By Anastasia Pinto
ROME — The Lay Centre community organized and embarked on one of its first pilgrimages this academic year in Rome on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The pilgrimage followed the historic path structured and popularized by St. Philip Neri, a beloved 16th-century saint. It was a 25-kilometer walk (15.5 miles), joined by around 20 participants, including members and friends of The Lay Centre.
The pilgrims journeyed through the historic Seven Churches, which include the four Major Basilicas: Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, San Pietro in Vaticano, San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme and San Sebastiano.
The Seven Churches Pilgrimage is a way of rekindling faith in the ordinary through three key elements: prayer, joy, and community. It fosters deeper friendships in Christ and strengthening the bonds of faith.
Carlo Belardi, one of the community life coordinators of The Lay Centre, who led the pilgrimage, shared his experience saying:
“I was drawn to lead this pilgrimage among many others in Rome, because it is a classic, deeply rooted in tradition, and holds a special place in the hearts of many within the community. Being the Jubilee Year,” he added, “what made it even more meaningful was the opportunity for us to walk through the Holy Doors of the four Major Basilicas in prayerful reflection.”
Deeply inspired by the example of St. Philip Neri, Carlo found inviting others on this pilgrimage to be a fulfilling experience—a simple yet profound way to help people live and encounter their faith.
“Speaking with people along the way and sharing moments of connection with God together—that’s what makes this pilgrimage truly unique.”
The group was diverse, with participants from the Philippines, Africa, Nigeria, India, Brazil, Portugal, Pakistan and Italy.
Elisen Almirall, a member of The Lay Centre community from Spain, said: “Walking together allows wonderful conversations to take place, and you get to know more about those you walk with. Embracing moments for introspection, sharing, prayer, and communion.”
“This is a walk that has been undertaken by saints,” Maria Rocha, another pilgrim, from Portugal, remarked, emphasizing the profound joy of being able to walk through the same path the saints once walked.
“Entering into this sacred history, praying before entering each basilica, and being guided to approach with the right intention—even though we visit these places regularly—made it special.” She added that “the blessings of the priest at each Church and praying with friends enriched the experience.”
A thoughtfully curated booklet, which served as a steady companion throughout the journey, was provided to the pilgrims. It included Psalms, reflections from Pope Francis’ Spes Non Confudit, Gospel readings and prayers deeply enriching the pilgrimage, offering meaningful pauses of prayer and insight at every step.
