Pilgrimage to Rome: We Celebrate 70 Years of St. James

Day 1: Arrival and First Steps in the Eternal City

The group of 33 pilgrims arrived early on August 11 at Fiumicino Airport and settled into Villaggio San Giuseppe, the Monastery of Chaldean Sisters. The day unfolded with a Mass at Sant’Ambrogio celebrated by Fr. Roman, followed by visits to iconic Roman landmarks: Piazza di Spagna, Fontana di Trevi, and Piazza del Popolo. These first steps immersed the pilgrims in the beauty and history of Rome, blending sacred and cultural experiences.

Day 2: Encountering the Roots of the Church

On August 12th, the pilgrims began the day with Mass at the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. After entering through the Holy Door, Fr. Piotr presided over the liturgy, deepening the group's connection to the apostolic foundations of the Church. Visits to Scala Santa followed, culminating in explorations of the Colosseum - symbol of endurance and place of martyrdom of Christians.

Day 3: A Personal Encounter with Pope Leo XIV

August 13 marked a highlight: the General Audience with Pope Leo XIV. Due to a heatwave, the audience was held in the Paul VI Hall, where the Holy Father continued his Jubilee catechesis on “Jesus Christ Our Hope,” reflecting on the Last Supper and the reality of evil in the world. His message emphasized that evil does not have the final word - a powerful reminder for pilgrims seeking hope and renewal.

During the meeting with the Pope, Fr. Piotr introduced the group and handed over the medal of 70th Anniversary of St. James Vicariate. The pilgrims had the possibility to great His Holiness and to take picture.

Later that day, the group celebrated Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore with Fr. Apo and visited other historic sites, reinforcing the theme of mercy and vigilance echoed in the Pope’s recent Angelus.

Day 4: Vatican Treasures and Sacred Spaces

On August 14th, the pilgrims explored the Vatican Museums and entered St. Peter’s Basilica through the Holy Door, after a long walk with a cross at Via della Conciliazione. The afternoon included Mass at Santo Spirito preceded by Fr. Piotr.

Day 5: Eucharistic Miracles and Devotion

A day trip to Lanciano and Manoppello on August 15th brought the pilgrims face-to-face with Eucharistic miracles and sacred relics. Mass in Lanciano, where the famous Eucharistic miracle occurred, was celebrated by Fr. Roman. The visit to the Holy Face of Manoppello offered a moment of deep contemplation and awe.

Day 6: Martyrs and Mission

On August 16th, the group visited the Catacombs of San Callisto and celebrated Mass with Fr. Igino. The day’s theme centered on the witness of early Christians and the call to mission, reinforced by a visit to Quo Vadis Domine Church and the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura, the burial site of St. Paul where the procession through the Holy Door was the culmination point. The pilgrims prayed Rosary in Hebrew inside the Basilica.

Day 7: Sunday with the Pope and Optional Excursions

Sunday, August 17th, began with Mass at the Monastery of the Oblates of Immaculate Mary at Via Aurelia, celebrated by Fr. Benny, followed by free time, with some pilgrims choosing to visit Ostia Antica and enjoy the beach.

Day 8: Final Reflections and Farewell

On August 18th, the group visited the Il Gesù, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and passed for the last time along the river, next to Castel Sant'Angelo and Via Conciliazione to see the skyline of St. Peter's Basilica. The final Mass at S. Maria del Perpetuo Soccorso, again led by Fr. Apolinary, was a moment of thanksgiving and spiritual closure.

Day 9: Departure

The pilgrimage concluded on August 19th with an early departure from Villaggio San Giuseppe and a flight back to Tel Aviv. The journey left the pilgrims enriched, renewed, and deeply connected to the universal Church.

This pilgrimage unfolded during a significant moment in the Church’s life. Pope Leo XIV, in his first 100 days, has emphasized mercy, hope, and the Eucharist as central themes. Tired but happy we could connect with the message that resonated throughout the pilgrims’ journey.