Rome & Assisi Pilgrimage and Retreat with Rev. Fr. George Ho, OCD
Firstly, we would like to thank God for the gift of the universal Church and its See in Rome, our Beloved Mother Mary, St. Peter and St. Paul, St. Francis and St. Clare, and all the holy saints and martyrs of Rome and Assisi.
We also wish to extend our gratitude to Rev. Fr. George Ho, OCD, for leading us as our spiritual director during this time of pilgrimage and retreat. Your love, wisdom, and calmness have truly been a blessing to us pilgrims. Of course, we must also thank our beloved fellow pilgrims for their patience and care for one another throughout the journey.
This pilgrimage and retreat provided a unique experience and an opportunity to encounter God amidst the busyness of our world and during the moments of peace.
During our recent pilgrimage and retreat, we visited significant shrines of our Blessed Mother Mary, as well as the churches and shrines of the apostles and saints. We also explored sites associated with St. Francis of Assisi and other saints and martyrs.
Rome
Our pilgrimage began in the Eternal City of Rome, where we spent several days exploring its rich heritage. Each day, we visited nearby churches whenever time allowed. To complete the pilgrimage to Rome, we also paid homage to the four Major Basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Each one holds deep significance and serves as a testament to the universal Church’s history and unity.
In the heart of ancient Rome, we visited the shrines of saints such as St. Agnes, an early Christian martyr, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. Francis Xavier. A special moment was our visit to the room where St. Ignatius of Loyola passed away, known as the Bedrooms of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola—a deeply spiritual experience.
One of the special tasks of our pilgrimage was to collect the relics of St. Louis Martin and his wife, Zélie Guérin Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. After a peaceful lunch, we were honoured to retrieve these sacred relics.
A highlight of the trip was attending the Papal Audience on Wednesday morning. Though we couldn’t see the Holy Father up close, the atmosphere of unity with Catholics from around the world was palpable, especially when we all recited the "Pater Noster" in Latin.
The moment underscored the meaning of the universal Church, with everyone gathered in St. Peter’s Square, praying together in the Church’s official language. That afternoon, we toured the Vatican Museums and returned to St. Peter’s Basilica, taking in its majesty and spiritual significance.
We were also blessed to have Fr. Anthony Liew from the Penang Diocese with us, who is currently in Rome for his studies. Together, we visited other important sites, including the basilicas housing the relics of St. Peter, the Holy Stairs—where Jesus’ blood is believed to have fallen after His scourging—and relics from Jerusalem. Among these were fragments of the True Cross, one of the nails used in the Crucifixion, and parts of the Grotto of the Nativity and the Holy Sepulchre. We also venerated other relics, such as a joint from the finger of St. Thomas, a piece of the Good Thief’s cross, and two thorns from Christ’s Crown of Thorns.
The Colosseum, an iconic structure we often see in films, was even more awe-inspiring in person. Walking through this ancient amphitheatre, nearly 2,000 years old, we couldn’t help but reflect on the lives that were sacrificed within its walls. The thought of martyrs’ blood soaking through the arena’s wooden floor into the chambers below left a deep impression on us.
Before leaving Rome, we had the privilege of celebrating a private Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This basilica enshrines a relic of the crib from Christ’s birth and houses the revered icon of the Virgin Mary, "Salus Populi Romani" ("Protector of the Roman People"). This image has been venerated by popes during times of great crisis, including a devastating plague that struck Rome in the 6th century. During a procession led by Pope Gregory the Great, those present heard angels singing the Resurrection hymn, "Regina Caeli"—a miraculous moment in the city’s history.
Assisi
After the hustle and bustle of Rome, we travelled to Assisi to slow our pace and find peace. Assisi, a town perched on a hilltop, is deeply blessed, with the shrines of St. Francis and St. Clare situated on either side of the town. We paid homage at their tombs, honouring their profound legacies. Assisi is a quiet and serene place, with its narrow streets and winding steps at every turn, preventing cars and buses from entering the town centre. This adds to its charm, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the town’s tranquil atmosphere.
One of the newer attractions in Assisi is the resting place of one of our youngest saints, St. Carlo Acutis, whose remains are now buried here. His presence adds a modern-day connection to this timeless town.
