Notes from Rome By Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC About 30 people flew to Italy from the United States, and I joined the group in Rome. There were many challenges: Two-thirds of the group arrived a day late because of a cancelled flight; we had snow and windy conditions on a couple of days; and of course there was the need for COVID testing and protocols along the way. Despite all the difficulties, it was a great blessing for all who participated, and we learned many lessons. We visited the four Major Basilicas in Rome and the Holy Stairs, among other places. We attended the General Audience with Pope Francis in which he called for prayer and fasting on Ash Wednesday because of what was happening in Ukraine. He said, “I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.” We visited the Shrine of Padre Pio, the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, the Shrine of the Holy House of Loreto, and the sites in Assisi and Gubbio. Our drive to Assisi was difficult because of the weather conditions and we had to cancel a trip to La Verna where St. Francis had received the stigmata. However, when we arrived in Assisi after a very long day, almost all of the pilgrims attended a Vigil of Prayer for Peace in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. There were many Franciscan friars, religious sisters, and laity in attendance, praying the Rosary for peace in the world. We walked in the footsteps of the saints and tried to learn from their example. Saint Francis was only about 5-foot-1-inch, but he was a powerhouse of prayer and of apostolic activity. The secret of the saints is their faith and trust in the Lord. We learned about all that Padre Pio had suffered during his lifetime. He had a sf where he often remained for 15 or 16 hours a day helping people to convert. Saint Clare gave up a life of comfort and luxury to follow the example of St. Francis in living a radical life in conformity with the Gospel. Francis teaches us the joy of discovering Christ in all things. He calls on all of creation to sing of the glory of God. We also visited the tomb in Assisi of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old who was beatified on Oct. 10, 2020. He taught us that a millennial, who knows his way around a computer and wears Nike sneakers, can reach the heights of holiness. The unfolding situation in Ukraine served to focus us during our pilgrimage experience. Our prayers and sacrifices for peace were offered up for those who are suffering. One of our priests in Ukraine wrote a letter of farewell to our Superior General in case anything happens to him because his city is being bombed. He was amazingly tranquil and accepting of the will of God in all things. Let’s continue to pray for peace! As Jesus said to St. Faustina, “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to my mercy” (300). A PILGRIM’S PROGRESS Just before Lent, I had the privilege of serving as the spiritual leader on a 206 Tours Pilgrimage to the Shrines in Italy. A pilgrimage is a wonderful experience. You go to holy sites with a group of people that you don’t know and, by the end, God has formed you into a family. Father Joe Roesch, MIC, stands next to a life-size statue of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. Father Joe Roesch, MIC, is the vicar general of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He lives in Rome. Listen to his new podcast, reading “The Imitation of Christ,” on TheDivineMercy.org. Marian Helper • Summer 2022 • Marian.org 7 Fr. Joe talks more about Padre Pio and the pilgrimage.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==