By Josh McDermid
After an extensive journey across the globe, the “Emerging Leaders” pilgrimage group were greeted by the heat of the Roman summer. Deacons Tom Christie, Tien Tran and Peter Nguyen, seminarians Tue Pham, Josh McDermid and Anthony Wright, and College Rector, Fr Cameron Forbes, joined a group of emerging leaders from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, the Catholic Development Fund, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne office, along with other priests and religious sisters, and Archbishop Peter Comensoli. This pilgrimage combined hearing lectures from esteemed speakers, visiting key churches in Rome and Assisi, and time for reflection.
We were presented with three excellent lectures by Fr Stephen Wang, the Rector of the Venerable English College, Sr Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, and Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation. But no matter how fantastic these lectures were (and they were brilliant), nothing could compare to the surprise audience we were granted with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Incredibly generous with his time, Pope Francis answered questions posed by the pilgrims for more than 45 minutes and gave each pilgrim a blessed set of rosary beads.
What might have otherwise been the highlight of our time in Rome was a reception at the residence of Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro. Joined by Trade Minister, Senator Don Farrell, we heard about why Australia has relations with the Holy See and where their interests can align. It was also an opportunity to meet other Australian Catholics working in Rome along with priests from the Archdiocese of Melbourne studying in Rome. While we celebrated Mass together each day, a particular highlight was the opportunity to celebrate a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica.
Prior to travelling to Lisbon, we went by bus to Assisi. Here we learnt of the history of St Francis and St Clare and visited the San Damiano Church where St Francis received his revelation, along with the Basilicas of Sts Francis and Clare, and the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels. This was also a time of retreat as we reflected on the week that had passed and looked forward to the exciting journey ahead as we prepared to embark on our journey to World Youth Day itself in Lisbon.
PHOTOS: Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne