Ordinariate Pilgrimage to Rome October 2025
“I have recently returned from the Ordinariate pilgrimage to Rome. Twelve hardy souls amongst them Mgr Keith Newton walked over 11 days from Sienna to Rome on the Via Francigena. These walkers had been supported by Father David Lashbrooke in his Land rover. A vital part of the Pilgrimage. Approx a further 15 pilgrims arrived by plane on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October. This group included myself, Sandra and Bernadette, Bishop David and Christopher.
On Wednesday afternoon Bishop David met the footsore but happy pilgrims at the Venerable English College. After some well-deserved refreshment we entered the VEC for Evensong. We were given a brief history of the VEC. It was wonderful to celebrate Divine Worship evensong in a place that has a connection to the English Catholic church that pre-dates the reformation by centuries. After this celebration and time for the walking pilgrims to find their accommodation, everyone met up for an evening meal. A very important aspect of all Ordinariate events is that fellowship walks very much hand in hand with the spiritual. Clergy and laity all around the table sharing thoughts and anecdotes.
On Thursday morning we all made our way to St Giorgio in Velabro, Cardinal Newman’s church in Rome. Newman himself never celebrated Mass at the church. The altar has a canopy like the one in St John Lateran. It also had some vertiginous sanctuary steps which required some careful navigation by both servers and clergy. The sermon was given by Canon Marcus Holden Rector of the Pontifical Beda College. It was started in 1852 under the approval of Pope Pius IX. Newman was very much behind the College as it was for clergyman from other Christian denominations mainly Anglican who wished to be prepared for the Catholic priesthood. These ‘converts’ were viewed with suspicion by some in the Catholic church in Rome, as not being ‘real Catholics’. This struck a chord with me as it is a sad fact that a few views the Ordinariate with the same suspicion.
In the afternoon we processed down the Via della Concillazione and through the Holy Door into the Basilica of St Peter. Prayers were said during the procession and on entering through the Holy Door. This was followed by Evensong in the crypt near the tombs of St Peter and Benedict XVI. This was a special privilege granted because a specific rite was being celebrated. Prayers were also offered at the tomb of Pope Benedict whose Anglicanorum Coetibus enabled the Ordinariate to happen. Once again, the day concluded with a group meal and drinks.
Friday was a challenging day with a transport strike in Rome but only as the Italians could have a strike. Services pre 0830 were unaffected so people could get to work and between 1700 and 2000hrs so they could get home! Many buses seemed unaffected all day! As a contingency we had all agreed to meet up and share taxis out to the Catacombs of St Callixtus other than the 4 hardy souls who walked there. The knowledgeable guide gave us the history of the catacombs above ground level and showed us what to look out for. This meant that once in the catacombs one could move at ones own pace and chat about what we were seeing. One thing I learned was about the fish as a symbol of Christianity. I already knew about the fish but not the significance of the Greek word Ichtys or Ichtus.
Iota Iesous Jesus
Chi Khristos Annointed
Theta Theo God
Ypsilon (y or u) Uios, Yioc Son
Sigma soter Saviour
Jesus Christ God’s Son, Saviour
Before leaving the catacombs Bishop David celebrated Mass in a tiny chapel in the catacombs. Another moment of feeling part of the history of the church. After this some took their leave of the group to travel home. Those remaining in Rome formed a couple of small groups for a final evening of fellowship. A little essential shopping was also fitted in!”
From Nicola
.