Pilgrims to Rome ready to fly

The group includes not only Catholics from the Albany Diocese, but travelers from other areas of New York State and as far away as Texas, Rhode Island, Arizona, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, California and Florida.

In their week in Rome, the pilgrims will tour Vatican City, several major basilicas, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, among other sites. Special events include a papal audience and Mass, a penance service at St. Susanna's Church in Rome, and a dinner for the entire group with Bishop Hubbard.

About 110 members of the group also plan to take an optional side trip to Assisi, home of St. Francis and site of the founding of the Franciscan order.

In recent days, The Evangelist has been deluged with last-minute calls from pilgrims, asking about everything from luggage requirements to seating arrangements on flights. Most members of the group are making their first visit to the Eternal City.

When Bishop Hubbard announced the trip last year, he noted that as part of the Church's Jubilee Year, "Pope John Paul has urged believers to make such a pilgrimage -- to take their faith on the road and bear witness to the ultimate destination of every person."

Those who answered that call will gather Oct. 20 at St. Ambrose Church in Latham to board buses for seven different flights, leaving from two different New York City airports. Once in Rome, the group will split up to stay at a half-dozen hotels around the Holy City.

Coordinating the trip has been the task of Mary Breig, circulation manager of The Evangelist, who continued her usual duties while assuming the added responsibility of overseeing the complex plans for a pilgrimage by scores of people.

The Evangelist will provide coverage of the trip in upcoming issues through stories and photos sent directly from Rome.

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