Ana Maria Torres: The pilgrimage goes on!

​The themes of culture, renewal, heaven, and pilgrimage were the four themes that stood out to me the most throughout our pilgrimage. In one of the first homilies of the pilgrimage, Fr. Troy spoke about culture and how it relates not only to shared language, customs and ideas, but also to a shared worship. A culture that worships anyone or anything but God will drown in itself. A culture, however, whose worship is centred and grounded in God will flourish and live.

​Fr. Troy encouraged us to think about culture and right worship as a means of renewal. Being in a country like Italy, it was hard not to see and experience that. I was deeply moved by all the richness, goodness and beauty of Italian culture. Their language, food, people, and customs. From the beauty of the churches, frescos and art, to the music, people, and delicious food, I was encouraged to see it all as a little taste of heaven. This pilgrimage taught me a lot about being a pilgrim and how to live as one.

​Our days consisted of a lot of activities and tours, but also a fair amount of uncertainty and unknowns. The nature of the trip made it hard, and at times even unpleasant, to think or plan for what was ahead. Why think about tomorrow when there was so much to get through and experience today? I was encouraged to be open to the moment, receiving what came, and trusting that whatever else I and the group needed would be provided. It was a true joy to witness the love and joy of the other pilgrims and of our three beloved chaplains. 

Finishing our pilgrimage in Rome was a beautiful way to end our pilgrimage. We got to experience all the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City, as well as the busyness and excitement of millions of other young Catholics joining together to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth with the Pope. It was encouraging and exciting to see so many millions of people joining together as pilgrims, and to feel a fatherly closeness to the Pope.

​It was also incredibly inspiring to witness the everlasting endurance of the Catholic Church and all the millions of brothers and sisters who have gone before us and reached our Heavenly goal. Walking through the Holy Doors of the four Roman Basilicas was a highlight and an experience I will continue to hold dear to my heart. I am very grateful and excited to see the fruits of this pilgrimage unfold not only in my life, but also in the life of our Diocese and all the people we prayed for. The pilgrimage goes on!​

---

Written by Ana Maria Torres for Faithfully. Ana Maria joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) with St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. Photos courtesy of Ana Maria.