by Sr. Nylas Moser, ASC
From June 26-July 5, five pilgrims from the U.S. Region journeyed together to Rome and back. Here is a small sharing of our reflections:
Rome Pilgrimage 2025
“Participating in the Jubilee year of Hope as a pilgrim invited me to experience a deeper understanding of the universality of Precious Blood Spirituality. Visiting with our ASC sisters in various settings during our eight days, again brought alive the love we have for one another, and for our dear neighbors. I was particularly touched by the testimonies shared at the June 30 vigil service, as people shared how Precious Blood Spirituality changed their lives. The Eucharistic celebration on July 1 with 2,000 people energized all of us, and Cardinal Tagle challenged us to continue to broaden our vision and influence in the world. Visiting the places of our history in the steps of St. Maria and St. Gaspar, reminded me that with one encounter at a time, the message of Christ moves us all beyond ourselves, especially out into a world that is yearning for healing and wholeness. I treasure this opportunity and am grateful for experiencing it with my fellow pilgrims” – Sr. Angela Laquet, ASC
“From scripture to hymns, Christianity is often described as a ‘Pilgrim Church.’ It is one of those epitaphs I hadn’t given much thought to until I became a pilgrim. To be a pilgrim is to be on a journey to a holy place, but with stops along the way that add meaning and enrich the experience. Being able to participate as a pilgrim in the Jubilee of the Precious Blood was an unforgettable adventure. We heard from sisters around the world about their ministries, reconnected with old friends, and were treated with great hospitality by the people of Vallecorsa on a particularly eventful morning. The catechism describes the Church as being “present in the world, but as a pilgrim” with our faces turned toward the ‘the object of our quest” — the City of God. In that way, even though our pilgrimage is concluded, it continues as we strive to live our lives as pilgrims of the Blood of Christ.” – Diana Stanley (Newman University graduate)
When I recall our pilgrim journey, I also recall the reflections that we would share every night. The reflection that I contributed was about how we, as pilgrims, compared to pilgrims of the past. With all our technology at hand, there were still times when everything didn’t go as well as planned. I recall the English mass that we attended at the Oratory of Saint Francis Xavier del Caravita. I felt very much at home there, and, if I were to live in Rome, that’s where I would like to go to church. I was amused by the little old sister in Vallecorsa who was not part of the planned visit and didn’t know who we were and adamantly refused to come downstairs to open up Maria’s house. Reluctantly, and at the urging of a member of the village, she tossed the key out of the window. But that was okay. Otherwise, we would not have enjoyed the hospitality and helpfulness of the people there. Even in the most well-planned of itineraries, we still took wrong directions and had to ‘recalculate.’. And that was okay because we were able to see more of the city. I guess the old adage is true, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. And the mishaps make for great stories. I’ll remember it every time we sing “We Are Companions on the Journey.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm7K9siabag&t=33s). “- Martin Mendoza, ASC Associate
“What a graced time as the five of us from the U.S. Region shared the Precious Blood family pilgrimage together. Each day was something new as we explored pilgrim places and ASC spaces and historical sites and fun spots, too! One of the aspects of our time together that carried me through the days was our intentionality about walking a pilgrim journey. Each evening, we came together around 8 p.m. for a light supper in the garden of the SSM sisters, where we were staying. Along with laughing and sharing about our day, we firmed up the plans of our itinerary for the next day, keeping this intention of a pilgrim journey in mind. The blessing of our garden time together included a reflective sharing of what had touched each of our spirits that day, how we had encountered the presence of God around and among us and what these signs of grace called us to as followers of Maria De Mattias. For me, our garden sharing was what made our pilgrimage come alive and our time together special. Thanks all for the graces and memories!” Sr. Dani Brought, ASC
“Visiting places significant to St. Maria De Mattias, St. Gaspar, and Bl. John Merlini contained touchstones to treasure. Celebrating the Jubilee of the Precious Blood family, with its Vigil Service on June 30 and the July 1 Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood was very moving. As one, these gatherings of Precious Blood people of many tribes and tongues and nations resonated as a powerful witness. I relished the music of these services! On various occasions, being in the presence of many Adorers and of Adorers-to-be magnified my joy. The evening reflection time of our small group was a fitting finish to each day’s journey. Post-pilgrimage, I further seek to live as a pilgrim of hope in the Blood of Christ.” – Sr. Nylas Moser, ASC