This summer, Academy of the Holy Cross junior Vivian B. ’27 joined her parish youth group from Little Flower Parish on a 10-day pilgrimage to Rome during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope. From June 11–21, Vivian traveled with friends, parish leaders, and her father, who served as a chaperone, to participate in the jubilee year celebration, a profound and unforgettable experience.  

The group celebrated daily Mass at historic churches across Assisi, Rome, and Vatican City, providing time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth.

“The pilgrimage strengthened my faith in every way possible,” Vivian said. “Having time each day to pray and reflect, while surrounded by so much history and holiness, brought me closer to God.”

A highlight of the trip for Vivian was visiting the resting place of Saint Carlo Acutis, who was canonized on September 7, 2025.

“It brought tears to my eyes seeing his body right in front of me,” she reflected. “His commitment to God was moving.”

On Sunday, June 15, the group attended Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by Pope Leo XIV. At the beginning and end of the liturgy, the Pope walked down the aisle past the pilgrims, offering them an unforgettable encounter with the Holy Father.

Vivian said the trip was especially meaningful because she shared it with her friends, her parish community, and her father. 

“The trip wouldn’t have been the same without my friends, Father Tom Robertson—our former parochial vicar—and my dad,” Vivian said. “Having him there made it even more special.”

For Vivian, the pilgrimage was more than a journey abroad; it was a faith-deepening experience that will stay with her forever. 

“This experience showed me the beauty of my faith and the importance of living it out every day.