Today I’ll share more thoughts about my part of a recent pilgrimage to Italy for the Catholic Jubilee Year, a time of grace and reconciliation that only happens every 25 years. Our Lady of Grace in Noblesville took close to 50 people for this life-changing experience.
It’s hard to keep things brief when I share the best parts of this adventure. I felt pure awe as we walked in places where so many saints lived and died. We viewed several of their burial sites, some simple, others elaborate.
Stepping through four of the five holy doors, only open every 25 years, moved our hearts, minds, and souls. This was, among other things, symbolic of a Christian’s spiritual journey from sin to grace and God’s mercy reaching out to all of humanity
It was stunning to view incredible sights I’d only seen in books or online like the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David. Italy has so much beauty. The gorgeous basilicas alone were worth all the sacrifices we made to go on this pilgrimage.
Worshipping almost daily with my new church family members, often just listening in Italian, was moving. Seeing and hearing Pope Leo XIV preside over mass in St. Peter’s Square made me pinch myself to make sure it was all real. The breathtaking views in Assisi, one of which is featured with today’s column, will forever be in my mind.
And the food… I just finished my pilgrimage journal. I laughed as I read through it to realize most every page mentions food. The pasta (cacio e pepe, simple but out of this world) the pizza (best I’ve ever tasted) and oh, my… the gelato. I had so… much… gelato. My favorite flavor is cherry.
This stunning view is just one of many from Assisi, Italy, that our columnist will treasure for years to come. (Photo provided by Amy Shankland)
Before I left, I worried when I returned home from Italy, I’d feel lost. After preparing for the trip for 16 months (with payments, rehearsals, meetings, etc.), would I feel sad or let down because it would all be over?
But I wasn’t sad at all. I realized that the best part of Italy is right here – the people who went on this pilgrimage with me. My church family has grown and is stronger than ever. I wish I had the space to tell you about these faith-filled, kind folks. Thankfully, my journal does. I’ve recorded each by name and listed what I love best about them.
When I created my photo book of the pilgrimage, I knew what would go on the cover – the choir members after we all sang at the Vatican. I will always remember conversations with my new church family members with joy. My “Italy friends” (as I call them) taught me so much. We prepared for this trip together and got to know one another on a deep level.
I’m so uplifted when I see my Italy friends at church. We’ll always have this bond thanks to our adventure together.
This once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage changed me. If you ever have a similar opportunity offered by your own church, I encourage you to do all you can to make it happen. You’ll be uplifted and transformed in ways you never dreamed.
Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.