Large group of 500 ministers embark on a religious journey to Rome
In the heart of July, Rome will once again become a spiritual hub as thousands of altar servers from around the world flock to the Eternal City for an unforgettable pilgrimage.
The event, organised by the Diocese of Osnabrück in Germany, will see around 50,000 altar servers from 15 countries come together from July 27 to August 3. Germany will be the largest group, with an impressive 35,000 participants. Among them, around 500 altar servers from the Diocese of Osnabrück are embarking on this international journey.
The highlight of the pilgrimage will undoubtedly be an audience with Pope Francis on July 30 in St. Peter's Square in Rome. The Osnabrück Auxiliary Bishop, Johannes Wübbe, will participate in the pilgrimage and celebrate the opening Mass with the young people.
Preparations for the pilgrimage have been meticulous, with a strong focus on the safety of the participants. Training against sexual violence and first aid training have been integral parts of the preparations.
The motto of the altar server pilgrimage, "Mit dir" (With you) from the biblical Book of Isaiah, underscores the importance and value of the work of altar servers and invites them to experience community. Auxiliary Bishop Johannes Wübbe emphasised that altar servers are bearers of hope for the Church through their great, voluntary commitment.
Johanna Papenbrock, the referent for altar server pastoral care in the Diocese of Osnabrück, mentioned that the organisation of the pilgrimage has been ongoing for over a year. She also shared that the participants are eagerly looking forward to the trip.
It's worth noting that while no international altar server pilgrimage to Rome took place in July 2023, a significant youth and altar server event did occur in late July 2025 as part of the Youth Jubilee. During this event, Pope Leo XIV held a welcome mass for the young pilgrims, and a gathering of about 50,000 altar servers from 20 countries took place on July 30, 2025, organised by the association Coetus Internationalis Ministrantium and the German bishops' conference.
The Jubilee Year itself is scheduled for 2025 and runs from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026, with the motto "Pilgrims of Hope," aiming to inspire hope amidst global crises such as war, the pandemic, and climate threats.
As the date of the pilgrimage approaches, the excitement among the participants continues to grow. The event promises to be a memorable experience for all involved, fostering a sense of unity and fellowship among the altar servers from around the world.
[1] Source: [Link to the source] [2] Source: [Link to the source] [3] Source: [Link to the source]
During the pilgrimage, altar servers from around the world are expected to engage in a unique blend of spiritual experiences and cultural exchanges, turning the event into an unforgettable travel adventure that encapsulates their lifestyle.
For some participants, this international pilgrimage to Rome serves as a life-changing journey, allowing them to grow both personally and spiritually, embracing the motto "Mit dir" (With you) as they embark on this spiritual expedition.
