Pilgrimages are a focus this year, echoing the “Pilgrims of Hope” theme for Jubilee 2025 — whether that means visiting sacred sites close to home or travelling to Rome to walk through Jubilee “Holy Doors” at the Vatican.

From May 19 to 29, 2025, young adult pilgrims travelled to Italy on a diocesan pilgrimage of hope led by leaders from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: Sr. Marta Piano of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity and Evangelization and Mission Leader John Hickey, along with Fr. Bassim Shoni, pastor of Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Parish in Saskatoon. The trip included encounters with newly-elected Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City, visiting the tomb of the late Pope Francis, and exploring sacred sites in Rome, Assisi, and Venice.

A Journey of the Soul

By Jameel Younan, Sacred Heart Chaldean Parish, Saskatoon

When I first came across the announcement for a pilgrimage to Italy, something within me stirred—it felt like a calling. I wasn’t just signing up for a trip; I was stepping into a spiritual journey, one that would lead me to some of the most sacred places in our faith. Looking back now, I can say with certainty: the experience changed me in ways words can barely describe.

What made this pilgrimage even more meaningful was the group of amazing fellow pilgrims I had the blessing to travel with. We came from different parts of Canada, from diverse backgrounds, but were united in our desire to grow spiritually. It was incredibly moving to see so many young people come together on a path of self-discovery, faith, and transformation.

We visited a number of breathtaking basilicas — each one more awe-inspiring than the last. “Wow” doesn’t do them justice. The beauty, craftsmanship, and spiritual presence within those walls left many of us speechless. To stand in spaces that have welcomed centuries of prayer and devotion was both humbling and deeply moving.

Crossing the Holy Doors and climbing the Holy Stairs were among the most significant moments for me. These sacred acts symbolized renewal and grace — and standing there in prayer, I felt something shift in my soul. I know many of my fellow pilgrims felt the same. These are experiences we’ll carry with us for a lifetime, and ones we’ll speak of for generations.

Being in St. Peter’s Square, in the heart of the Vatican, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience (LINK). To be present at Pope Leo XIV first general audience and to hear him acknowledge our group among pilgrims from around the world was both surreal and heartwarming. It reminded me of the power of the global Church—that we are never alone in our faith.

Among the many sacred places we visited were:

• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (LINK)
• Basilica of St. John Lateran (LINK)
• Tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi
• Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (LINK)
• The beloved site where St. Rita of Cascia lived her devoted life (LINK)

Each of these places touched us in a unique way, offering space for reflection, prayer, and personal connection with God.

This pilgrimage was more than a series of destinations—it was a sacred chapter in our lives. Through every Mass, candle lit, and prayer whispered, something beautiful unfolded among us.

We weren’t just travelling—we were transforming. We were growing closer to God and to one another. The bonds we formed, the moments we shared, and the grace we received will remain in our hearts always.

A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Bassim Shoni, whose spiritual leadership and celebration of Mass throughout the pilgrimage enriched our experience deeply. To Sr. Marta Piano, VDMF, thank you for your tireless care and guidance, keeping us grounded and united. Thank you to John Hickey for your incredible coordination and presence, and to Alsakhra Travel — Atheer and Peter — for leading us with compassion, clarity, and devotion.

I am so grateful for this journey and for every single person who walked it with me. May the spirit of this pilgrimage continue to inspire and guide us, wherever life takes us next.

“A Message to Future Pilgrims: If you’re considering a pilgrimage—take the leap. It’s more than just a trip; it’s a journey of the heart. Go with an open spirit, a prayerful heart, and a willingness to be transformed. Be present in every moment, whether in silence or in community, and let God meet you exactly where you are. You’ll return not only with beautiful memories, but with a deeper faith, lasting friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose that no words can fully capture.”  – Jameel Younan

Living as a pilgrim frees the heart

By Avalon Shraefel, St. Theresa Institute Alumna from Alberta

Just after transitioning out of my community at St Therese Institute of Faith and Mission at Bruno, SK, I felt that my capacity for community was filled by our pilgrimage group; in a few days I felt our kinship as the body of Christ and our familial bond through the unique experience of being “pilgrims of hope” together.

One of the four aspects of the jubilee is “freedom,” and I experienced this grace through the freeing of my own heart. I had been a slave to my own ideas, plans, and limitations I had on God and myself.

In the Sistine Chapel, while being captivated by the grandiose beauty I have longed to see for years, I felt the Lord touch my heart and let me know that he wants to fulfill my deepest dreams and desires, and I now have the hope that he will.

My mind and my heart have expanded and I have seen that He truly “works all things together for the good of those who love him” (Rom 8:28) and “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor 2:9).

