Today in Rome…
Our pilgrims had their last full day in Rome where they went to Mass at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, toured the San Pressede, and had their final celebration dinner at I Quattro Mori!
The Emmaus Pilgrims attended a private Mass celebrated by Fr. Cole Kennett at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Listen to the morning talk, “The Heart of Mary: Holy Memories” by Joshua Burks here:
Listen to the daily homily by Fr. Cole Kennett, Pastor of St. Michael Parish in Lincoln, here:
View the exclusive content below:
The pilgrims pass through the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Fr. Kennett celebrating Mass at St. Mary Major.
Mass at St. Mary Major—Fr. Cole Kennett celebrating and Shane Kennett (Fr. Kennett’s mother) reading.
“Salus Populi Romani” icon in St. Mary Major, said to have been painted by St. Luke himself.
Relic of the manger of the Child Jesus under the altar of St. Mary Major.
Tomb of Pope Francis. Pope Francis, pray for us!
The pillar of Jesus’ scourging at Santa Pressede.
Read the daily recap with Joshua Burks:
Buona sera from Roma,
Today was our final day on pilgrimage and the wellspring of my heart could not be any more full. The presence and movement of Jesus among this pilgrimage group was something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
My recap tonight will be short, as I look forward to sending you virtual pilgrims one last recap summarizing the whole of our experience in the coming days.
In brief, today we toured and walked through the Holy Door of my favorite Church here in Rome, the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) at which I prayed for each of you and your intentions at the relic of the manger of Jesus.
Our closing celebration dinner was celebrated at a nearby restaurant, where because of the heat wave they lost all power and we sat outside in the dark—and at which, the spirit of grace and the fellowship of our little pilgrimage community could not have been any more vibrant or enjoyable.
The Emmaus pilgrims inside the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
I have grown to love these people dearly. I have also grown to love Jesus more and more each day of this pilgrimage. I am unspeakably grateful for these gifts of grace. I am thankful that each of you were able to make this journey with us, even in the smallest of ways.
I look forward to sending one last message soon. In the meantime, please pray for safe travels home for our group. We look forward to rejoining you back in the US!
God bless you,
Josh
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