On Saturday 15 November, communities of Servants of the Suffering from Chianciano, Naples and Rome gathered in Rome for a day of pilgrimage and fellowship. They met at the parish of St Thomas Aquinas, where our dear Don Domenico Vitulli carries out his pastoral work. He joyfully welcomed the approximately fifty participants.
The day began with Holy Mass, which was presided over by Fr Juan Pablo. During his homily, the priest delivered a profound reflection on the life of the saint of the day, St Albert the Great, teacher of St Thomas Aquinas and patron saint of the parish. The heart of his reflection drew a parallel between these two great figures: St Albert, who enlightened minds from the pulpit, and Padre Pio, who enlightened hearts from the altar. They took different paths, but were united by the same desire to lead souls to God.
After mass, the group boarded a bus bound for the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. During the journey, Fr Juan Pablo led a meditation on the theme of hope, drawing on the words of Padre Pio. This invited the group to experience the pilgrimage fully, remembering that passing through the Holy Door is not just a formal gesture, but a step taken by true ‘pilgrims of hope’.
Once they arrived near Santa Croce, the participants continued on foot to the Basilica of St John Lateran. Before entering, the group gathered to pray the rosary, preparing themselves inwardly for the encounter with the grace that the Holy Spirit bestows upon those who pass through the Holy Door with an open heart.
Once inside the basilica, Deacon SdS Teodoro Mandato led a moment of prayer, helping those present to experience a time of silence, adoration and thanksgiving. This was a deeply meaningful experience for all the pilgrims.
Once the spiritual journey had come to an end, the group returned to Don Domenico's parish, where a convivial lunch was waiting for them. The atmosphere of sharing, joy and familiarity made the day even more special, and confirmed how wonderful it is to journey together under the loving gaze of Jesus, with the support of Padre Pio and our Father.
It was a simple pilgrimage, yet it was rich in grace and was experienced as a true journey of communion, faith and hope.