From October 1–5, members of the CLC in Slovakia undertook a pilgrimage to Rome as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations. More than a journey of sightseeing, it was a spiritual pilgrimage centered on prayer, silence, and community, seeking transformation of the heart.
Accompanied by Jesuit Father Jaroslav Mudroň SJ, the pilgrims celebrated Masses, shared personal intentions, and passed through the Holy Doors of Rome’s four major basilicas. Each basilica corresponded to one week of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, guiding them through four stages of inner renewal:
- St. John Lateran – Mercy: Recognizing sin and experiencing God’s forgiveness.
- Santa Maria Maggiore – Discipleship: Deepening the call to follow Christ under Mary’s protection.
- St. Paul Outside the Walls – The Cross: Embracing suffering with trust, learning to love to the end.
- St. Peter’s Basilica – Resurrection and Mission: Rejoicing in new life and being sent forth in mission.
The group also visited Ignatian landmarks like the Gesù Church and the rooms where St. Ignatius lived and died, finding inspiration in his simple, surrendered life. A highlight was celebrating Mass in the very room of his death, a deeply emotional moment for many.
During the Jubilee audience, Pope Leo’s message “To Hope Is to Choose” deeply resonated. He reminded the pilgrims that hope is an act of will, choosing to trust, to act with faith and courage, especially in times of trial. He offered Saint Clare of Assisi as a model of radical trust in God.
The pilgrimage fostered stronger community ties. Whether in silence, prayer, meals, or shared walks, members grew closer to each other and to God. Many returned home changed, more rooted in faith, connected to the Ignatian mission, and ready to live as everyday disciples.
Participant Michaela summarized it best:
“This pilgrimage answered a deep inner longing… Passing through the Holy Doors, praying together, seeing the Madonna della Strada, celebrating Mass where St. Ignatius died—these were unforgettable graces. I thank God for this journey and for guiding us as a community.”
