Thirty-six young pilgrims start their journey to Rome as part of the Jubilee of Hope. Led by Fr. Roger Niedzielski, the group’s chaplain, the pilgrimage is a hybrid study-abroad program offered by Newman Theological College. As part of their journey, pilgrims will be reflect on their experience and how it deepens their faith.
Collective reflections by pilgrims, Mary Dominguez, Kalista Nugent, & Amélie Schoenberger:
First Sunday by Mary Dominguez
We had an incredible Sunday in Rome yesterday. Sunday morning we had our pilgrim walk towards St.Peter’s Basilica. I got to chat with so many of us after the walk and after walking into the Basilica and the experience for most of us was surreal. I was leading hymns with Victor as we walked and as we entered I immediately felt like I was being held. Every corner, every angle you turned to, there was beauty. Every inch of ceiling and wall was covered in intricate art, the statues were massive and glorious and there were so many incorrupt bodies of the saints. We prayed in front of an image of Mary and then we all dispersed. The first saint I prayed in front of was St.Josephat with Casey and as soon as I knelt down I began to weep. I tried to walk to another spot but I was so overwhelmed just looking around, not looking at anywhere specific. Looking at the altar from a distance I audibly wept and felt so seen by the saints but also so in awe of the greatness of God. I got to pray in front of many other popes, and sobbed in front of St Gregory the Great and St.John Chrysostom. I couldn’t take any photos or videos because I was so moved.
Soon after we metroed to the Catacombs of San Callixtus where we saw the place where many of the first Christians of the Early Church were buried, many of whom were killed. The point that was driven into us was the difference between how the Romans and the Christians saw death. The early Christians didn’t call the catacombs today the “Catacombs” but the “coemeteria”, which means place of rest. This emphasizes how they saw death as a temporary thing, that they were just sleeping, waiting for the horn to sound to be woken up. We celebrated Mass at the catacombs and it was an honor to lead the music for my friends, especially singing “Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”, in the place where the first Christians were buried.
Another major spot we visited was St. John Lateran where we were struck by another gorgeous Church. I honestly was emotionally exhausted at this point that just sat down in the first pew in front of the altar for most of that visit and then I prayed in front of one of this devotional image. I was staring at the “statues” of angels bordering the images and again I sobbed thinking about something father mentioned in his homily. He was talking about how if we only saw the spiritual reality going on beneath the surface, we would be moved to tears. Seeing these beautiful sites gives our imaginations access to this spiritual reality.
I feel so loved, so seen and also so small. Sunday’s Office of Readings by St.John Chrysostom, who I had the privilege of praying in front of says “[Paul] did not use the word ‘love’ but said, more appealingly: Open your hearts to us …it is possible to love and yet draw back when damage threatens; but my love is not like that”. Everything we saw today is a reminder of the absolute, persevering, gorgeous and complete love of God.
The St Peter Scavi Tour by Kalista Nugent
“It’s almost at the point where I’m not surprised anymore, as if this kind of exceptional beauty is normal. I was particularly blessed looking at different depictions of virtues in one of the rooms of the museum today. Lady Charity was illustrated as a mother breastfeeding two children with another trying to climb onto her lap. It’s definitely an image that I want to continue to reflect on.
Also, we got to go see where St. Peter’s tomb is! I don’t think I’ve fully processed it yet, but I was grateful to have a moment of prayer next to the wall of his tomb where many others have etched their prayers into over the centuries. I can’t believe we haven’t even been here a week.”
The Canadian Gathering by Amélie Schoenberger
“While preparing for this trip, I had the brilliant idea to buy everybody kazoos (not sure where I thought of this but I am immensely glad I did) and when we met up before heading over to the Canadian gathering I handed them out to everyone and was so blessed to see every being so excited to get one. We started the day with so much joy singing many songs with our kazoos. Then we walked over for the gathering and I was met with so many people I recognized and friends of mine which was such a blessing. Getting to see and catch up with them about their trips was a highlight.
Then we had a very nice and needed break for the afternoon and headed to Mass a few hours later. Heading to Mass was a struggle because the crowds were insane but we all made it safe. There were so many people it was definitely overwhelming but also so astonishing that so many young people are here for the Lord. Our church is alive and present!!!
Then the best surprise of all was that the Pope came out in his cute little popemobile and we all got to see a glimpse of him and his sweet smile”
As the pilgrimage unfolds, the group will keep those at home updated with daily and weekly reflections, offering insights into their spiritual journey and the experiences that shape their faith. To follow along in real-time, viewers are encouraged to visit the pilgrimage’s official Instagram account, @seekersofhope, where daily stories, photos, videos, and updates will be shared, offering a window into the journey.
Additionally, there is an opportunity to support the pilgrims directly. An online donation link through the Newman Theological College & St Joseph Seminary Canada Helps platform is available, with all proceeds going directly to the pilgrims. To contribute, simply visit Canada Helps – Newman Theological College Pilgrimage Fund.
Previous Reflections:
- “Elk island retreat” by Mary Dominguez
- “Final preparations” by Kalista Nugent
- “The overnight journey” by Isabella Westwood
- “The arrival to Rome” by Amélie Schoenberger