The Vatican's Holy Door is a sacred portal found in St. Peter's Basilica that opens every 25 years. Reverently carrying a wooden cross, Julia Zielinski '15, associate director for communications and public affairs, led a group of Siena pilgrims across the threshold.
Accompanied by five Franciscan friars, nearly three dozen Saints and companions made the bi-annual pilgrimage to Franciscan Italy over 13 days in late May. The pilgrims flew overnight to Rome, then immediately bused to historic Orvieto to begin their near-two week adventure. Day three included a stay in Siena and a stop at the green and gold Bruco contrada. Days later, they traveled to Assisi and celebrated the Eucharist at the tomb of St. Francis.
"Our Pilgrimage provided us an opportunity to follow the footsteps of the earliest days of the Franciscan movement and see how Siena's mission fits into that context," said Thom Schlinck '19, operations manager for Student Activities and leadership Development. "I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to visit St. Francis' hometown, his tomb, and many important sites from his life, looking through his eyes to see the world as he saw it. Our time in Italy, particularly in Assisi, has reinvigorated my commitment to our Franciscan mission and heritage, and I am ever grateful for the opportunity to make this pilgrimage alongside such a wonderful group of colleagues and friends."
The pilgrims spent four days in Assisi before concluding their trip in Rome and Vatican City, where they blended in with a throng of global Christian pilgrims celebrating the Jubilee. The Holy Year, a special year of grace and forgiveness in the Catholic Church, is celebrated every quarter century. Pilgrims flock to Rome for the generational experience and a chance to walk through the Holy Door, or Porta Sancta. Siena's pilgrims walked the Jubilee of Hope Pilgrim Path, taking turns carrying the Jubilee cross, then passed through the doors and to the tomb of St. Peter.
"Being able to carry the cross as we completed our pilgrimage walk at St. Peter’s Basilica and through the Holy Door during the Holy Year of Jubilee was overwhelming — so overwhelming in fact that I was so focused on carrying it, I missed seeing the Holy Door entirely!" said Zielinski. "Luckily, I was able to circle back around and take in the once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was extra special to experience the moment surrounded by Siena friends."
The Siena pilgrims didn't get an audience with Pope Leo on this trip, but they did visit the tomb of Pope Francis.
"I love my job as mission officer, and there's no better way to understand the mission and core values of Siena than walking in the footsteps of Bernardine of Siena, Francis and Clare of Assisi – and experiencing their hometowns," said Fr. Mark Reamer '83, O.F.M., vice president for mission. "As friars, it's a privilege to accompany our colleagues to Franciscan Italy. The many gatherings on campus leading up to the pilgrimage helped to create a sense of community among the pilgrims which is an important part of the Franciscan tradition."
The sense of community was a consistent theme of the pilgrimage, and made for one unforgettable moment.
Lisa Simmons, assistant facilities manager, celebrated her birthday while on the pilgrimage. She wasn't actually counting on a celebration, and it's been years since anyone presented her with a lit candle on a dessert. But when her fellow Saints found out, a whole restaurant in Siena celebrated Simmons. They sang "Happy Birthday," first in English, then in Italian.
"I had the most memorable birthday this year. What a wonderful opportunity traveling with other members of Siena's community, as we learned about the homeland of the Franciscan tradition. We enjoyed learning, in depth, about the pillars in which Siena was founded.
Each day we enjoyed each other's company over plenty of delicious food and wine. What an honor to have had the opportunity to spend time with our friars. I am truly grateful and would recommend this trip."