Rome, Italy, 26 June 2019 -- Every year the last days of June are quite a busy time in Rome, celebrating the Thanksgiving Day around the Rector Major, 24 June or with the diaconate ordinations from the international formation house of Blessed Ceferino Namuncura (Rome-Gerini). But this year due to various coincidences, no less than four EAO pilgrim groups have been coming to Sacro Cuore on their pilgrim course.
The first group from PGS Viceprovince under the guidance of Br. Jose Trigona and the Provincial, Fr. Alfred Maravilla, who are accompanying Fr. Gilbert and four temporary professed PNG Salesians. Their journey started in Rome, with prayer at the tomb of the Apostles and a meeting with the Rector Major and continues in the Salesian Holy places of Don Bosco and Blessed Philip Rinaldi, the Patron of PGS Viceprovince.
The second group from CIN province reached Rome to attend the diaconate ordination of Rev. Anthony Pun, including this family members and some lay mission partners involved at province level animation. They focused on the roots of the Christian faith in Rome - with a prayerful visit to the Basilicas and to the Catacombs as well as celebrating Eucharist in Don Bosco rooms at Sacro Cuore.
The third group from KOR province reached Rome exactly on the Thanksgiving Day of the Rector Major and after two full days in Rome, while paying a visit to the four major Basilicas and Vatican Museum, attended the Pope Francis Wednesday General Audience and then continued on to Piedmont's Holy Salesian Places.
The fourth and probably last group during this summer is coming soon from the Philippines North Province on their pilgrimage from the Holy Land towards Rome and the Salesian Holy Places in Italy. They are Silver Jubilee pilgrim groups.
Last but not least is the pilgrimage of the Australian Bishops Ad Limina visit to Pope Francis, including also our Salesian Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe. The 40 Bishops also happened to have a rare encounter with Salesians were preparing for their diaconate ordination, during their retreat.
Each Pilgrimage comprises walking, direct contact with the holy places, where God is speaking in a special way. We wish that all EAO pilgrims may return to their home countries and provinces strengthened in faith, strengthened in communion within the Catholic community as well within the world-wide Salesian communion around Don Bosco and his successor.
