A tale of 42 pilgrims from the Jefferson City diocese to Italy
Early on the morning of Nov. 5, a group of 40 pilgrims followed Father Simon Jude Kanyike and Father Boniface Kasiita Nzabonimpa on a pilgrimage to Italy that took them on a journey through Venice, Florence, Assisi, Padua and the Holy City of Rome.
Fr. Kanyike is parochial administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Eldon and Our Lady of Snows parish in Mary’s Home. Fr. Nzabonimpa is pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Canton, Queen of Peace Parish in Ewing and St. Joseph Parish in Edina.
Both are missionary priests from the Archdiocese of Kampala, Uganda.
This year being the Jubilee of Hope, the pilgrims were able to walk through the Holy Doors at the four Major Basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s, St, Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran.
Other memorable sites and experiences included: riding in the Gondolas of Venice, celebrating Mass at the Basilica in Padua, taking in the incredible history and art in the city of Florence, its Medici revolution and Renaissance; and following in the steps of the conversion and spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi.
Just when the pilgrims thought they had seen it all, they arrived in Rome and attended a General Audience with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square.
“He drove through close to us, and the mention of Jefferson City Pilgrims in St. Peters Square as they welcomed various groups was a thrilling moment,” said Fr. Kanyike.
The group also attended Mass at the Tomb of St. Peter and the burial place of many other Popes in the Capella della Madonna di Częstochowa.
They visited the tomb of Pope Francis in the Basilica of St. Mary Major and celebrated Mass at the Catacombs.
On Nov. 14, they visited the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.
“It’s difficult to recount it all, but we all feel it was a great pilgrimage and experience together,” said Fr. Kanyike.
Celebrating Mass each day in a holy place will likely be remembered as the focal point of the pilgrimage.
“Although feet were tired and our backs ached from walking miles each day, the beauty and spiritual inspiration we felt as we returned to our hotel aroused within us a sense of thankfulness and appreciation to our Lord,” said Fr. Kanyike. “These feelings gave us the energy and strength to continue on the next morning.”
The pilgrims arrived back in Kansas City late on Nov. 15, with the understanding of their faith broadened and their relationship with Jesus Christ strengthened.
“We said our goodbyes, glad that we may have begun this pilgrimage as strangers but parted as friends with a bond that will unite us forever,” the priest stated.