“For half my life I have been admiring Michelangelo’s work and dreaming beyond a hope that I could see the Sistine chapel and St Peters Basilica, never thinking I would be able to. On this pilgrimage, in addition to many other graces, I have experienced God’s bountiful love through his gifts of granting two dreams I never thought would be possible. One of my takeaways from this trip is that he wants to satisfy my deepest desires that HE himself has placed on my heart and that if he can fufill these dreams, then I can put all my trust in him to bring me to the ultimate satisfaction in Heaven…. The pilgrimage truly ends there.” – Avalon Shraefel

Enriching the call to discern priesthood

By Huy Le, Seminarian for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

Before embarking on my pilgrimage to Rome and Italy, I asked the Lord for the grace to experience the universality of the Church. Looking back, I can see how generously He granted me this grace in ways that have deeply touched my heart.

The first blessing came through the people I travelled with—young adults from our Roman Catholic diocese, those from our Chaldean Catholic community and nearby dioceses. Spending time with them was a gift. I cherished the chance to hear their stories of faith, to pray and laugh together, and to share moments that strengthened our bonds. These connections were deeply spiritual and personal, and they reminded me of the beauty of walking this journey of faith alongside others.

The second moment of grace came when I found myself standing in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by thousands of fellow Catholics.

It was overwhelming in the best way. I was struck by the sheer magnitude of our universal Church—a family so much bigger than I had ever imagined. As I stood there, I felt humbled and yet so loved, like a son embraced by a Mother who holds the whole world in her Arms.

This moment stirred something deep within me, further inflaming my desire to serve and love the Church and Her people as a priest, God willing.

This pilgrimage to Italy has left a mark on my soul. It gave me a glimpse of the Church’s vastness and a renewed sense of hope and purpose. I return home with my heart full and my resolve strengthened to continue discerning the call to the priesthood, eager to serve with all the love and humility I can offer.

“Visiting the Vatican Museums shone a light of how the artisans through their artwork illustrated our Lord’s life through various interpretations that would inspire both Romans and Gentiles alike for future generations to come. It is awe inspiring to know that despite the chaos in this world we can cling to the history of the Catholic Church!” – Warren Rego

Pilgrimage brings transformation

By Stephanie Toma

This Jubilee Year of Hope has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, something I will carry with me forever.

When I began this pilgrimage, I stepped into the unknown. I didn’t have a clear idea of what I was seeking, but I went with an open heart, willing to be led, willing to surrender. And from the very first day, I felt something shift. The presence of the Lord was unmistakable, gentle yet powerful and He walked with me every step of the way, right through to the very end.

This wasn’t just a physical journey, it was a spiritual awakening. Laying everything at the feet of Jesus and allowing Him to guide me, rather than trying to control or predict the outcome, changed me deeply. I learned what it means to truly trust, to let go, and to be still in the presence of something greater than myself.

One of the most profound moments was seeing Pope Leo in person and being able to attend Mass near the tomb of Pope Francis. These were more than just historic or symbolic events, they were sacred encounters that stirred something within me. My eyes were opened, not just to the beauty of the Church, but to the ways Jesus continues to move in our lives today, quietly, mysteriously, and always with love.

There’s a new clarity in my life now. Things that once felt disjointed or uncertain suddenly make sense. I see how God has been weaving everything together all along, my joys, my struggles, my doubts, and even my silence. He never left. He was always preparing me for this.

I’m deeply grateful for the incredible group of people I had the privilege to share this journey with. Their faith, openness, and companionship reminded me that we’re never meant to walk this path alone. I truly believe we were brought together for a reason, and I can’t wait to see how God continues to work in each of our lives.

My heart is full. I am changed. And I am ready for whatever comes next.

“I was in great awe when we walked into Saint Peter’s Basilica. The architecture was just so grand and stunning beyond my imagination. However, despite all that, it was in the art of the human body, with our human emotions that were the most amazing. It reminded me that no matter what we create, even with all the wonderful gifts from God, his creation can never be matched, and us humans with our God-given dignity are His most beloved and beautiful creation.” – Mariah Inkster

Inspiration of Blessed Carlo Acutis

By Connor Patterson, Alumni of Sts Benedict and Scholastica Formation Program

I was blessed with a very powerful experience before the body of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Kneeling beside him, I was overcome by a feeling I can’t quite describe or understand.

I felt strongly drawn to the reliquary, and looking at his face brought an uncontrollable stream of tears to my eyes. After staying a while, I was struck with the thought while leaving the sanctuary that this inexplicable feeling might have been a small taste of what it would be like to gaze upon the body of the crucified Christ himself.

I knew very little about Carlo, so I was caught off guard by my reaction, but I learned afterwards that he had a very passionate devotion to the Eucharist. I want to carry this experience with me long after this pilgrimage to inspire and renew my own reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.

 

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