Rosa An: Finding my identity as a Catholic

​My name is Rosa, and I’m a travel nurse working in the US currently. I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Jubilee pilgrimage, learning about it from friends, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.

My top three stops in Italy were Assisi, Sepino, and Turin. I learned so much while exploring Assisi and visiting the sacred Basilica and chapels related to St. Francis, and seeing the body of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

One of my most memorable moments is outside the Basilica of St. Clare, where many young Catholics from all over the world gathered together in singing a version of the Alleluia and dancing in a circle together; it was impossible not to join this worship circle and start dancing along. 

​​Sepino was a special place for all of us Calgarian pilgrims, as it is the hometown of our dear Fr. Cristino. We got to interact with locals in a small town in Italy and learn more about St. Christina as we joined the Feast at their local church. The bishop’s homily on that day left an impression on us as he emphasized the importance of continuing our pilgrimage when we return home, which is what we strive to achieve today as we’re slowly transitioning back to our reality back home. 

​Turin left an impression on me as I learned about the Holy Shroud, AKA the Shroud of Turin. I’ve never heard of this shroud before, and it was fascinating to learn about the factual evidence behind the shroud, and made me think: well, how could anyone not believe in the Lord? ​

Despite the heat and crowdedness in Rome, attending Pope Leo’s Mass and visiting the four Jubilee holy doors really gave me a sense of renewal and strong motivation to incorporate my faith in my daily life better than I had before the pilgrimage. I have more clarity in my identity as a Catholic as I continue the pilgrimage in my life, and I see and hear things more clearly than I had before. This Jubilee pilgrimage broadened my openness to welcome God in my daily life, and I understand why I was there now. Thank you, SFXC, Fr. Cristino, Fr. Troy, and Fr. Santiago, for this amazing pilgrimage. As we all know, the pilgrimage doesn’t end here. 

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Written by Rosa An for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of Rosa An. Rosa joined the young adults pilgrimage to Italy (Aug 2025) organized by St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.