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Faithful and pilgrims can visit the tomb of Pope Francis in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore starting from Sunday 27 April, the day after his funeral in the Vatican. The papal basilica, also known as St Mary Major, is located in the Esquilino area of Rome near Termini train station. The church is open every day from 07.00 to 19.00, with last en...

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As a priest, and then cardinal, Jorge Mario Bergoglio would always call into Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, during his regular visits to the Italian capital. The fourth-century basilica with its distinctive bell tower is perched on one of Rome’s seven ancient hills in Esquilino, a neighbourhood tha...

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In the coming weeks, Rome will become the center of the world once again. One of the most famous Roman proverbs says: "Chi entra papa al conclave esce cardinale" (He who enters the conclave as pope comes out as cardinal.) This means that one should never be sure of victory until it is truly achieved. Roman popular tradition portrays the pope accomp...

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May has always been a special month for St. Anthony graduates. I recall when I began writing Petals from Roseland many years ago that my May column struck a chord. The column brought back food memories for many St .Anthony’s parishioners so I’m rerunning it here today. I asked a few St Anthony’s girls for their memories of the May crowning and all...

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For the Catholic Church, this is a spiritually significant year, but the Jubilee also has inevitable repercussions on customs, traditions, society, art, and public works, making it an opportunity to discover much about Italy. Put simply, it can be a journey of knowledge from multiple perspectives. The first Jubilee was proclaimed in 1300 by Pope Bo...

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Following the death of Pope Francis, Rome is preparing to welcome many more pilgrims than those who had already planned to come. Despite the mourning, the Jubilee of Adolescents will proceed as originally scheduled, from April 25 to 27. Additionally, many heads of state and government have announced their presence. Already yesterday, there was a hu...

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"Pasquetta" is the name used in Italy for the Monday after Easter Sunday: it's a public holiday, like in many other parts of the world, though it has different names and traditions in various places. It is also called “Lunedì dell’Angelo” (Angel's Monday) because of the Gospel story where an angel—two, according to the Gospel writers Luke and John—...

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Italy has for millennia been a central stage for the religious development and spirituality of the Christian West. From majestic papal basilicas to serene mountain sanctuaries, the country offers an extraordinary variety of experiences that promise a deep connection with the past, art and faith. Whether you are a devout pilgrim, a history buff or s...

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A Holy Year. A Jubilee Year— a year of prayer and plenary indulgence for the Catholic Church. Easter, the most theologically significant celebration and the heart of the liturgical year. In the midst of it all, Rome remains an undisputed and privileged destination, especially with the arrival of spring and the first long weekends of the season. Thi...

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In a quiet revival of Italy’s spiritual heritage, the Sicilian Via dei Frati trail has emerged as a powerful new magnet for travelers in search of solitude, natural wonder, and historical resonance. This 166-kilometre trail, recently restored and reopened to the public, winds through Sicily’s Madonie natural park—offering an experience that sits at...

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