A JOURNEY OF GRACE AND RENEWAL

Our Jubilee pilgrimage in this Holy Year of Hope has truly been a journey filled with grace – a living encounter with Christ, His Church, and His saints. We, thirty-six pilgrims from Malaysia, spent ten blessed days, travelling across Italy carrying in our hearts the prayer of the universal Church: “Hope does not disappoint.” (Romans 5: 5).

Our journey began in Rome, marking our first three-day visit to the heart of our faith. Passing through the Four Holy Doors – the Basilicas of St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major – we deeply felt that each door offered a great experience of God's mercy in its fullness.

Each of us crossed those thresholds with silent prayers – for family, for peace, for healing, but most of all, for reconciliation, conversion, and renewal. In those sacred moments, we realised that Christ Himself is the true Holy Door. His words came alive: “I am the Door; whoever enters by Me will be saved.” (John 10:9).

 

Standing inside those ancient basilicas, immersed in the beauty of faith, we were reminded that the Jubilee is not about travelling but about transformation – letting God open new doors within us. It is a journey through grace, where every step, prayer, and encounter becomes an open door into the heart of God.

 

From Rome, our journey took us to San Giovanni Rotondo to meet the humble friar, St. Padre Pio. His life of prayer and suffering reflected complete trust in God. At Assisi, the peace of St Francis, St. Clare and St. Carlos Acutis touched us deeply. Their joy and simplicity reminded us that the Gospel can be lived in every small act of kindness and surrender.

 

In Siena, St. Catherine showed us the courage born from prayer – a reminder that God can use even the humble to renew the Church. Finally, in Padua, before St. Anthony, we felt at home. His uncorrupted tongue became a sign that every word spoken in truth and love continues to live. Their examples whispered to our hearts: holiness grows when love is lived quietly and faithfully.

 

The first part was about grace received through the Holy Doors of Basilicas, and the second part concerns the grace we are called to live as saints. Our final visits to Venice, Milan and Turin, especially the Holy Shroud, invited us to contemplate the face of Christ – silent, wounded, yet radiant with the hope of resurrection.

 

We laughed, prayed, and walked through the Italian streets, and each Mass, Rosary, and quiet moment made our heartfelt journey all the more meaningful. As we now return home, we do so not just as pilgrims but as witnesses of hope. The Holy Doors we have passed are now open within us – doors of forgiveness, gratitude, and renewed trust in God.

 

May the saints inspire us to love deeply in our daily lives. May this pilgrimage bring blessings to our families, parishes, and nation. May we embrace the Jubilee message with joy, simplicity, and humility.