Join Archbishop Thompson on Sept. 23-Oct. 2 Jubilee of Catechists pilgrimage to Rome, Orvieto and Assisi

By Natalie Hoefer

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson will lead a pilgrimage sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to Rome, Orvieto and Assisi—all in Italy—on Sept. 23-Oct. 2.

The pilgrimage will include participation in Vatican events celebrating the Jubilee for Catechists on Sept. 26-28, including Mass with the pope; catechist-focused retreats on Sept. 29-Oct. 1; the opportunity to meet Antonia Acutis, whose son Carlo Acutis is scheduled to be canonized in April; plus sightseeing and free time in each location.

As chairman of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, Archbishop Thompson was chosen to lead the pilgrimage.

“Jubilees are a time to focus on repentance, thanksgiving and prayer,” the archbishop notes in a video posted on the pilgrimage registration page. “They are a spiritual pilgrimage. They give us opportunities to receive graces and grow closer to God.”

In the video, he quotes from Pope Francis’ letter announcing the 2025 Jubilee: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and farsighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire.”

It is in that same spirit that Archbishop Thompson invites members of the archdiocese “to join me as Pilgrims of Hope for the Jubilee of Catechists.”

A spiritual and cultural journey

After traveling to Rome and settling into a hotel, participants will enjoy a welcome dinner and, if time allows, a panoramic tour of Rome.

Day three will include a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, with Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Pilgrims will also see the Scala Sancta. According to tradition, Christ climbed these “Holy Stairs” during his trial in the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem.

Days four through six will focus on the Jubilee of Catechists events at the Vatican, including a visit to the Jubilee Year Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as Mass and the commissioning of catechists with Pope Francis on the morning of Sept. 28.

That afternoon, pilgrims will travel 60 miles to the ancient city of Orvieto to see the Chapel of the Eucharist Miracle of Bolsena, then journey on to Assisi.

The first of three catechist-focused retreats begins on day seven, with Mass at the Basilica of San Francesco, a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore for reflections—led by a team of spiritual directors accompanying the pilgrims—on the call to be catechists and the ministry of “echoing the Faith,” and a visit to the Museum of Memory to learn the story of Assisi’s support for Jews during World War II.

The afternoon includes prayer at the Basilica of St. Clare followed by an optional walking tour on the trails of St. Francis.

The retreat continues on the morning of day eight with Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria de Angeli, a visit to the Portiuncula of San Francesco and time for guided reflections by the spiritual director team. The afternoon includes a visit to Tili Vini & Olio, where wine has been made for 1,200 years.

The final morning of the retreat includes Mass at the Cathedral of San Rufino. After Mass, the spiritual directors will reflect on the challenges for catechetical leaders of living a “Jubilee spirituality” in daily life. The afternoon includes a visit to the Nuzzi Pottery Factory, operated by a local Catholic family. Pilgrims will then return to Rome for a farewell dinner then fly home the next day.

The pilgrimage is limited to 50 people. While it focuses on catechists, all are invited.

The pilgrimage, organized by Nativity Pilgrimage, costs $4,990 per person. The cost includes double-occupancy lodging in first-class hotels, roundtrip airfare from New York, ground transportation by deluxe motorcoach, breakfast and most dinners, airport taxes and fuel surcharges, and a medical protection plan. Airfare from Indianapolis to New York City is not included but can be arranged by a Nativity Pilgrimage agent when registering.

A non-refundable $300 deposit per person is required at the time of booking, and full payment is required by June 16.

For more information or to register, go to tinyurl.com/JubileeOfCatechistsPilgrimage.

For information not addressed online, contact Nativity Pilgrimage toll free at 844-400-9559 or e-mail info@nativitypilgrimage.com. †