From 1 to 6 May, staff of the Secretariat of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, based at the Columba Centre of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, undertook a pilgrimage to Rome as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
The group of 20 was led by Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, Executive Secretary of the Conference, and was joined by Bishop Paul Connell of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. They received a warm welcome from Father Paul Finnerty, Rector of the Pontifical Irish College, where they stayed for the duration of their pilgrimage.
In Rome, the group visited the four Major Basilicas, entering through each of the Holy Doors. At every Holy Door, they paused for prayer and reflection, remembering colleagues who could not make the journey and offering personal intentions for family and friends. At the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the group took time to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis, who passed into eternal life on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025.
Highlights of the pilgrimage included the celebration of Mass in the Saint Joseph Chapel at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, 3 May, and Sunday Mass at the Pontifical Irish College. Both liturgies were led by Bishop Connell and Monsignor McGuinness. Music for the Mass at the College was beautifully provided by the Columba Centre choir.
Also during their visit, pilgrims also took part in spiritual and cultural visits to Castel Gandolfo, Tivoli, and the Basilica of San Clemente.
One member of the group commented:
“Very thankful to be able to travel to Rome on this Jubilee Year to pass through the four Holy Doors, visit the Vatican and take in all the history Rome has to offer. A memorable trip in this special year”
Another pilgrim said,
“A trip of a lifetime with our Columba Centre community and their families. We were guided spiritually, historically and culturally by three amazing guides. We enjoyed Italian food at its best and shared fun with an amazing group of people.”
Another comment said,
“My wife and I were so delighted to have had the opportunity to join the “Columba Centre” team on our pilgrimage to Rome. This was without doubt a once in a lifetime experience and provided many moments of spiritual enrichment for both of us. We were fortunate to have had fellow pilgrims with a wealth of knowledge of the history of Rome which added hugely to the enjoyment and experiences we both had when visiting the many pilgrimage sites on this trip.”
Another member said,
“Touching the crucified Christ on the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica, knowing that tens of thousands of people have touched it in the past and will do so in the future was humbling and extremely moving. I felt like I was walking forward into the merciful arms of God to safety, peace and love.”
While another pilgrim said,
“For me the pilgrimage led to my reconnecting with God, which gives renewed hope and guidance to all aspects of my life. My entry through each of the Holy Doors was very moving as the full impact of Christ’s death and resurrection reminded that He has made me His own. Sharing this with fellow pilgrims from work was a blessing as well as some reflective and prayerful moments that strengthened and encouraged me.”
ENDS
