ROME — Parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro recently returned from a pilgrimage through Italy for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Led by Father Eric Kowalski, pastor, and Father Noah Carter, parochial vicar, the group started in Venice and spent 10 days traveling through Padua, Florwnce, Assisi and Rome.
They were joined by a diocesan pilgrimage group from the Diocese of Worcester, Mass. Focusing on the Year of Mercy, the pilgrims prepared each day to pass through the holy doors at the four major basilicas in Rome.
At St. Peter’s Square on July 17, they listened to the Holy Father’s Angelus address before setting out on their pilgrim walk from the end of the street up to the holy door at St. Peter’s Basilica.
They prayed the prayers for mercy and forgiveness at each station along the way as members of the group took turns carrying the pilgrimage cross.
— Photos provided by Father Noah Carter