Pilgrimage to Rome underway for Bishop, diocesan clergy, staffers
January 3, 2026 at 8:56 p.m.
Bishop O'Connell and priests of the Diocese concelebrate Mass at St. Benedict Chapel in St. Paul's Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome. Also pictured are diocesan staffers Grace Magee, executive administrative assistant office of the Bishop and administrative assistant, office of the Vicar General, bottom left, and Carolyn Norbut, director of pilgrimages and associate director, office of worship, top right.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., along with priests of the Diocese and two diocesan staff members, are marking the end of the Jubilee Year 2025 during an eight-day pilgrimage to Rome.
Highlights of the Jan. 1-9 journey for the Diocese’s 20 pilgrims include celebrating Mass in all major Basilica: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls; St. Mary Major; St. John Lateran, and St. Peter’s at the Vatican. On Jan. 4, the group is slated to visit Assisi where Bishop O’Connell will visit the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis for the first time. On Jan. 6, the pilgrims will mark the Solemnity of the Epiphany by attending Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the Holy Father’s General Audience. Toward the end of the week, a visit to Castle Gandolfo, the Holy Father’s summer residence, is planned.
Bishop O'Connell and priests from left, Msgr. Joseph Rosie, Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Msgr. Thomas Gervasio and Father Jean Felicien enjoy a stroll around St. Peter's Square.
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Bishop O'Connell and priests of the Diocese concelebrate Mass at St. Benedict Chapel in St. Paul's Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome. Also pictured are diocesan staffers Grace Magee, executive administrative assistant office of the Bishop and administrative assistant, office of the Vicar General, bottom left, and Carolyn Norbut, director of pilgrimages and associate director, office of worship, top right.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., along with priests of the Diocese and two diocesan staff members, are marking the end of the Jubilee Year 2025 during an eight-day pilgrimage to Rome.
Highlights of the Jan. 1-9 journey for the Diocese’s 20 pilgrims include celebrating Mass in all major Basilica: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls; St. Mary Major; St. John Lateran, and St. Peter’s at the Vatican. On Jan. 4, the group is slated to visit Assisi where Bishop O’Connell will visit the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis for the first time. On Jan. 6, the pilgrims will mark the Solemnity of the Epiphany by attending Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the Holy Father’s General Audience. Toward the end of the week, a visit to Castle Gandolfo, the Holy Father’s summer residence, is planned.
Bishop O'Connell and priests from left, Msgr. Joseph Rosie, Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Msgr. Thomas Gervasio and Father Jean Felicien enjoy a stroll around St. Peter's Square.