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Over 60 young teachers from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland concluded a transformative pilgrimage to Rome this week, having immersed themselves in the spirit of the Jubilee Year 2025 as "Pilgrims of Hope." Arriving on 4 July, these dedicated educators participated in a series of events designed to deepen their faith and strengthen their roles as Christian role models.
Patrick Kerr, a geography teacher from St Bede’s School in Redhill, representing our diocese, was among the privileged attendees of the Catholic Young Teachers (CYT) Pilgrimage. Speaking from the Irish Pontifical College in Rome, where the group was accommodated, he shared,
"It was an honour to join fellow educators from across the British Isles. We proudly represented our schools, dioceses, and nations at international masses in Rome's magnificent churches, as well as at various conferences and networking events."
The pilgrimage boasted a packed itinerary, including spiritual milestones such as walking through each of Rome's Holy Doors in various basilicas. This sacred tradition offered participants a chance for confession, culminating in the celebration of Mass. A particularly poignant moment was celebrating Mass at the Tomb of St Peter in St Peter’s Basilica. The group also undertook a day trip to the historic Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey and the Commonwealth War Graves located there.
Mid-week, the educators had the unique opportunity to host a Q&A session, followed by a reception and dinner with various Church employees. This included members of different dicasteries of the Church, as well as representatives from Caritas Internationalis and other clergy and laity. Patrick Kerr described it as "an invigorating experience that explored the true universality of the Church, as well as the global impact and reach our faith can have."
As the week progressed, the sheer amount of walking undertaken by the pilgrims became a running joke, with Patrick’s watch recording nearly 70km. Beyond the spiritual journeys, the group explored the Vatican museums and gardens, and the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo, each visit accompanied by guided tours and reflective talks. A highlight for many was a trip to Assisi, where they visited the tombs of St Clare, St Francis, and Blessed Carlo Acutis, celebrating a beautiful Mass at the latter.
The undisputed highlight of the pilgrimage was a private papal audience on 5 July with Pope Leo XIV. Approximately 60 young educators from the pilgrimage, alongside 50 students from the Diocese of Copenhagen, Denmark, were in attendance.
Pope Leo XIV delivered his address in English, greeting the congregation and speaking briefly before receiving gifts and individually greeting each teacher. He emphasized the importance of "really listening"—listening to each other, to our hearts, and to God. The Holy Father also underscored the vital role of teachers as Christian role models in education across the British Isles. He concluded his address with a powerful reminder:
"Pilgrimage never ends, and as pilgrims on Earth Christians should always seek to follow the Lord."
The hour-long audience was described by Patrick as an "incredible experience." He noted the Holy Father's personable, kind, and even humorous demeanour, sharing laughs when gifted whiskeys by the Irish and Scottish teachers, and receiving a Paddington Bear. Patrick managed a handshake, several photos, and even stammered out a request for prayers for the ordination of two priests in our diocese, Gary Carter and Scott Coleman, who were ordained on the same day in Arundel Cathedral.
Throughout the week, the pilgrims shared many special moments of contemplation and prayer. Patrick particularly cherished the day in Assisi, calling it a "privilege to celebrate Mass at the Tomb of Carlo Acutis," who is set to be canonized as a saint in September. As an educator, encountering such a young man destined for sainthood was deeply moving for him.
At the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, Bishop Paul Connell of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise delivered a profound homily on the ecumenical nature of the Catholic Church. He spoke of the basilica's construction by people of various faiths and urged the pilgrims to emulate St. Paul's forgiving actions. Bishop Connell's words resonated deeply:
"As we go through life, all of us have reason to seek forgiveness and bestow forgiveness. We do so with an open heart, conscious of our commitment to witness to the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, in the shadow of St. Paul here in his great Basilica, let us recommit to promoting peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness wherever we see the need."
The pilgrimage concluded with a tour of the Venerable English College, led by its Rector, Fr Stephen Wang. Before the tour, Fr Stephen delivered a talk on the college's history and the lessons educators can draw from the honourable history of its martyrs. He offered insightful guidance for the teachers, stating,
"As teachers, we pick up our Catholic identity, and we leave the door open for others to join us, without judgement."
Patrick found this a profound description of Catholic education's purpose, reminding him of his own role:
"I create a space for a Catholic education, for spiritual development, but also for the holistic development of students as young adults. So those who want it, can seek a closer relationship with Christ, how they want and in the space they want."
Patrick concluded his reflections with a quote from St Francis of Assisi, shared by Fr Stephen as a final thought:
"Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."
This sentiment, he believes, perfectly encapsulates the mission of educators and teachers.
With thanks to Patrick Kerr for sharing this account with us.
