“More than I could have hoped for…I learned so much about my faith and its rich history. I appreciated the spirit-filled liturgies — and I got to see the Pope!”
— Pilgrim Reflection
These were just some of the joyful reflections from the 27 pilgrims who took part in the recent USCMA Jubilee of Mission Pilgrimage. Traveling from Chicago and New York, the group began as strangers embarking on a journey of hope. From the start, God’s grace was tangible as individual acts of faith became a shared experience of communion, learning, and discovery.
Rooted in Witness
The pilgrimage began at the Abbey of Tre Fontane, where St. Paul was martyred. Celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Three Fountains, pilgrims stood beside the stones Paul walked upon to his martyrdom. Tradition tells that when Paul was beheaded, his head bounced three times, and from each place, a spring flowed. The profound silence of that moment powerfully reminded pilgrims of the living hope flowing through the Church because of Paul’s witness.
The Universal Church
The Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square was a highlight. Pope Leo reminded all present of the importance of witness and reaching those on the margins—a striking reminder that our faith unites people across cultures and continents. Pilgrims also passed through the four Holy Doors: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran, setting a spiritual tone for the journey.
Peace in the Midst of Activity
In Assisi, pilgrims experienced calm and grace in the birthplace of St. Francis. Visiting the tombs of Blessed Carlo Acutis, St. Francis, and St. Clare, the group reflected on lives that continue to inspire missionary disciples worldwide.
A Pilgrim’s Voices
In reflecting on the experience, pilgrim Deb Keil shared: “I had few expectations, having never been on a pilgrimage before. I hoped for a smaller audience with the Pope and was initially disappointed with the crowd. Then I realized that seeing him from afar was enough—he is the Pope for all people, not just a woman from Wisconsin. What inspired me most were the Masses in so many holy locations. I loved the small, intimate gatherings where we prayed for each other’s intentions and shared who we are. I also felt little miracles along the way, like unexpected encounters with people from our past. This pilgrimage exceeded my expectations and will remain in my heart forever.”
Janine Ricker, Global Mission Outreach Coordinator for the Center for Mission in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis reflected: “I have been to Rome before, but never as a pilgrim. This pilgrimage offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Eternal City in a completely new way. Celebrating private Masses in local churches and even a lower-level chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica, carrying a cross up Via della Conciliazione while praying as pilgrims approaching the Holy Doors, and hearing the Holy Father’s reflections on mission—himself a missionary—brought new insights to my faith and energized my spirit. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity. Thank you, USCMA!”
Closing Reflection
As President of the USCMA Board of Directors, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to offer this pilgrimage to our members and the wider community of the faithful. It was a joy to witness our members grow in faith, fellowship, and mission. I look forward to future offerings, knowing these experiences help pilgrims carry the joy of the Gospel into their daily lives. Each journey reminds us that the mission of the Church is universal, alive, and ever inviting us to walk in hope and service.
Antoinette Mensah, Ph.D., is Board President of the United States Catholic Mission Association and executive director of the Office for World Mission/Society for the Propagation of the Faith for Archdiocese of Milwaukee.