The Pilgrims' Progress - Day 4 Thursday 24th April 2025

Last night, a group of 5 including the 'Romiley Rockers' set out with some trepidation after Mass at the Irish college, to join the queue to pay our respects to Pope Francis lying in state. After a 4 hour wait, we were blessed for our group to be picked out to enter. One of our party needed mobility assistance and we were able to enter without the crowd. This made the procession very special - as we progressed up the nave, just our small group- it felt like a pilgrimage within our pilgrimage. There was beautiful music as if we were being greeted by a chorus of angels.

We were all very emotional as we said our final goodbyes and Thankyous to this amazing man of the people.

This morning we were up early. We were privileged to go to the Basilica of St Paul outside the walls where we were able to view the tomb of St Paul. We felt we were meeting the place where the foundation of our Church meets us the modern day catholics, where heaven meets earth. My personal prayer was to say ‘Thankyou for your letters’.

We then travelled by coach to the Basilica of the 12 Apostles and shared Mass together in a beautiful side chapel.

Antony then treated us to an ice cream at the busy Trevi fountain. We had time then for a group photo at the Spanish steps. Then we had David to guide us home after a leisurely lunch!! We’ve now got a free evening………….Assisi here we come!!!

Terry and Teresa Thiele


The Irish College

Ready to say our Thank you to Pope Francis RIP


The crowd still gathering as we left


Entrance of the 12 Apostles


Mass at the 12 Apostles

Mass at the 12 Apostles

Tomb of St Paul



Trevi fountain


Trevi fountain


Spanish steps

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