St Alban's School: "Remarkable four-day pilgrimage to Rome"

Credit: Vatican Media

Students from St Alban's Catholic High School in Ipswich embarked on a remarkable four-day pilgrimage to Rome recently, culminating in a personal audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The journey was arranged as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope and to mark the beginning of the school's 60th anniversary celebrations. Joining the group was Fr Jude Belnas, who accompanied them throughout the visit, offering spiritual guidance and support.

Day 1: A Welcome Mass of Unity

The pilgrimage opened with a welcome Mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Fr Jude celebrated Mass which helped to set a prayerful tone for the days ahead. Surrounded by the grandeur of Rome's sacred architecture, students joined staff and clergy in thanksgiving, reminded that they were part of a wider Church family

Day 2: Encountering Rome's Sacred Treasures

The second day brought the group to the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of Rome's four papal basilicas. They entered the Holy Door and were amazed in what they were seeing. Students stood reverently before the tomb of Pope Francis, venerated the reliquary of the Holy Cradle, and prayed before the ancient icon of Salus Populi Romani. Mass was celebrated in the basilica, with Fr Jude once again leading the group in prayer

Later, the group toured the Vatican museums, marvelling at the marble artwork, the designs of the ceilings and all were enthralled by the Sistine Chapel. The visit to the Sistine Chapel left the students in awe, as they gazed upon Michelangelo's breath-taking frescoes. Many asked thoughtful questions about the recent conclave, curious about where the Pope goes immediately after being elected and where the famous chimney that signals the white smoke is located. Their wonder and engagement showed how deeply the experience connected them to the living traditions of the Church. The guides were so impressed that the group was given special permission for a photo of the ceiling, which made the visit even more special.

The group then began their tour of St Peter's Basilica by starting at the Tombs of the Popes, passing tombs of St Paul VI, Blessed John Paul I and Benedict XVI. Many paused in quiet prayer for the shepherds of the Church. In the Basilica, they were awestruck and many lost for words by its beauty. There was one aspect which deeply moved students with Polish connections and that was praying in front of the tomb of Pope St John Paul II.

Day 3: Papal Audience with Pope Leo XIV

The highlight of the pilgrimage came on the third day. Students attended a papal audience where Pope Leo XIV personally greeted a number of them, shaking hands and offering blessings. The School Chaplain, Paul Gilbert, also had the privilege of shaking hands with His Holiness, creating a bond between the school and the wider Church.

Fr Jude introduced the group to the Holy Father, ensuring that the students and staff were warmly welcomed. The school's prayer was formally blessed, and Pope Leo received a zucchetto, which he in turn blessed for the school community.

Year 10 student Olivier Ksiezarek reflected: "It was a day I will never forget. To meet His Holiness was an honour beyond words. I never expected to be so close and to shake the Pope's hand." Fellow Year 10 student Noah Witkowski added: "It was the best day of my life - to experience meeting the Pope and to have a quick conversation with him. I am so thankful for this opportunity."

For many, the encounter was not only a personal highlight but a spiritual milestone. Students spoke afterwards of feeling part of the universal Church in a way they had never experienced before, their faith strengthened by the Pope's blessing and presence.

That afternoon, the students visited the Pantheon, standing beneath its iconic dome and marvelling at the continuity of faith and history across centuries.

Day 4: History, Joy, and Celebration

The final day blended history with joy. Students toured the Colosseum, imagining the lives of early Christians who bore witness there, before passing by the Trevi Fountain with prayers for the future. A gelato-making workshop that afternoon brought laughter and delight, while the evening ended at a bowling alley - a chance to relax, celebrate, and let off steam after days of spiritual intensity.

A Journey of Hope and Memory

Paul Gilbert, School Chaplain and organiser of the pilgrimage, expressed his pride in the students and gratitude for the experience: "It took a year to organise, but it was worth every moment. The students were exemplary throughout, and I am so pleased that so many had the chance to meet His Holiness. This was truly a trip of a lifetime, one that has created countless memories for our school community."

Head teacher Simon Corless also paid tribute to the significance of the pilgrimage: "I am deeply grateful that our students were able to experience this in the Jubilee Year of Hope, and to meet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in his first six months as Pope. It was a privilege for them, and I am equally thankful for the dedication and effort of the staff who accompanied the trip. Their commitment ensured that this was not only a spiritual journey but also a formative experience that our students will carry with them for the rest of their lives."

The pilgrimage was not only a spiritual adventure but also a living testimony to the Jubilee Year of Hope and the school's 60th anniversary. For St Alban's Catholic High School, the journey to Rome will be remembered as a milestone of faith, unity, and joy - a moment when history, tradition, and youthful spirit came together in the heart of the Church. It was a pilgrimage of hope and of thanksgiving.