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PILGRIMS OF HOPE: DIOCESE OF ST THOMAS TO JOURNEY TO ROME
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September 16, 2024The Diocese of St Thomas in the Virgin Islands has announced a pilgrimage to Rome in 2025. It will be in the context of the 2025 Jubilee Year Celebrations proclaimed by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on May 9, 2024, with the issuance of the papal bull titled Spes Non Confundit, which means "Hope Does Not Disappoint". The Diocesan pilgrimage will take place from April 21 to 30, 2025.
The Jubilee Year: Broader Context
Jubilee Years hold a profound significance in the Catholic Church, serving as special periods for spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The tradition dates back to 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII established the first Christian Jubilee, inspired by the biblical concept of a jubilee year found in Leviticus.
Originally, these years were celebrated every 100 years, but the interval was later shortened to 25 years to allow each generation the opportunity to experience a Jubilee. During these holy years, the faithful are encouraged to make pilgrimages, seek penance, and engage in acts of charity and mercy.
The Jubilee Year 2025, themed "Pilgrims of Hope," is particularly significant as it comes at a time when the world is grappling with numerous challenges, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and environmental crises. Pope Francis' proclamation of this Jubilee emphasizes the need for hope and renewal in these trying times. It is a call for the global Catholic community to come together, reflect on their faith, and seek a deeper connection with God and one another.
This Jubilee also aligns with the Church's synodal journey, which focuses on communion, participation, and mission. It serves as a spiritual rest stop, offering the faithful a chance to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate their spirits.
The theme "Pilgrims of Hope" encourages Catholics to look forward with optimism and trust in God's providence, reinforcing the idea that despite the challenges, there is always hope for a brighter future.
The Diocese of St. Thomas Pilgrimage to Rome
In alignment with the Jubilee celebrations, the Diocese of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, led by her Bishop, Most Rev. Jerome Feudjio, is organizing a special pilgrimage to Rome. This pilgrimage, scheduled for Easter of 2025, will last a week and a half and promises to be a transformative experience for all participants.
Bishop Jerome Feudjio remarked, "This pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity for our diocese to embark on a journey of faith, especially after the unfortunate suspension of our planned Holy Land pilgrimage last year due to ongoing conflicts."Pilgrimage Itinerary Highlights
As revealed on September 15, 2024, in a planning meeting by Rev. Fr. Andrea Fillipucci, Vicar General of the Diocese and Coordinator of this Pilgrimage, the pilgrims will visit key religious sites, including Assisi, Perugia, S. Giovanni Rotondo, Pompei, and Naples, and get the opportunity to visit many Basilicas.
Importantly, on Monday, April 28, 2025, the pilgrims are expected to take a walking tour of Historic Rome and pass through the Holy Door. That same day, they will visit the Vatican Museum and participate in a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel.
Participation and Costs
At the time of this article, the Diocese anticipates 45 pilgrims going to Rome. Fr. Fillipucci explained that this number allows for convenient management and movement of the pilgrims, who would board a single bus during the pilgrimage.
However, he mentioned that more names could be listed, with additional interested individuals joining a waiting list in case of vacancies. If the extra list reaches another 45 persons early enough, the organizers would consider a total group of 90 pilgrims.
The estimated costs are as follows:- Accommodation, group meals, transportation in Italy, and other activities: $2,260
- Round-trip flight ticket: approximately $1,500
- September 20, 2024: Deadline to contact Parish offices for registration.
- Initial payment: $100 (non-refundable) by September 20, 2024
- November 30, 2024: Additional $300 (non-refundable, but transferrable to another pilgrim)
- January 31, 2025: Additional $1,000
- March 14, 2025: Full amount due
All payments should be made and sent to SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, P.O. Box 2150, Kingshill, VI 00851, or online (credit card / PayPal) at www.saintjosephvi.com.
This pilgrimage is more than just a journey to Rome; it is a profound spiritual endeavor that aligns with the mission of the local church. As Fr. Fillipucci explained, in addition to the plenary indulgence gained, the fruits of the pilgrimage include a "renewed, reawakened relationship with the Lord... forgiveness, joy, deeper understanding of the faith and the Church".
For further details and information, please visit your local Parish Office.
