News Summary
A group from Don Bosco Prep embarked on a historic pilgrimage to Turin and Rome, experiencing solemnity in the wake of Pope Francis’s passing. The eleven-day journey coincided with Pope Francis’s death, providing participants with a profound connection to both their educational mission and the deep-rooted traditions of the Catholic Church.
Rome – A group from Don Bosco Prep, consisting of 22 students, faculty members, and parents, experienced a historic pilgrimage to Turin and Rome after the passing of Pope Francis. The nine-day journey, planned for spring 2025 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of their patron saint, St. John Bosco, coincided with significant mourning in the Catholic world. They arrived in Rome on April 22, 2025, just a day after Pope Francis’s death, leading to a profound and somber atmosphere during their visit.
The students and staff were greeted by the sound of tolling bells upon their arrival in Rome, marking a poignant moment in their trip. Principal Jeffrey Wojcik led the group through a series of planned activities that included visits to key historical and religious sites, starting in the city of Turin, which holds great significance as the birthplace of St. John Bosco.
St. John Bosco was inspired by a dream in 1824 to educate poor youth, ultimately founding the Salesian order of priests dedicated to this mission. Don Bosco Prep was established in his honor in 1915, and he was canonized in 1934, making this pilgrimage particularly meaningful for the participants.
While in Turin, the group took note of increased Gregorian chants echoing through local churches, a reflection of the city’s deep-rooted Christian traditions. Their time there was altered by the unexpected cancellation of a scheduled papal audience on April 23, attributable to Pope Francis’s declining health, prompting their guide to suggest prayers for the pope’s soul.
The streets of Rome were filled with vendors selling rosaries, photographs, and memorabilia related to Pope Francis, illustrating the strong connection many had with the late pope. The group chose to prioritize a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, where they stood in line early to view Pope Francis’s body. During their three-hour wait, they engaged in silent prayer and recited the rosary to honor the pope.
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, visitors were invited to pass by the pope’s body without stopping for prayers or photographs, ensuring a respectful atmosphere as they shared this solemn experience. Amidst the rich history of the basilica, junior Jack Schreiber noted the presence of a statue of St. John Bosco near the altar, providing an additional layer of significance to their pilgrimage.
As they navigated the magnificence of the basilica, the group felt the emotional weight of the moment, particularly when observing Michelangelo’s statue of the Pieta. They reflected on the impact of both figures—Pope Francis as a leader and St. John Bosco as a guiding saint for their school community.
The pilgrimage also included a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a site constructed on the orders of Pope Leo XIII by Don Bosco, further deepening the connection between the group’s educational mission and the historical foundations laid by their patron saint.
During their journey, the group enjoyed sampling local cuisine, specifically the regional variations of pizza, with thicker styles in Turin compared to the unique flavors found in Rome. They experienced the joys of Italian hospitality and cultural richness during their meals.
The Don Bosco Prep pilgrimage concluded with their return to the United States before the funeral service for Pope Francis on April 26, 2025. The timing of their trip provided them with a rare opportunity to engage with history during a profoundly impactful moment for the Catholic Church.
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- North Jersey: Don Bosco NJ Students Visit Rome
- Wikipedia: Pope Francis
- North Jersey: Sam Cali Invitational Wrestling Tournament
- Google Search: Pope Francis death
- NJ High School Sports: Ramsey Don Bosco Prep Boys Ice Hockey
- Google Scholar: St. John Bosco
- Catholic Philly: Bucks County Man Profess Vows as Salesians
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Salesians
- Dignity Memorial: Fr. Joseph Doran Obituary
- Google News: Don Bosco Prep
