Students Meet Pope in Unforgettable Rome Pilgrimage

Students from St Alban’s Catholic High School in Ipswich embarked on a remarkable four-day pilgrimage to Rome, culminating in a personal audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

The journey formed part of the Jubilee Year of Hope and marked the beginning of the school’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Joining the group was Fr Jude Belnas, who accompanied them throughout, offering spiritual guidance and support.

Day 1: A Welcome Mass of Unity

The pilgrimage began with a welcome Mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Celebrated by Fr Jude, the Mass set a prayerful and reflective tone for the days ahead. Surrounded by the grandeur of Rome’s sacred architecture, students, staff and clergy gathered in thanksgiving, reminded that they were part of a wider Church family.

Day 2: Encountering Rome’s Sacred Treasures

On the second day, the group visited the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of Rome’s four papal basilicas. They entered the Holy Door and were amazed by what they encountered. Students stood reverently before the tomb of Pope Francis, venerated the reliquary of the Holy Cradle, and prayed before the ancient icon of Salus Populi Romani. Mass was again celebrated in the basilica, with Fr Jude leading the group in prayer.

Later, the students toured the Vatican Museums, marvelling at the marble artwork, the intricately designed ceilings, and, above all, the Sistine Chapel. The visit left them in awe as they gazed upon Michelangelo’s breath-taking frescoes. Many asked thoughtful questions about the recent conclave, curious about where a newly elected Pope goes immediately afterwards and the exact location of the famous chimney that signals white smoke. Their curiosity revealed how deeply they were connecting with the living traditions of the Church.

The guides were so impressed by the students’ engagement that they were granted special permission for a photograph of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, making the visit all the more memorable.

After leaving the chapel, the group continued to the Tombs of the Popes, passing the resting places of St Paul VI, Blessed John Paul I and Benedict XVI. Many paused in quiet prayer for the shepherds of the Church.

Upon entering St Peter’s Basilica, students were left lost for words by its immense beauty. Those with Polish heritage were particularly moved when praying before the tomb of Pope St John Paul II, a moment of deep personal significance.

Day 3: Papal Audience with Pope Leo XIV

The highlight of the pilgrimage came on the third day, when the students attended a papal audience. Pope Leo XIV personally greeted several of them, shaking hands and offering blessings. The School Chaplain, Paul Gilbert, also had the privilege of shaking hands with His Holiness, strengthening the bond between the school and the wider Church.

It was Fr Jude who introduced the group to the Holy Father, ensuring that all students and staff received a warm welcome. The school’s prayer was formally blessed, and the Pope received a zucchetto, which he in turn blessed for the school community.

Year 10 student Olivier Ksiezarek reflected: “It was a day I will never forget. To meet His Holiness was an honour beyond words. I never expected to be so close and to shake the Pope’s hand.”

Fellow student Noah Witkowski added: “It was the best day of my life – to experience meeting the Pope and to have a quick conversation with him. I am so thankful for this opportunity and to be here with Olivier, made it more special for us both.”

For many, the encounter was not only a personal highlight but a spiritual milestone. Students spoke afterwards of feeling part of the universal Church in a way they had never experienced before, their faith strengthened by the Pope’s blessing and presence.

That afternoon, the group visited the Pantheon, standing beneath its iconic dome and reflecting on the continuity of faith and history across centuries.

Day 4: History, Joy and Celebration

The final day of the pilgrimage blended history with joy. Students toured the Colosseum, imagining the lives and witness of early Christians, before visiting the Trevi Fountain, where many offered prayers for the future.

A gelato-making workshop in the afternoon brought laughter and delight, and the day ended with a celebratory evening at a bowling alley — a chance to relax and unwind after several days of profound spiritual experience.

A Journey of Hope and Memory

Paul Gilbert, School Chaplain and organiser of the pilgrimage, expressed his pride in the students and gratitude for the experience: “It took a year to organise, but it was worth every moment. The students were exemplary throughout, and I am so pleased that so many had the chance to meet His Holiness. This was truly a trip of a lifetime, one that has created countless memories for our school community.”

Headteacher Mr Corless also reflected on the significance of the experience: “I am deeply grateful that our students were able to experience this in the Jubilee Year of Hope, and to meet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in his first six months as Pope. It was a privilege for them, and I am equally thankful for the dedication and effort of the staff who accompanied the trip. Their commitment ensured that this was not only a spiritual journey but also a formative experience that our students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

The pilgrimage was not only a spiritual adventure but also a living testimony to the Jubilee Year of Hope and the school’s 60th anniversary. For St Alban’s Catholic High School, the journey to Rome will be remembered as a milestone of faith, unity and joy — a moment in which history, tradition and youthful spirit came together in the heart of the Church. It was, truly, a pilgrimage of hope and thanksgiving.

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