By Ursula Khoury
In April I was blessed to journey from Australia to Europe on a pilgrimage led by Fr Danny Nouh and Fr John Paul Basil.
Our journey took us through sacred places across Italy, Portugal and Spain, beginning in the heart of the church at the Vatican. Standing inside St Peter’s Basilica, surrounded by the resting places of past popes, we were reminded of the rich history and unbroken continuity of our Catholic faith.
A deeply moving moment came during our visit to the Scala Sancta. In silence, we joined other pilgrims slowly ascending the Holy Stairs on our knees in prayer, reflecting on Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate and the suffering He endured for our sake.
A sense of peace accompanied us to the Abbey of Monte Cassino, set high above the countryside where St Benedict of Nursia lived and was buried. The abbey reminded us to slow down, be still, and listen to God’s voice.
Our visit to Assisi was especially memorable, as 2026 has been declared a Jubilee Year of St Francis of Assisi by Pope Leo XIV. The town welcomed us with reverence, its quiet streets filled with sacred history and beauty. Visiting the resting places of St Francis, St Claire, and St Carlo Acutis encouraged us to reflect more deeply on faith, humility, and holiness.
From there our journey continued into Portugal. At the Church of St Anthony in Lisbon, birthplace of St Anthony of Padua, we reflected on one of the church’s most beloved saints. In Fatima, we visited the Chapel of the Apparitions where Our Lady appeared to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco.
Each evening, pilgrims gathered for the candlelight Rosary procession. Surrounded by people from many nations praying together brought a profound sense of unity and peace. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the three shepherd children are buried, stood as a witness to prayer and Marian devotion.
We then travelled to Spain, where gratitude grew within us. Arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela was special, knowing we shared in the same spiritual journey as the pilgrims who had completed the Camino de Santiago – different paths, yet guided by the same faith.
Visiting the Basilica of St Teresa of Ávila further enriched our pilgrimage. Seeing her relics and learning about her pioneering role in establishing the Discalced Carmelite Order inspired us deeply. Walking into Toledo Cathedral was breathtaking. Every detail from the stained glass to the painted golden ceilings drew our hearts towards heaven.
But the true highlight was travelling through the mountains to Cascia to visit the Basilica of St Rita. As we approached the intersection between Cascia and Roccaporena, we were greeted by a magnificent statue of St Rita holding a rose. Our guide shared that it had been sculpted by a Lebanese artist using stone gifted from Lebanon in 2015 and later blessed by Pope Francis. It reminded us of the connection between Lebanon and the universal church.
Climbing the steps toward the Basilica, we gathered in the courtyard to hear about St Rita’s life and mission. Inside, St Rita’s incorrupt body rested in a glass casket upon a gilded altar. Soft prayers in Italian filled the space as pilgrims moved forward. We were especially blessed that the sanctuary was open allowing us to pray beside St Rita without barriers.
Holding our roses, we entered in silence. The atmosphere was deeply peaceful as pilgrims placed their roses before the tomb in prayer. It was a moment of grace, stillness and gratitude – truly sacred and rare.
We then travelled to Roccaporena, where St Rita spent the first 36 years of her life. There we visited the Church of St Montano, where she married Paolo at the age of fifteen. The church also held the remains of her husband and children.
In this deeply meaningful place, Fr Danny and Fr John Paul celebrated Mass. Fr Danny’s homily touched us all, as he reflected on St Rita’s example of love, forgiveness, and peace amid suffering.
“When we love and forgive, we become pilgrims of peace. We become instruments of God’s peace. Let us follow the example of St Rita – be a rose of love in this world.”
His words resonated deeply, especially as we reflected on the struggles facing our homeland and communities today. He concluded with a beautiful invitation: “Let us rediscover her love and become pilgrims of love and peace.”
This pilgrimage touched each of us in a lasting way. Through prayer, friendship and the witness of the saints, our faith was renewed and strengthened.
May St Rita continue to intercede for us and remind us always that “there is nothing impossible to God.”
