By Fr Nicholas Pearce
Over the next few weeks, it is likely that we are all going to be spending a little more time at home. In between your next Netflix series, or catching up with some of the great content on formed.org (don't forget the Parish has already paid your subscription, all you need to do is register) how about making a spiritual pilgrimage to the heart of the Church, Rome.
Pilgrims for generations have travelled to Rome to go on pilgrimage to the four Major Basilicas and to marvel in the beauty of architecture and art of these monuments to faith. More importantly, though, going on pilgrimage offers pilgrims a time to step out of their daily lives to pray for their various intentions and the intention of family and friends.
"To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art or history. To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendour and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe". - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
We have much to pray for at this time, for ourselves and for the world in which we live, and through the wonders of the internet, we can make our pilgrimage to these holy sites without having to leave your homes. May this virtual pilgrimage to the Holy Sites of Rome be a way for you to step out of the confines of your home and at the same time unite yourself with Pope Francis and the whole Church at this time, as we pray for all who are sick, for our doctors and healthcare professionals, and for an end to the global coronavirus pandemic
The See has granted a plenary indulgence to all those who in any capacity, including through prayer, care for the victims of Coronavirus. The will to fulfil the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayer according to the Holy Father's intentions), as soon as possible is required.
St Peter's Basilica, possibly the most iconic Church in the world, reminds each one of us of the strength of faith of St Peter, on whose confession our Church was built. At the tomb of St Peter, don't forget to pray for all the Bishops of the Church at this time, as they lead us through this challenging time with a similar strength of faith to the first Bishop of Rome. May they be strengthened by the knowledge of our prayers as they continue to lead and guide us through this time of crisis.
http://www.vatican.va/various/...
The Pope's Cathedral, St John's is the oldest Basilica on your tour of Rome. As you visit the Cathedral Church of Rome, make sure you remember to say a prayer for the Holy Father, and all the priests and people of the Diocese of Rome, and the rest of Italy who are affected by the Coronavirus at this time.
http://www.va/various/basilich...
Make your way to St Paul's Outside the Walls, where can visit the tomb of St Paul, the apostle to the gentiles. Now would be a good time to call to mind the great vigour in which St Paul preached the faith, often in the face of many trials and tribulations. Say a prayer that we too will persevere in faith in the face of our own trials. That the intercession and example of St Paul and all the saints may support, strengthen and inspire us to be faithful followers of Christ in our own time.
http://www.vatican.va/various/...
What better way than to conclude our tour than at the Basilica dedicated to the Mother of God. Here below the altar, is a piece of the crib of Jesus, and hanging in a side chapel, is the famous icon of Salus Populi Romani or "Health of the Roman People." Let us entrust to our Blessed Mother not only the health of the Roman people but the health of all. May our Blessed Mother intercede for all her children at this time, and place over the world the mantle of her protection.
http://www.vatican.va/various/...
We finish our Roman pilgrimage back at the Vatican where we began. Don't forget a stop in at the Vatican Museums, to have a look at the remarkable collections and visit the Sistine Chapel with its beautiful ceiling painted by Michelangelo. May 'The Last Judgement' be a reminder to us all to pray for all who have died, that they may be received into the merciful embrace of their saviour.
http://www.museivaticani.va/co...