This year, the pilgrimage to Rome with benefactors and friends had a very special motive: to participate in the Jubilee of Hope, The event was a unique opportunity to renew our faith and strengthen the bonds of friendship and spirituality that unite the entire CARF Foundation family.
During those days, the pilgrims discovered that the places full of history, The most emblematic Christian sites and be inspired by the beauty of Rome, the heart of the Church.
One of the most poignant moments was the Holy Mass in a Blessed Sacrament Chapel of St. Peter's Basilica, followed by the general audience with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square. In his message, the Holy Father recalled: «The Risen Christ is a safe harbor on our way».
At the conclusion of the hearing, Luis Alberto Rosales, the general director of the CARF Foundation, personally greeted Pope Leo XIV and presented him with a book on the work of the Foundation, a symbolic gesture that reflects the commitment to the universal Church and to the vocations of seminarians and diocesan priests and religious men and women.
Another moment of special significance was the visit to Villa Tevere, where the pilgrims participated in a discussion with the Prelate of Opus Dei, Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz. Their closeness, simplicity and sense of humor created an atmosphere of joy and family.
In addition, the pilgrims were welcomed at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross by its rector, Mr. Fernando Puig, He welcomed them and shared the importance of the academic mission at the service of the Church. He also gave a lecture on Church Governance Today.
Among the attendees, Almudena Camps and Miguel Postigo were participating in this pilgrimage for the first time. «It is precious to be able to be in the Vatican close to the Pope. It helps to pray much more for him and for the Church; you feel the comfort of his presence,» they say.
Regarding the get-together with the Prelate, they emphasize that «it was a joy to be with him; his simplicity, his clear and accessible message, his sense of humor and closeness... That morning at Villa Tevere was very worthwhile: Mass, visit and get-together.
One of the most endearing moments was the meeting with seminarians, which Almudena and Miguel described as «the most sublime moment of the whole trip».
«Meeting the seminarians, with their stories and their smiles, is unique. The food style buffet allowed us to greet many of them, and the Mass, with its choir and homily, was memorable».
Both agree that it has been a transformational journey, We will come back with more friends, because it transforms the heart. In short: a ten«.
Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.
Table of Contents
