Our second day in Rome began with a hearty breakfast at 7 AM, fuelling us for another day of spiritual enrichment and exploration. With great anticipation, we boarded our coach for a short drive from Hotel Lancelot to the Vatican, where we embarked on a truly special journey—our pilgrimage through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Following the designated Holy Door pilgrimage route, we walked prayerfully up the Via della Conciliazione led by Bishop David, reflecting on the grace and renewal offered during this Jubilee Year. Stepping through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s was a deeply moving experience, a tangible reminder of God’s mercy and our call to be Pilgrims of Hope. After a quiet time of prayer, we were guided through the magnificent basilica, taking in its awe-inspiring beauty and profound spiritual significance.
After a morning of prayer and reflection, we made our way to the Pontifical Beda College, where we were warmly welcomed by the Rector, Canon Philip Gillespie for Mass. The hospitality of the Beda community was a blessing, and we enjoyed the simple joy of tea and cake, a moment of rest amidst our busy day.
Refreshed, we continued our pilgrimage with a visit to another sacred site—St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. Here, we once again had the privilege of passing through a Holy Door, deepening our connection to the graces of this Jubilee Year. As we explored the basilica, we took a moment to find a special name among the portraits of past bishops at the back of the church—the name of the first Bishop of Northampton. This connection to our own diocese in such a significant place was a humbling and inspiring experience, reminding us of our shared faith across time and space.
As evening approached, we returned to our hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest. However, for some of our pilgrims, the day was not yet over! A group ventured out to the Trevi Fountain, taking in the beauty of Rome by night and, of course, tossing in a coin with the traditional wish to return.
With hearts full and spirits uplifted, we end this second day of our pilgrimage with gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead. May we continue to walk in faith, embracing the blessings of this sacred journey.
Stay with us as we share more reflections from our Jubilee Year pilgrimage!
Pictures from day two of our pilgrimage can be viewed here
Listen to the homily from day two by Fr Simon Penhalagan
