As a lead-up to the Assisi Youth Forum and Jubilee for Young People, Jesus Youth International organized a pilgrimage across Italy for around 30 participants from across the world, including families and young people. The pilgrimage was led by Dr. Midhun Paul (JY International Coordinator) and Fr. Anish Devasia (Diocese of Baroda, India, currently based in Rome).

The group visited the holy sites in Rome, including the four major basilicas, the catacombs, the Sistine Chapel, the Tombs of the Popes, and the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem,Rome. They also visited San Giovanni Rotondo, following the path of St. Padre Pio, where his life and works took place, and Lanciano, one of the first sites of the Eucharistic miracle.

The journey continued to Padua, Venice, and Assisi, where participants experienced the beauty of the sites connected to St. Anthony, St. Mark, St. Clare, St. Francis, and Bl. Carlo Acutis.

One of the participants, Melwin Jose from the UAE, shared: “It was a pilgrimage that refreshed the mind and soul, that truly touched our hearts with God’s presence throughout.”