARTS THURSDAY 09 JULY 2026
RETURNS THURSDAY 23 JULY 2026
RETURNS THURSDAY 23 JULY 2026
(15 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS)
(15 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS)
Mesero • Turin (3 nights) • Florence (1) • Siena • Assisi (3) • Rome (5)
Discover the sacred heart of Italy, where faith, history, and culture come alive at every turn.
Walk where saints once walked, pray where miracles unfolded, and explore majestic cathedrals and inspiring sacred sites. Stand in awe before masterpieces of art and architecture, gaze upon frescoed ceilings that have shaped centuries of devotion and reflect on the enduring witness of the Church throughout history.
Along the way, we reflect on the legacy of Popes Leo XIII and Leo XIV and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, inspiring the next generation of leaders in Church and civic life.
Like the lion, a symbol of courage and fidelity, may this pilgrimage awaken our hearts to defend the faith, live the Gospel boldly, and deepen our encounter with God in every step across this sacred land.
Accompanied by...
Accompanied by...
Bishop Anthony Percy
Bishop Anthony Percy
Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney
Francine & Byron Pirola
Francine & Byron Pirola
Francine & Byron Pirola are the co-founders and principal authors of the SmartLoving series. They are passionate about living Catholic marriage to the full and helping couples reach their marital potential.
As a management consultant with forty years industry experience, Byron is a valued advisor to CEO's of some of Australia's largest companies with expertise in strategy and governance. He regularly advises church agencies and young professionals seeking to integrate their Catholic faith with their professional life.
As a mother, Francine balanced family responsibilities with ministry work, establishing several initiatives in support of families, schools, and parishes. As director of SmartLoving, a global Catholic marriage formation apostolate, she crafts practical frameworks and resources that integrate spirituality, theology and psychology for couples. She is a graduate of Sindonology (Shroud studies) and serves on the Senate of the Australian Catholic University.
They have been married since 1988 and have five children and a growing number of grandchildren.
Applications
Applications
In a 3-minute video, express your interest. In your application:
Tell us a little about your faith background.
What are you currently doing? Are you studying, working?
What social and political matters are you interested in?
Have you any knowledge of the Church’s Social Teaching? Is the Social Teaching of interest to you, and if so, what aspects?
What are your goals in life?
Why do you want to be part of the Lion Pilgrimage?
Submit your application to:
bishop.percy@sydneycatholic.org
francine@marriagerc.org
So we can respond to you, please include in your application your full name, mobile phone number, email address and the name of your parish.
Sponsorships are available, made possible by generous donors. Indicate in your application your desire for sponsorship and the amount (up to 50%).
Pre-Pilgrimage
Pre-Pilgrimage
Gatherings
Gatherings
Formation on Catholic Social Teaching
Testimony from those who have made lasting contributions in public & political life
Prayer: Silence, Stillness, Gospel of Mark
Dates & Times
Dates & Times
1. Friday June 5 (5.30pm-7pm)
2. Friday June 12 (5.30pm-7pm)
3. Tuesday June 16 (6pm-8pm)
4. Wednesday June 17 (6-7.30pm)
5. Friday June 26 (5.30pm-7pm)
6. Friday July 3 (5.30pm-7pm)
Post-Pilgrimage
Post-Pilgrimage
Initial Review Gathering
Initial Review Gathering
Friday August 28 5.30pm-7pm: Way Forward
Costings
Costings
STARTS:
Thursday, 09 July 2026
FINISHES:
Thursday, 23 July 2026
AIR & LAND:
AUD $9,590 (Twin Share)*
SINGLE ROOM:
AUD $1,680 Supplement
PREPAID TIPS:
AUD $240 Per Person
* Costs have been based on prices as at February 2026 and must remain subject to possible change in the event of significant exchange rate variations, tax increases or minimum group size factors (35) beyond Harvest’s control. Refer to Harvest Booking Terms & Conditions for more details. Please note the rooming in Turin will be triple share.
Included
Included
AIRFARES:
Return Economy Class from Sydney
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS:
Based on reputable local 3-4 star hotel accommodation standard
Religious House Accommodation
Meals as specified in Itinerary
TOURING & TRANSPORTATION:
Deluxe Air
Conditioned Coach touring
Professional Local Guides
Sightseeing and Entrance Fees.
OTHER:
Daily Mass
Fully Escorted by Priest Chaplain
Porterage where available
Harvest Backpack, Pilgrim Journal & Travel Wallet
Not Included
Not Included
Other meals not listed
Passport & Visa Costs (if applicable)
Items of a personal nature including phone calls, laundry, beverages, etc.
Travel insurance
Prepaid Tipping
Full Itinerary and Details
Full Itinerary and Details
For further information, please download the attached brochure.
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