Parish pilgrimage serves to ‘build connections’ while celebrating Jubilee Year, 140th anniversary
January 14, 2026 at 4:17 p.m.
Accompanied by their parish priests, 53 pilgrims from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, traveled to Italy in mid-November on a journey that took them from Milan to Rome.
The pilgrimage was led by Father Oscar Sumanga, pastor; Father Arian Wharff, parochial vicar; and Deacon Joseph Sbarra. The pilgrim group also included parishioners and guests invited by friends.
“We organized this spiritual event to mark two significant occasions: the conclusion of the 140th anniversary celebration of the founding of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, and to participate in the universal Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope,” Father Wharff shared.
The group visited several holy sites across Italy, traveling from Milan to Rome. Stops in the itinerary included the Duomo in Milan, the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and points of interest in Florence. In Rome, the pilgrims visited St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major and the Vatican, as well as making a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Padre Pio.
Visiting St. Anthony’s Basilica in Padua was especially meaningful for those on the journey, and for Father Wharff, who recalled childhood memories of an aunt whose devotion to the saint helped shape his own faith.
“Being there connected me immediately to the roots of my faith,” he said.
Several parishioners also described feeling a deep spiritual connection while praying at the saint’s burial site. “It was moving to speak with our parishioners, many of whom felt a profound connection at the saint’s burial place, feeling as if it were our spiritual home,” Father Wharff said.
Another highlight came during a general Papal audience at the Vatican, where the group was among the first to see Pope Leo XIV pass through St. Peter’s Square. For many, it was their first visit to the Vatican.
“Looking out at St. Peter’s Square, filled with people from around the world – speaking different languages and seeing young people holding their country’s flags – was an experience of pure joy and the universality of the Roman Catholic Church,” Father Wharff continued. “It gave us great hope for the future to see how faith brings meaning to so many lives.”
Father Wharff reflected that seeing pilgrims gathered from around the world underscored the universality of the Catholic Church and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to foster unity.
“We must strive to use faith to build bridges and connections, rather than separations.”
Related Stories
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
E-Editions
Events
Accompanied by their parish priests, 53 pilgrims from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, traveled to Italy in mid-November on a journey that took them from Milan to Rome.
The pilgrimage was led by Father Oscar Sumanga, pastor; Father Arian Wharff, parochial vicar; and Deacon Joseph Sbarra. The pilgrim group also included parishioners and guests invited by friends.
“We organized this spiritual event to mark two significant occasions: the conclusion of the 140th anniversary celebration of the founding of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, and to participate in the universal Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope,” Father Wharff shared.
The group visited several holy sites across Italy, traveling from Milan to Rome. Stops in the itinerary included the Duomo in Milan, the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and points of interest in Florence. In Rome, the pilgrims visited St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major and the Vatican, as well as making a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Padre Pio.
Visiting St. Anthony’s Basilica in Padua was especially meaningful for those on the journey, and for Father Wharff, who recalled childhood memories of an aunt whose devotion to the saint helped shape his own faith.
“Being there connected me immediately to the roots of my faith,” he said.
Several parishioners also described feeling a deep spiritual connection while praying at the saint’s burial site. “It was moving to speak with our parishioners, many of whom felt a profound connection at the saint’s burial place, feeling as if it were our spiritual home,” Father Wharff said.
Another highlight came during a general Papal audience at the Vatican, where the group was among the first to see Pope Leo XIV pass through St. Peter’s Square. For many, it was their first visit to the Vatican.
“Looking out at St. Peter’s Square, filled with people from around the world – speaking different languages and seeing young people holding their country’s flags – was an experience of pure joy and the universality of the Roman Catholic Church,” Father Wharff continued. “It gave us great hope for the future to see how faith brings meaning to so many lives.”
Father Wharff reflected that seeing pilgrims gathered from around the world underscored the universality of the Catholic Church and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to foster unity.
“We must strive to use faith to build bridges and connections, rather than separations.”