Gifted by Catholic Extension because we were 2012 Lumen Christi Awardees, the sacred (business) pilgrimage to Rome began on May 17, 2026. Plane delays, missed oversee flights, reroutes through London and 4 days without luggage could not dampen the remarkable experience.

On May 18th, the pilgrimage group arrived at the papal residence and the board members met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, to discuss the situation in Puerto Rico following its devastation. Catholic Extension was asking that the Holy Father would intervene to have the allocated relief monies distributed as intended as soon as possible.

Afterwards, Pope Leo XIV privately greeted the “Chicago” group with a personal message. Afterwards, each guest approached the Holy Father to receive a blessing. Sister Johnna and Sister Susanne told the Holy Father that we were Felician Sisters and he knew 3800 Peterson Avenue. On a card we presented prayer intentions gathered from Sisters, families and friends to ask Pope Leo to bless. He said, “I can do that for you”. The Sisters also told the Holy Father that a Methodist friend said to tell him, “You have a fan club in Bible belt SC”.

Cardinal Cupich, who accompanied the pilgrimage group, has St. Bartolomeo Church as his titular church in Rome. The group visited the museum of the New Martyrs. Board members also visited the Pontifical North American College to meet more than 20 seminarians from Extension-supported dioceses.

A private Mass at Governatorato, seat of Vatican City, celebrated by Cardinal Cupich was followed by a private tour of Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel and Room of Tears. There was a private dinner in the Vatican joined by Vatican dignitaries and leaders of Vatican led initiatives that intersect with the mission of Catholic Extension.

On Wednesday, the group visited St. Mary Major after hours, to pay respect to where Pope Francis was buried and prayerfully thank him for his vision of a “church for the poor”. A choral group sang songs of Jubilee as part of the Holy Year. Dinner was served in a private room, and Sister Johnna and Sister Susanne were asked to offer prayer before the meal.

During the very little free time available to us, Sister Johnna and Sister Susanne enjoyed a visit and lunch at the Felician Sisters generalate. Sister Connie Tomyl warmly received the guests and enjoyed some “American” company.

All returned home more deeply committed to our own ministries to “awaken the mission spirit in America”.