10th True Life in God
Ecumenical Pilgrimage in Italy, 2015
10th October – 17th October, 2015
arrival day departure day
Dear Friends,
Last week some members of the Pilgrimage Team travelled to Rome for a scheduled test trip to Italy. We checked the menus again, the restaurants, the layout and facilities of the Conference Hall and checked out the excursions to Pompeii and Loreto.
We also had the chance to see Rome, and visited St. Peter’s Basilica, a magnificent monument, that by itself justifies a journey to Rome, as its interior offers a composition of artistic styles at their best. Rome is a city that no one regrets visiting again and again.
We are very happy that this time our program includes trips to places that we hadn’t visited during our Pilgrimage in 2011: Pompeii and Loreto. Pompeii is one of the most exciting examples of Roman civilization and, like an open book, provides outstanding information on the art, customs, trades and everyday life of the past. You can literally experience walking around a Roman town which is 2000 years old.
You can visit the high street with its shop fronts, walk inside Roman villas, some with original frescoes. The amphitheater, theatre and forum are all in superb condition and most impressive.
However, we were most touched by our visit to the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Most Holy Rosary , in modern day Pompeii.
This is the only church in Christendom that was built by an ex Satanist, Blessed Bartolo Longo,(1841-1926), who certainly understood the power of the rosary and felt called to promote this wonderful devotion. The basilica has many wonderful mosaics and we will be celebrating Mass there.
The other place which should not be missed is Loreto The landscapes from Rome to Loreto are just breathtaking. Loreto is known for the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Nazareth which is alleged to be the house where Mary was born and raised, and the place of the Annunciation.
Archaeological evidence and documents suggest that the house may indeed be derived from the region of Nazareth, as its limestone and cedar construction materials are not available in the area of Loreto. It is believed that the relic was transported to Italy by a noble family called the Angelo or De Angelis following the defeat of the crusaders in the Holy Land. The De Angelis family of the 13th century saved the stones of the Holy House of Nazareth from destruction by the Moslems and had them transported to Loreto where the House was rebuilt. Today Loreto is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Europe and an estimated 4 million visitors arrive each year. Being there one can sense a divine peace and power.
Our journey does not stop there. We will also visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Whilst Francis was praying before an ancient crucifix in the forsaken wayside chapel of St. Damian’s below the town, he heard a voice saying: “Go, Francis, and repair my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.” Francis went back to what he considered God’s call. He begged for stones and rebuilt the San Damiano church with his own hands, not realizing that it was “the Church” that God wanted repaired. Perhaps that is the reason why Vassula has chosen for us to go there again.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Rome, sharing these wonderful moments of Unity and reconciliation and enjoying many more sacred destinations.
Time is going by fast. There are just over three months remaining before the start of the pilgrimage and we would like to ask you to register as soon as possible. There are still several places available. If you are not able to come, then maybe some of you could join together and select one member from your group to represent your prayer group in Rome. Alternatively, you could contribute to sponsoring a priest from a poor country. At the moment, we have seven priests who need sponsoring.
We suggest that those who plan to attend our Pilgrimage buy their air tickets and if necessary arrange for their visa immediately. Immigration has been a problem in Italy and the authorities are strict. Our travel agency has recommended that we advise our pilgrims to arrange for their visa from now.
Also, please make sure that your passport does not expire 6 months prior to the Pilgrimage.
Registrations are now open – please register at http://www.tlig.net/italy
Queries to: [email protected]
See you in Rome for a Pilgrimage full of surprises!
Yours in Christ,
The Pilgrimage Team