Pilgrimage to the Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis & Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati - Pilgrims' Reflection

We are delighted to share the wonderful news of our recent diocesan pilgrimage to Rome for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

A group of 28 pilgrims from our diocese — including 14 young parishioners, Fr. Evarist, and Fr. Deogratias  — travelled together on this faith-filled 4-day journey. Our pilgrimage began in Assisi, where we visited the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Basilica of St. Francis, learning about their unwavering faith and deep love for God.

On 7th September, a beautiful and sunny day, we joined the Canonisation Mass together with 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, hundreds of priests, and an estimated 80,000 faithful from around the world. It was a powerful moment of prayer and joy for all of us.

We concluded our pilgrimage with visits to the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Mary Major, where we had the privilege of walking through the Holy Doors at both basilicas and praying for our beloved late Pope Francis. These moments were deeply moving, symbolising grace, renewal, and the universal call to faith.

This was truly a fruitful and inspiring journey, especially for our young pilgrims who returned home filled with excitement and renewed faith.

A special thanks to Giorgia for keeping everyone connected and sharing updates on social media throughout the trip — it helped bring the pilgrimage experience to our wider parish family.

Thank you once again for your generosity and support in making this pilgrimage possible.

Femke - Year 10 at The South Wolds Academy and Sixth Form

I feel ever since I took this journey to the holy city, something has truly shifted spiritually in my ideologies of what we, as humans- made in the image of God and the pinnacle of creation, should strive for. The holy atmosphere presented before my person made me aware that mankind should not be fooled by the feeble image of consumerism and materialistic depictions of "the next best trends" or money, but should pursue in something more dependable and fulfilling- like relationships with not only new people, but Christ himself. The lament embodied by statues and paintings within these glorious basilicas and historic landmarks I feel unites the community of Christianity and helps us as individuals to overcome the pain and turmoil we may face in society, attempting to steer us away from the correct path in hunger and urges of vengeance. The symbolism of gold and beauty conveyed through these picturesque structures emphasises that our trust and faith in the Lord will lead to strength and resilience, in learning how to be compassionate and loving towards our neighbours and enemies, as difficult as it may be, just as the Son did for each and every one of us. Recalling the day of the canonisation, I find myself overcome with gratitude to all the Fathers and Ceci :) for all making the visit so memorable. Being at the gates of St. Peter's square while waiting to witness the occasion, hearing the sounds of  harmonisation, illustrating the sacred portrayal of the Pope and the congregation as a whole, felt personally that we were in the presence of the Holy Spirit and Angels from God's kingdom from above. For the most part, if I were to summarise this journey into one sentence, it would be "life-changing".

Louis - Year 9 at West Bridgford School, preparing to receive Sacrament of Baptism and Eucharist

I found the trip to Rome and Assisi very good and also very moving. I was very excited when we all got onto the coach outside of the Holy Spirit Church and was still very excited when we got off the plane and onto the coach to Assisi. The hotel there was very nice apart from when me and Tristan had to put towels inside of the air conditioner because it stopped working and it was leaking water everywhere. When we got to Assisi it was great because the views from there were really good. Going into Saint Clare's Basilica was really moving, especially seeing Saint Clare and the Cross that Jesus spoke to Saint Francis through. When we saw Saint Carlo Acutis's body it quite strange because his body was preserved so well he looked like I could have seen him in one of my classes at school. It was quite strange seeing someone who was practically the same age as me becoming a Saint but it was a great reminder that anyone can achieve Sainthood. When we went to St Francis's Basilica for mass in one of the Chapels it was a really good mass and walking around it afterwards was great. Then leading the Rosary on the Coach ride back to Rome with the rest of the young people was great so was getting to tell people the coach how I found the trip so far was good too.

When we got to Rome it was about 7 in the afternoon so we all had dinner in the hotel which was nice. When me and Tristan woke up in the morning on Sunday we had to rush to get downstairs for breakfast because we slept through our alarms at 5.45 and I had gotten woken up by a fire truck at 7 oclock so we had to rush getting dressed and brushing our teeth we then ran downstairs too breakfast. Waiting outside of the walls of the Vatican was quite good because we got into the Vatican in less time than I had expected then once we got in the mass was just about to start.

When the mass had started I didn't really understand what was going on because I don't know any Latin but I also felt I knew what was going on a little. Going around Rome was nice seeing the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon was great The Colosseum was great to especially because we came there at night but the best place I went when I was walking around Rome was the Spanish Steps and the Trinita dei monti was great to not only because I won the race up the steps or because it's beautiful in there but also because me and all the young people there had a really good long talk outside of the Church which was good because I could really relate to the things that they were saying.

On the last day I didn't oversleep, in fact I woke up early because I had set my alarm wrong. Going to St Peter's Basilica was really nice, especially carrying the Cross there. What I also found great was the St Mary Major Basilica because the Mass in one of the Chapels with the 3 Priests and the 5 Franciscan Friars was really good. Also seeing the tomb of Pope Francis was really moving, so was seeing the Manger Jesus was born in.

Going to Rome and Assisi was amazing and I am so grateful for the people who donated for the trip so that me and other young people could go. I will never forget going there and it really helped me grow my Faith and get closer to God.

Tinashe, Year 9 at the Becket School / Altar Server at Holy Spirit

I had the privilege of joining the pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi in September 2025 for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Our journey began in Nottingham, travelling to Stansted and then on to Italy. We first visited Assisi, where we attended Mass, bought souvenirs, and prayed at the resting place of Blessed Carlo. From there, we made our way to Rome.                    

The highlight of the pilgrimage was the grand Canonisation Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Standing among tens of thousands of faithful, I felt part of a truly historic moment — one I will never forget.

During our time in Rome, we also visited many beautiful churches, enjoyed sightseeing, and of course, tasted plenty of delicious Italian food!

I am deeply grateful to God, our benefactors, priests, and all the supporters who made this pilgrimage possible. St. Carlo’s example of faith and service continues to inspire me — and I hope many other young people — to live selflessly and stay devoted to God.

Tawana, Year 4 from St Peter’s Jnr School.

My favourite part about the pilgrimage was going inside of St Peter’s basilica through the Holy door, but also seeing St Carlo Acutis, St Clare and St Francis’ tombs. I enjoyed seeing the Vatican the most and saying prayers together with the group.                       

Seb and Tinashe, Year 11 and Year 9 at the Becket School