Hundreds of ministers journey to Rome for a religious pilgrimage
Headline: Osnabrück Altar Servers to Embark on International Pilgrimage to Rome
In the heart of the Catholic Church, altar servers play a significant role, as organizers emphasize. However, an International Altar Server Pilgrimage to Rome in 2023 remains shrouded in mystery, with limited online information available.
But, the focus shifts towards the Jubilee Year 2025, which carries the motto "Pilgrims of Hope." This year-long celebration, running from December 24, 2024, to the Feast of Epiphany 2026, aims to convey a message of hope and trust amidst the world's challenges like war and pandemic effects.
Recent years have seen groups such as seminarians, youth, and other faithful embarking on pilgrimages to Rome and nearby holy sites, participating in prayer, Mass, and visits to major basilicas and holy places in Rome.
While no specific altar server pilgrimage in 2023 has been found, the Jubilee preparations and pilgrimages are primarily focused on 2024-2026. The closest pilgrimage themes correspond to the jubilee celebrations with hopeful themes and spiritual renewal.
However, the Diocese of Osnabrück in Germany is preparing for an International Altar Server Pilgrimage. Auxiliary Bishop Johannes Wübbe, who will also participate in the pilgrimage and celebrate the opening Mass with the young people, stated that altar servers are bearers of hope for the Church and its young face.
Approximately 50,000 altar servers from 15 countries are expected to participate in this pilgrimage. The Osnabrück altar servers will be using seven buses for their travel. The itinerary includes attending various Masses, visiting the Catacombs of Domitilla, and a highlight – an audience with Pope Francis on July 30 in St. Peter's Square in Rome.
Preparations for the pilgrimage have been ongoing for over a year, with a focus on the safety of the participants. This includes prevention training against sexualized violence and training of first responders in medical emergencies.
Johanna Papenbrock, the referent for altar server pastoral care in the Diocese of Osnabrück, stated that the participants are looking forward to the journey. The motto of the altar server pilgrimage is "With you/Mit dir" from the biblical Book of Isaiah, an invitation to experience community, according to the organizers.
The majority of altar servers in the Diocese of Osnabrück are between the ages of 9 and 17. Around 500 altar servers from the Diocese of Osnabrück are traveling to Rome from July 27 to August 3. Auxiliary Bishop Johannes Wübbe expressed gratitude for the large number of young people who have followed the call to participate in Rome.
The press release is from the Bishopric of Osnabrück. With hope and anticipation, the young altar servers of Osnabrück are preparing for their spiritual journey to Rome.
Altar servers' pilgrimage to Rome in 2023 may not have been confirmed, but the focus on international pilgrimages extends to the Jubilee Year 2025, where thousands, including altar servers, plan to travel for spiritual renewal and hopeful themes. Specifically, around 500 altar servers from the Diocese of Osnabrück are traveling to Rome in July 2023, using seven buses for their journey, and are eagerly anticipating visits to major basilicas, attending Mass, and meeting Pope Francis.
