31 young adults take pilgrimage to Rome

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Monday was a special day for 31 young adults at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Springfield, as they began their pilgrimage to Rome for a once-every-25 years celebration.

Western Mass News spoke with churchgoers and leaders before they spend the next week abroad. Hannah Fanelli told us how she feels about taking the pilgrimage: “This is my first time traveling outside the country so I’m super excited, first time going on a pilgrimage.”

For the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Springfield, Monday is one of the most important days of an already important year as over twenty young adults set off for Rome to celebrate this Jubilee Year with the Jubilee of Youth celebration.

“There will be about one to two million people attending this from across the world. Every country, every continent.” Said Joe Austin, the Director of the Office of Missionary Discipleship for the Diocese of Springfield.

It’s a privilege only granted once every 25 years to align with the previously mentioned Jubilee Year. The Director of Missionary Discipleship Joe Austin explained that with Pope Leo being the first American Pope, this year’s pilgrimage is especially important.

“I just think it’s very special for Americans attending these big celebrations. A lot of times the mass is being celebrated in Latin or a different language. I’m actually very excited to see maybe it’ll be celebrated in English for the first time ever.”

And it comes at a time when Austin believes, connection to the faith for these young adults is needed most. “Kids are starting to be more connected to the faith and starting to discover something deeper. I think a lot of kids, especially after the pandemic, are going down these rabbit holes, looking for meaning in the world, looking for who they are and what they’re doing with their lives.

Something pilgrimage attendees like Hannah Fanelli, are excited to experience. “I think it’ll be a great time to grow closer with God and learn about myself.”