PARISHIONERS from St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny took part in a special Pilgrimage of Hope in Italy where they visited a number of sacred locations including San Giovanni, Assisi and Rome.
The pilgrimage took place from October 6 to 14 and was led by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie.
Padre Pio’s remains in a glass coffin in the Church of Saint Pio.
For those taking part in the pilgrimage, it was an extra special trip and it was organised to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope.
The group of 50 pilgrims visited many spiritual locations and among the highlights was a visit to the famous St Michael’s Holy Care in Gargano. They also had the opportunity to see Saint Padre Pio’s in San Giovanni and Saint Carlos’s body in Assisi.
Geraldine Casey, Paschal Blake and Rosie Houston.
When the group visited Rome they visited a number of special sites including St Peter’s Basilica and St John’s Basilica.
The pilgrims also met Downings native, Monsignor Eamonn McLaughlin who now acts as a Canon in St Mary Major’s Basilica in Rome.
One of the organisers of the pilgrimage, Mary Maguire, said it was a wonderful experience.
“The highlight of the trip was walking through the Holy Doors in Rome,” she said.
From left – Rosie Houston, Monsignor Eamon McLaughlin, Paschal Blake, Roisin Gaffney on the Pilgrimage of Hope in Rome.
The Holy Doors are only opened during a Jubilee year so this was a very unique experience for all involved.
Mary said the group also attended a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Square. This Mass was to celebrate the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality.
This once in a lifetime spiritual excursion was thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated.
Paschal Blake with Sr Monica from the Devine Mercy Order.
