The cathedral in the Umbrian town of Orvieto, Italy, was the site of a Eucharistic miracle in 1263, the source of the feast of Corpus Christi. (Malea Hargett photo)

In Assisi on Oct. 29, the pilgrims had Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis (right), where St. Francis’ crypt is located. The group also toured the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, which houses the little chapel where the Franciscan order was born and where St. Francis consecrated St. Clare. The San Damiano Cross that spoke to St. Francis in 1205 was viewed at the Church of St. Clare. (Malea Hargett photo)

At St. Rita Basilica in Cascia Oct. 30, the prior tells the story of the saint for impossible causes who is buried at the church. Pilgrims viewed her incorrupt body and the remains of two blesseds, Blessed Simone Fidati and Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce. (Malea Hargett photo)

Deacon Tom Pohlmeier of Paris delivers the homily in San Giuseppe Chapel during a 7:15 a.m. Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome Oct. 31. He assisted his son, Father Erik Pohlmeier, who was the pilgrimage’s spiritual advisor. This was the first time the deacon had visited Rome since being ordained, and thus his first time to preach in Rome. (Malea Hargett photo)

Arkansas pilgrims rub the foot of the 500-year-old bronze statue of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome Oct. 31. It is traditional to touch or kiss the foot when visiting the basilica. (Malea Hargett photo)

Annie Godwin and Dusty Schmid of Arkadelphia wait for the pope to appear for the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on All Saints Day Nov. 1. (Malea Hargett photo)

A Roman tour guide points to other arches still standing around the Flavian Amphitheater, better known as the Colosseum, Nov. 2. Listening are Robyn Bradley of North Little Rock, Alice Nahas of Paris, Rena Harrison of Pine Bluff and Barbara Menz Bryan of Texas. (Malea Hargett photo)

Debbie Vaughn of Lake Village listens to Father Erik Pohlmeier prepare pilgrims Nov. 3 before an afternoon retreat of mediation, prayer and confession at Tre Fontane (Three Fountains) Abbey, site of where St. Paul was beheaded in Rome. (Malea Hargett photo)

A religious articles store in the town of Castel Gandolfo, the site of the Pope Francis’ summer residence, had crosses in a variety of sizes and prices. (Malea Hargett photo)

A wine tasting at Casal Pilozzo in the Frascati region Nov. 4 ends with a group photo of the 74 pilgrims, three leaders and the tour managers and bus drivers who spent 10 days with the Arkansas pilgrims. (Malea Hargett photo)

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Arkansas Catholic pilgrims walked in footsteps of saints

Published: November 11, 2017

By Malea Hargett
Editor

Malea Hargett

Malea Hargett

Created as a pilgrimage to walk in the footstep of saints, Arkansas Catholic hosted 74 pilgrims in Italy Oct. 27-Nov. 5 through Assisi, Orvieto, Cascia, Rome, Subiaco and Castel Gandolfo, stopping in each city to learn more about the Church, Jesus and the saints.

While in Rome, pilgrims stayed at the Guest House of Santa Maria alle Fornaci where they could see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from the front door.

Arkansas Catholic’s next pilgrimage will seek learning and inspiration at holy sites in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Lichtenstein in June 2020, including the world’s most famous Passion Play presented every 10 years in Oberammergau, Germany.

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