Gargano Pardon
The nocturnal penitential pilgrimage from Monte Sant'Angelo to San Giovanni Rotondo
About Gargano Pardon
A pilgrimage through the Gargano night
The Gargano Pardon is one of the most profound spiritual events in Puglia: a nocturnal penitential pilgrimage linking the two pillars of Gargano faith, the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo, the city of Padre Pio. Promoted by the Youth and Vocational Ministry of the Capuchin Friars together with the Archdiocese of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo, it takes place between late June and early July in the heart of the Province of Foggia.
The March of Pardon
The centerpiece is the March of Pardon, a roughly 26-kilometer walk undertaken by young people and the faithful throughout the night. Following a blessing and the symbolic presentation of the Archangel Michael's sword, the procession departs from the Grotto of the Apparitions in Monte Sant'Angelo and follows the road descending toward San Giovanni Rotondo, amidst prayer, silence, and song. The arrival in the middle of the night coincides with the rite of opening the Holy Door in the ancient small church of the Capuchin convent, granting the plenary indulgence established by John Paul II via the decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary on October 30, 2002.
Three spiritualities converging
What makes the Gargano Pardon unique is the meeting of three great spiritual figures: Saint Michael the Archangel, venerated for centuries in the Monte Sant'Angelo grotto (a UNESCO site), Saint Francis of Assisi, whose tradition links the Gargano to the Franciscan path, and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, who lived and worked in San Giovanni Rotondo. Each edition is enriched by special signs and relics, as well as moments of catechesis, vigils, and Eucharistic celebrations presided over by bishops and cardinals.
An event on the Gargano promontory
Included in the Michael et Franciscus program calendar, the Gargano Pardon attracts pilgrims from all over Puglia and the rest of Italy, blending religious devotion with the hiking and scenic beauty of one of Southern Italy's most evocative territories. Walking by night along the Gargano heights between Monte Sant'Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo remains an unforgettable experience of faith and community for many.
Gargano Pardon — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Gargano Pardon, organized by the Youth and Vocational Ministry of the Capuchin Friars and the Archdiocese of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo, held special significance: it fell during the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi. The heart of the edition was the reception of the relic of Saint Francis' mantle in Monte Sant'Angelo and the traditional nocturnal penitential walk of the youth to the Holy Door of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Programme Gargano Pardon 2026
Sunday, June 28 — Monte Sant'Angelo
- 18:00 — Reception of the relic of Saint Francis of Assisi's mantle and procession toward the Grotto of Saint Michael the Archangel
- 19:00 — Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Franco Moscone
Monday, June 29 — Monte Sant'Angelo
- 20:00 — Youth prayer vigil at the Archangel's Grotto (Diocesan Youth Ministry)
Tuesday, June 30 — The March of Pardon
- 15:00 — Catechesis by Father Walter Insero
- 16:00 — Blessing of the pilgrims, presentation of the Archangel Michael's sword, and departure of the March of Pardon from the Grotto of the Apparitions
- 23:45 — Arrival of pilgrims at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo
- Midnight — Rite of opening the Holy Door in the ancient small church of the Capuchin convent for the plenary indulgence
Wednesday, July 1 — San Giovanni Rotondo
- 11:30 — Solemn concluding Eucharistic celebration at Santa Maria delle Grazie, presided over by Cardinal Domenico Battaglia
The main events were broadcast live on Padre Pio TV, as well as on the YouTube channel and the official Facebook page of the "Perdono del Gargano".
Highlights Gargano Pardon 2026
Prices Gargano Pardon 2026
Practical information — Gargano Pardon
How to get there
Monte Sant'Angelo can be reached by car via the SS89 Garganica; the reference train station is Foggia, which is connected to the Gargano by bus lines. The pilgrimage starts at the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel (Grotto of the Apparitions) and ends at Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Shuttle
A free shuttle service is available, departing from Piazzale Forgione in San Giovanni Rotondo toward Monte Sant'Angelo (usually in the early afternoon); booking is required via the form provided on official channels.
Tips
As this is a 26-km night walk, comfortable shoes, water, layered clothing, and a flashlight are recommended. Participation is free.
Contacts
Tel. +39 0882 417500 — Official Facebook page "Perdono del Gargano".
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Where does it take place — Gargano Pardon
Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo (Grotta delle Apparizioni)
Via Reale Basilica, 71037 Monte Sant'Angelo