This past summer, a group of O’Gorman students along with faculty members from the Theology Department, set off on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. The pilgrimage was organized by O’Gorman Chaplain Fr. Tony Klein along with the help of Jacqueline Kane of Lolek Pilgrimage. The trip lasted a total of 11 days – two days for travel, six days in Rome, and three days in Assisi. For the pilgrims, it was truly the trip of a lifetime, filled with new and exciting experiences.
Fr. Tony Klein lifting up the Body of Christ
What is a pilgrimage? When people hear the word pilgrimage, their minds might immediately jump to the long miles of walking and the slightly uncomfortable conditions. In Rome, the pilgrims walked about ten miles a day, and their lodgings did not have air conditioning. Although it might seem hard to believe, that is the beauty of a pilgrimage. “A pilgrimage is more intensely focused on what we’re going towards- not what we’re leaving behind. It’s meant to be a little uncomfortable to put us in a place of greater receptivity,” said Fr. Tony Klein. By stepping away from all they knew, the pilgrims were able to encounter something much bigger than themselves – God.
Rome
The pilgrims started their journey in Ancient Rome, where they caught glimpses into the lives of persecuted Christians. Touring historic wonders like the Colosseum, along with visiting places where early Christians secretly gathered, led the pilgrims to view their faith in a new light. “Seeing all of the history of the church really stuck out to me. The sacrifice of the early Christians was super inspiring,” said current senior James Shea.
Throughout their time in Rome, the pilgrims had the privilege of visiting and praying at a number of incredible churches and basilicas. St. Peter’s Basilica became a special place for many of them. There, the pilgrims had the moving experience of seeing the bones of St. Peter, along with the tombs of many popes and saints. The pilgrims also experienced the excitement of attending a Papal Audience with Pope Francis. They were very fortunate to have seats bordering the Holy Father’s route, and seeing the Pope at such close proximity was memorable for the entire group.
Pope Francis at the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square
Other highlights from Rome include visiting the Vatican Museums adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica as well as the other three major basilicas in the city: the Basilica of St. Mary Majors, the Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Scala Sancta, or the Holy Stairs, was another unforgettable experience for the group. The stairs were taken from Pontius Pilate’s praetorium in Jerusalem and brought to Rome by St. Helena. On the day of His death, Jesus walked up those exact stairs. Today, we venerate the Holy Stairs by going up them on our knees.
Assisi
After the hustle and bustle of Rome, the pilgrims found great peace in the medieval town of Assisi. It was the birthplace and home of St. Francis of Assisi, and the pilgrims were able to visit some of the places he would have been. Just as they did in Rome, the pilgrims were able to spend time in the churches and basilicas of Assisi. They had the beautiful experience of celebrating Mass at the tomb of St. Francis, which is located in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The pilgrims also had the privilege of spending time in the Basilica of St. Clare. There, they saw the incorrupt St. Clare of Assisi as well as the San Damiano Cross – the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis, and commissioned him to rebuild the Church. Another memorable experience for the pilgrims, was visiting the resting place of the Blessed Carlo Acutis. His example of unwavering faith was an inspiration to the pilgrims, allowing them to realize that holiness can be attained at any age. Other highlights from Assisi include hiking to the Hermitage-a place where St. Francis and the brothers would spend time in retreat – and simply enjoying the picturesque streets and spectacular views.
In both Rome and Assisi, the pilgrims experienced the beauty of their faith in very real and tangible ways. Having the opportunity to spend time in those holy places and seeing the tombs and relics of many saints sparked a great sense of encouragement. “It helped me to put in real life connections, which strengthened my faith and my relationship with God,” said current senior Shannon Heiman. The universality of the Church shone brightly as the pilgrims came to realize that no matter where they are in the world, there will always be the Eucharist and the Mass.
Returning home from the pilgrimage, the O’Gorman students and Theology staff stepped back into their ordinary routines. However, the extraordinary experiences, the deepened relationships, and the graces they received will always be a part of them to cherish. The next pilgrimage is tentatively planned for the summer of 2026. It will be open for all rising seniors and those who have just graduated. “If you ever have the opportunity to do a pilgrimage, I highly encourage you to go,” said current senior Isabella Johnson. “It was life changing and I will never forget all of the blessings I received.”
“To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art or history. To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendor and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe.” – Pope Benedict XVI
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