Around 8000 Australians from diverse backgrounds are heading to Rome to witness the canonisation of the country's first saint, Mary MacKillop.
The pilgrims range in age, some on their maiden voyage outside of Australia.
"We have first time travellers [who are] very nervous, some of them very fearful of flying," Philip Ryall, Managing Director of Harvest Pilgrimages says.
"We have 80 to 90 year-olds travelling in their last overseas trip."
Mr Ryall, says 2000 people have signed up for the trip with his company, which is the official tour group from Australia to the canonisation.
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Another 6000 or so have applied for tickets.
One hundred and fifty of the pilgrims are from the Sisters of St Joseph, the order that Mary MacKillop belonged to.
Mr Ryall says the delegation is heading to Rome to witness "history in the making".
"I would say that this is the biggest single gathering of Australian pilgrims travelling to one overseas event ever," he says.
"They've come for all kinds of reasons.
"Many in thanks giving; many are curious, but mostly to celebrate something significant for Australia."
