And what about us – aren’t we going too?
11/06/2025
This question arose as we watched the Urbi et Orbi blessing at Christmas. It didn’t take long for words to turn into action – that’s simply who we are. And so, we went. Where to? Rome, of course – because it is a Jubilee Year.
The Ursuline Sisters of the Bratislava Community in Slovakia share their pilgrimage to Rome during this special time.
Finding a date that suited all the sisters in our Bratislava community was no easy task. Eventually, we managed to arrange time off work and agreed on the dates: 6th to 11th May 2025. Little did we know that we would witness a conclave during our stay.
What began as a pilgrimage to Rome soon expanded to include northern Italy. Thanks to friendships formed during the Chapter in Rome, we decided to visit our Italian Ursuline sisters in Capriolo and the community in Desenzano. Their warm hospitality was a great encouragement, and we were able to begin our journey with St Angela, in the spirit of INSIEME. We were deeply touched by the open hearts and generous welcome of our Italian sisters – it felt like coming home. Through them, we once again experienced the richness of our international sisterhood.
The openness of the sisters in Desenzano gave us the opportunity to be in the very place where St Angela lived. This precious moment was made even more meaningful by the reflections shared by Sr Armida. And so – on the 500th anniversary of Angela’s pilgrimage to Rome – we too set off on our journey.
Our Roman adventure had begun. Although our accommodation was modest, it was more than made up for by the warm welcome we received from a Roman parish.
We visited the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, St John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St Peter’s Basilica. We walked together, touched the Holy Doors, and felt our hearts touched in return – together with the Lord.
Another grace awaited us: being in the right place at the right time. After an hour of waiting, we saw the white smoke. The square erupted in joy: Habemus Papam! In that moment, we felt the universality of the Church – and we were part of it.
Pilgrimage and community go hand in hand. We are deeply grateful that, just as we began our journey in the birthplace of St Angela, we were able to conclude it in the heart of our Institute – with Sr Sue, her council, and all the sisters at the Generalate. We were especially delighted to meet our novice. There was no end to the laughter, conversations and sharing – a fitting close to an unforgettable week.
On the way home, each of us carried a deep sense of gratitude to God and a renewed awareness of the strength of our community – one that extends far beyond the walls of our local house.
Sr. Jana and Sr. Jana Pavla OSU