Monte Compatri and Tivoli
Our pilgrimage continued as we reached our retreat centre in Monte Compatri. This 400-year-old monastery sits on a hill overlooking the town and provides an ideal setting for reflection and prayer. Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the peacefulness of the surroundings. Nestled in nature, the monastery is surrounded by fragrant plants such as rosemary and olive trees, creating a perfect environment for retreat from the hectic pace of daily life.
The monastery’s church is home to the incorruptible body of Venerable John of Jesus Mary, OCD, a relatively unknown Carmelite friar. His life exemplifies the humility, holiness, and wisdom that are central to the Carmelite charism. He is also renowned for his mystical writings, which continue to inspire those who seek a deeper relationship with God.
Our journey also took us to Tivoli, an ancient city that predates Rome and was known as a retreat for Roman leaders. At the heart of Tivoli lies the famous Tivoli Gardens, a place of enchantment and beauty. This historical site, beloved by both locals and tourists, provided us with a peaceful setting to relax and recharge before our return to Rome.
Rome
Back in Rome, our first stop was one of the newest Marian shrines in the city, the Grotto of Our Lady of Revelation. This is where Our Lady appeared to a Protestant named Bruno Cornacchiola, who had been strongly opposed to the Catholic Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary. In fact, he had even planned to assassinate the Pope for what he believed was the good of all Christians. However, during his encounter with Our Lady, she revealed her relationship with the Holy Trinity, explaining that she is the daughter of God the Father, the mother of Jesus Christ, and the spouse of the Holy Spirit.
This event transformed Bruno, who later presented himself to the Pope and became a powerful witness for the Church. He spent the rest of his life preaching to those who harboured hatred towards the Church and the Blessed Mother.
After this visit, we made our way to the final Major Basilica of our pilgrimage: the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where St. Paul is buried. In this church, we also saw the chain that held St. Paul during his martyrdom, as well as the portraits of all the Popes, from St. Peter to our current Pope, Francis.
Next, we visited Trastevere, a district with a long and complex relationship with the Church. Historically, this area was home to the Jewish community, and the interactions between the Jewish people and the Church have left a significant impact on Catholic traditions. Trastevere helps us remember our shared history and the importance of understanding our roots as we move forward.
One of the highlights of our visit to Trastevere was our tour of the Antica Farmacia S. Maria della Scala, which is typically closed to the public. We were fortunate enough to visit on the last day before it would be closed for a long period of renovation, after which it will be reopened as a museum. The pharmacy, founded by Discalced Carmelite monks in the 16th century, became famous for its remedies, attracting notable figures such as King Louis XIV, Queen Christina of Sweden, Pope Innocent X, and Pope Alexander VII. During the plague of 1656, the pharmacy played a crucial role in treating the afflicted with its herbal medicines, blending religious care with medical science to serve both the poor and the powerful.
Adjacent to the pharmacy is the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, where the incorrupt foot of St. Teresa of Avila is enshrined in a side chapel. We felt deeply blessed to be able to view this sacred relic up close.
On our final day, we celebrated a private Mass on the Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux at the only church in Rome dedicated to her. During the Mass, we placed the relics of St. Louis and St. Zélie, the parents of St. Thérèse, alongside her relic on the altar.
Our pilgrimage concluded with a visit back to Vatican City, where some of us took the opportunity to purchase religious articles for our family and friends back home.
Testimonies
“The prayerful pilgrims and their lovely, genuine care for each other make a small group perfect.” - Magdalene
[团员们都很合作、团队们互爱互助的精神很令我感动，完全体现主爱的精神。天主圣神的运作让我能完成这次朝圣的体验，感受造物主的伟大，特别在壮观宏伟的建筑物体现出来，墙上的画尤其让人惊叹，还有圣人们因爱殉道的故事是我最感动的，推动着我去思考人生、学习不停去爱身边的每一个人。] -Rosa Chee
“The trip was meaningful and well organised! The number of people in the group was just nice. Feels like a big family and Fr GH was so friendly and approachable that we could ask him anything 😉” - Jo
“St. Francis of Assisi: I admire his dedication to God, sacrificing all his riches and status to live among and love the poor.” - Kathleen :)
“The sincerity and eagerness to pray shown by some pilgrims touched me the most. Padre's loving care for all pilgrims is very touching.” - Magdalene
“A very prayerful and helpful group, where Christ is seen in many of His saints.” -Simon
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