Amazing! Fantastic! Great pizza! These are just some of the words used by the students of Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School to describe their experience during their pilgrimage to Rome last week. It was a packed calendar and a whirlwind tour wrapped up into one. We went from Pantheon to the Vatican to Castel San Angelo to the English College and back to the Vatican for a trip up to the Cupola ( for those with no fear of heights and with a taste for danger! ).
One of the highlights of the week was attending the Papal Audience in Paul VI hall with over six thousand pilgrims from around the world. The Pope spoke of the last words of Jesus on the Cross and reflected on the depth of God’s love for all humanity. He talked about the challenge of our faith to be people of peace and forgiveness in our world.
At the end of the week we gathered at a small church near the Vatican and offered prayers of thanksgiving for our time in Rome and for the intentions we carried with us on our pilgrimage. I remember especially the capacity for awe and wonder that was inspired among the young people by the majesty St Peter’s Basilica. I was also amazed by the energy and enthusiasm generated through the celebration of our faith in the Papal Audience. What do we need to do in our Church community to have this sense of joy each day of our lives?
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