The Office of Hispanic Ministry and Pastoral Juvenil recently led a pilgrimage to Italy for Jubilee 2025, attending the canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati. The diocesan delegation, composed primarily of young adults from various pastoral juvenil groups, included families, parish leaders, and Father Sergio Urrego of the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Albertville.

The pilgrimage began in Rome with visits to St. Peter’s Basilica for the Angelus prayer and the weekly papal audience in St. Peter’s Square. As “pilgrims of hope,” the group crossed four holy doors in Rome, deepening their encounter with God’s mercy.

Their journey continued to Assisi, where Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo greeted them and celebrated Mass in the childhood home of St. Francis. In his homily, he reflected on the lives of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, reminding all that holiness is possible in our time. Pilgrims also visited the Basilica of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and prayed at the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis.

The group traveled to Loreto, venerating the Holy House of Mary, then to San Giovanni Rotondo, where Father Urrego celebrated Mass in a chapel once used by St. Padre Pio. Other stops included Monte Gargano and the Cave of St. Michael the Archangel.

The pilgrimage culminated in St. Peter’s Square with the canonization Mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Following the Mass, Bishop Emeritus Robert Baker greeted the delegation.