23
Mar, 2008
Inspiration – St Mary’s Students on Roman Pilgrimage

I have just returned with a group of 12 Religious Studies students from St Mary’s College, Middlesbrough, from an inspirational pilgrimage to the eternal city of Rome. Led by Fr Gerard Robinson, the students were treated to four days of intense spiritual, historical and cultural formation including special priority seats for an audience with the Holy Father, the Scavi Tour to see the bones of Peter deep beneath the Basilica of St Peter’s and a look at the many historical ruins of Ancient Rome.

The pilgrimage got off to the perfect start, with Mass celebrated at 10.00 pm by Fr Pat Keogh in the Sacred Heart Presbytery, before leaving by coach to travel through the night for an early morning flight from Stansted to Rome’s Ciampino Airport. From the moment we arrived in Rome, we were captivated by the unique, special feeling it generates, a feeling that remained with us throughout our stay.

Each day was packed with memorable events. Each day we celebrated Mass in the wonderful Basilicas of Rome including St Peter, St Paul Outside the Walls and St Mary Major, but the spiritual highlights of our pilgrimage came on Ash Wednesday. In the morning we were privileged to have very special seats at the weekly papal audience and as you can see gained a very close view of the Holy Father who bestowed on us his apostolic blessing for Lent. In the evening we were the guests of the English College for Mass and distribution of ashes, preceded by a fascinating tour of the College. Our students met two of our diocesan seminarians, Stephen and James, who are studying at the English College and were fascinated by their story, especially by the fact that James had been a student at St Mary’s in the late 90s. Stephen and James joined us on several occasions throughout our pilgrimage and had a considerable effect on our students and also commented on how encouraged they were by our students. We hold them and all our seminarians in our prayers.

It would be safe to say that the effect these few days in Rome have had on us all will remain with us for a long time. Our students came to Rome with many different expectations, but none left disappointed. Everyone was greatly moved by the spirituality of the place and several students have spoken to me since, looking to explore their faith more deeply. This is in no small way due to the wonderful spiritual leadership we received from Fr Gerard and my heartfelt thanks go to him for so much hard work and inspiration. But above all there can be no hiding the pride I have for the students of St Mary’s who made this such an exceptional pilgrimage and made such an impression on all whom they met. The light of Christ shines brightly in them.

This was our first College Pilgrimage to Rome and already plans are in hand to make this an annual event to encourage our young people to experience first hand the heartbeat of the Church that is Rome and perhaps sow a seed in their hearts which will lead who knows where?

Rev Len Collings
Principal Chaplain, St Mary's College, Middlesbrough

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