By Gina Battad, Salesian Cooperator
(San Francisco, California) – Corpus Christi Parish joyfully announces our Pilgrimage of Hope, taking place from November 3 to 15, 2025, to Rome, Lourdes, Fatima and other sacred places. This journey will be a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal for as we travel together as pilgrims in this Jubilee Year of Hope.
As we begin this pilgrimage, we hold in our hearts all members of the Corpus Christi parish community and the entire Salesian Congregation. Please know that you will be remembered in our prayers throughout every step of this spiritual journey.
We are deeply grateful for the support and guidance of our priests—Fr. Gustavo Martagon, Fr. Chinh Nguyen, Fr. Tomas Juarez, Fr. Ed Liptak, Fr. Paul Tran, and Fr. Thomas Thodukulam, who will accompany us as our Spiritual Director. Their presence and leadership will surely enrich this time of grace and reflection.
Our itinerary includes visits to several holy and inspiring sites:
- Rome – We will celebrate Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, visit the Major Basilicas, and participate in the Papal Audience. Pilgrims will also walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica to receive the plenary indulgence during this Jubilee Year.
- Lourdes – We will pray at the Grotto of Massabielle, visit the Sanctuary of St. Pius X, and take part in the moving candlelight procession.
- Andorra and Barcelona – Highlights include the Romanesque church, La Sagrada Familia, and Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage site, both designed by Antoni Gaudi.
- Spain – Our journey continues from Madrid to Avila and Alba de Tormes, following in the footsteps of St. Teresa of Avila, whose deep spirituality continues to inspire the faithful today.
- Fatima – We will walk the Via Sacra, visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, and join the evening candlelight procession, united in prayer for peace and hope for our world.
As we set out on this Pilgrimage of Hope, we carry with us the prayers and intentions of our entire community and we ask our Salesian Family for the support of your prayers. Please join us in praying our Pilgrimage Prayer:
God of Hope,
We ask your blessing as we travel today in Spirit;
guide our minds as we learn of those who came before us, traversing the pilgrim way.
Give us a hunger to seek your face in paths through fields,
along roads trod by many seeking the blessing of your presence.
Nurture our fellowship,
and help us to see each other as a brother or sister
sharing the journey to your blessed kingdom.
Amen.
Editor: Judy Alvarez