ROME, ITALY — A recent pilgrimage to Rome brought unexpected encounters and reflections on spirituality for a group from St. Cloud, Minnesota. While participating in a Mass at the Pontifical North American College, a surprise hug from friend Jennie Korsmo highlighted the serendipitous connections among pilgrims. The group, which included Troy and his spouse, had not planned to meet others from home, but such moments seemed to define their journey.
After praying the noonday Angelus with Pope Leo in St. Peter’s Square, the couple encountered familiar faces again. They saw Deacon Rick Lagasse and his wife, Denise, who were also touring the city. Earlier that day, their tour was guided by two seminarians from Minnesota, Paul Guertin and Neal Anderson. The interconnectedness of the Midwest community continued to unfold, with Rev. Scott Pogatchnik, a former North Dakota State University engineering student turned rector, leading the pilgrimage.
The roots of their journey can be traced back to a Facebook post by Ken Fischer, a fellow parishioner, who shared a joyful reunion with his daughter, Maddie, studying in Rome. Inspired by the connections, the pilgrims felt a deep sense of belonging even thousands of miles away from home.
Rediscovering Spiritual Heritage
This pilgrimage occurred during the Jubilee Year of Hope, a time declared by Pope Francis for reflection and renewal. The couple committed to this trip on Holy Thursday, hoping to celebrate their upcoming 34th wedding anniversary in a city rich with spiritual history. The Jubilee, which occurs every 25 years, invites Christians to delve into the mysteries of faith and seek reconciliation.
The tradition of jubilee years traces back to the Old Testament, specifically Leviticus 25:8-10, where God commands a year of favor every 50 years. This concept of liberation and renewal is echoed in the Christian tradition by Jesus in Luke 4:19, emphasizing the importance of healing and forgiveness.
The couple’s previous pilgrimage in 2000 was overshadowed by the demands of parenthood, making this journey all the more poignant. As they prepared to travel, the realization that they might not have another chance until they were in their 80s motivated them to seize the moment.
Experiencing Rome’s Spiritual Riches
While in Rome, the couple participated in a special procession prior to entering the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica. The experience of walking behind a large cross, which Troy carried for a time, stirred deep emotions. As they prayed, they reflected on personal struggles, yet felt blessed to be in a city where Christianity originated.
The pilgrimage allowed them to explore a selection of Rome’s 900 churches, each a testament to centuries of faith. They were particularly moved by Michelangelo’s Pietà, a breathtaking representation of Mary holding her crucified son, and other artistic treasures that conveyed the depth of Christian heritage. Each encounter reinforced their understanding of the sacrifices made by those who shaped the faith.
Beyond Rome, the couple also explored significant historical sites such as the cobblestoned streets of Siena, where St. Catherine influenced papal history, and the steep streets of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. These locations served as reminders of the enduring pilgrimage that countless others have undertaken in search of spiritual understanding.
In a moment of reflection on their final day, as they taxi toward the airport, the couple spotted a bus with the phrase “All Roads Lead to Home.” This resonated with their journey, emphasizing that while they may have traveled far, their experiences brought them closer to their roots in Fargo, and ultimately, to a deeper connection with their faith.
The pilgrimage not only reaffirmed the adage that all roads lead to Rome but also highlighted the profound sense of community and spiritual renewal found on their journey.
