Friday May 3rd, 2024, Priests and Christians from Buea Diocese arrived in Italy for a nine-day pilgrimage to the eternal city of Rome, organized by Bishop Michael Bibi, Bishop of Buea. This pilgrimage journey is one of the spiritual activities to honor the 75th anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Buea.
visit at the Basilica of St. John Lateran
The pilgrimage, which will run until the 9th of May 2024, started with the celebration of the Eucharist at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the mother and head of all Churches in Rome and in the World. Rev. Fr. Jude Visoh, while celebrating the opening mass, invited pilgrims to follow Jesus, who is the true path to the Father in Heaven.
Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran
After the celebration of mass, pilgrims visited the different historic sites of the basilica including the holy steps where they prayed and asked God for their desires.
They further moved to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano ; a hypogeum cemetery in Rome, Italy, rising along via Appa Antica, in the Ardeatino Quarter. It is one of the very few Christian burial places that has always been accessible.
visiting the Catacombs of San Sebastiano
Their pilgrimage journey on this day also witnessed the visit to the basilica of St. Mary Major; one of the oldest and most important shrines in the world dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Basilica of St. Mary Major
It is worth noting that the Basilica of St. Mary Major contains some the finest artwork and architectural wonders in the world. The ceiling is a masterpiece of the Renaissance and the work of Giuliano da Sangallo. It is gilded with the first gold brought to Spain from the New World by Christopher Columbus as a present to Pope Alexander VI from Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain.
