Feb 03

Jean and I in front of St. Peter’s Basilica after her marriage was blessed by Pope Francis.

God’s plan constantly surprises me. After this many years you would think I should know by now that everything He has asked me to do has had a purpose in His bigger plan, but it still tends to blow my mind! It is truly amazing how God works.

A couple of months ago, my friend Jean reached out asking if I would ever consider going on a pilgrimage with her and her husband to one of the most popular Catholic Pilgrimage sites: Rome, Italy! I didn’t need to pray about it long before I knew this was something God wanted me to do! Not only did I get to see this friend again that I haven’t seen in years, but I also got to learn more about the history of this Faith that has become so incredibly important to me.

I honestly could not have thought of a better way to start 2019 than by celebrating in the Eternal City with amazing friends. Walking roughly 20,000 steps a day, we got to see the four major Basilicas, the Sistine Chapel, the Catacombs, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon, just to name a few. We ate pizza and pasta for pretty much every meal (which is a dream come true for me) and got to indulge in gelato as well!

 

My favorite statue at the Basilica of St. Mary Major! I renewed my consecration to Jesus through Mary here on the Feast of Mary, Mother of God.

I have so many highlights from this trip. One of my favorite moments was renewing my consecration to Jesus through Mary at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in front of my favorite statue on the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Another highlight was spending New Year’s Eve on the roof overlooking Rome. When midnight hit, there were fireworks along the entire skyline!! It was truly breathtaking. Hands down one of my favorite parts of this trip was all the incredible friendships I formed. I only knew 4 people going into the trip and left with 20 friends I feel like I have known forever.

The view from the roof of our hotel!

Pilgrimages have changed my life. This trip, as well as past trips, have all given me the incredible opportunity to see just how rich our Catholic Faith is, and have helped me to grow in ways I never could have imagined. During his first homily in Rome, Fr. Mark told us to write down our “why” for the pilgrimage. I didn’t know exactly why I was called on this particular pilgrimage but I wrote down that I feel called to help other young people go on pilgrimages and mission trips. A couple of days after the trip, I got a call from Jean who gave me a heads up that her husband, James, was going to be calling and asking me to be a board member of their organization, Pilgrim Project, which makes pilgrimage trips for young people possible! Again, I don’t know why these amazing things God does tend to still surprise me! I feel so at peace that God wants me to help other young people have the opportunities I have been able to have. So with this being said, below are some opportunities you might find yourself being called to partake in!

August 9-18, 2019- Young Adult Pilgrimage to France* 

August 19-25, 2019- Young Adult Pilgrimage to England* 

October 2019- Adult Pilgrimage to Rome

December 2019- High School Pilgrimage to Poland (need young adult and adult chaperones/leaders)

February 2020- Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Land*

June 2020- Mission Trip to Ecuador for Young Adults and High School students

August 2020- Young Adult Pilgrimage to Rome*

December 2020- Young Adult Pilgrimage to Rome*

*These trips are put on by Pilgrim Project who makes pilgrimages more affordable for young adults. Check out their website at https://www.thepilgrimproject.org/ and a video a little bit about them

My friend Sam and I checking out the local churches!

at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igfYvn1NX7w&fbclid=IwAR2B-yO50CNtr6mC1T7QzwFk3ZvviJrfYTJIP63EAY5KJi2__0K3aMgqK5Y

If you have any questions or would like more information on any of the trips listed above, please email me at tricia.walz@yahoo.com.

Standing in St. Peters Basilica, you realize that you’re part of something so much greater than yourself. The history and the presence of the Holy Spirit is so rich that you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the truth and the majesty of the Church. It solidifies just how much bigger God’s plans are than our own!

-Tricia

Tricia and Nikki Walz are proud Minnesotans who were born and raised in the heart of St. Cloud with their younger sister Briana. Read more about them on the “Meet Our Bloggers” page.

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