(ANS – Tampa, FL) – Eight students from Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School (CRTSHS) recently embarked on a transformative 12-day pilgrimage to Italy, exploring the life and legacy of St. John Bosco. The trip, organized and chaperoned by Fr. Steve Shafran, SDB, Fr. John Serio, SDB, and other staff, was made possible by a generous donation from a past pupil. Sophomores and juniors were selected for the journey through an anonymous essay competition, where they shared why they wanted to participate.

The pilgrimage began in Turin, where the group visited the Casa Don Bosco Museum. Fr. Mike Pace, SDB, vice director of the museum, provided a dynamic tour, introducing the students to Don Bosco’s everyday life and his work with the boys of the Oratory. During the tour, Fr. Mike compared Don Bosco’s life to “Lego Divina,” explaining how the Blessed Mother guided him to build his mission, though the specifics were left to his faith and efforts. Reflecting on this message, the group discussed how Don Bosco’s life demonstrated a balance between divine guidance and human perseverance. The students also visited Chieri, Becchi, Colle Don Bosco, and Mondonio, where they walked through Don Bosco’s formative years. Fr. Mike’s quote, “The struggles of the boy became the strength of the man,” resonated deeply as they explored the challenges and dreams that shaped Don Bosco into a saint.

In Rome, the group celebrated Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the last church entrusted to Don Bosco. They also met the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, who shared joyful moments of reunion with Fr. Steve Shafran, his former classmate. The students participated in an interactive tour that highlighted Don Bosco’s time in Rome, culminating at the altar where he finally understood the meaning of his nine-year-old dream.

The pilgrimage also included visits to Assisi and other significant churches, cathedrals, basilicas, and historical sites. Throughout the journey, students reflected on Don Bosco’s unwavering faith and its relevance to their own lives. One student described Don Bosco’s life as “a puzzle completed by his faith,” a sentiment that remained with the group throughout their travels.

Now back in Tampa, the students are tasked with sharing their experiences and insights with the CRTSHS community. They aim to inspire their peers through projects and initiatives rooted in Don Bosco’s charism and life’s mission. The Salesian Family encourages prayers for the students and their chaperones as they work to transform their pilgrimage into a lasting legacy of faith, service, and inspiration at their school.