“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” These words of the Psalmist truly became real in our hearts during our long-awaited pilgrimage to Rome and Alba from 17th April to 1st May 2026.
Our pilgrimage, originally planned for 2020, was cancelled because of COVID-19. After years of waiting, trusting, and praying, God finally granted us this grace-filled opportunity. Fifteen of us Indian Sisters journeyed together to the holy places connected with our Founder, Blessed James Alberione, Mother Scholastica, and the spirituality of the Pauline Family.
From the moment we arrived at Casa Bethania in Rome, we experienced warm hospitality, sisterly love, and genuine care from the Sisters. Visiting Jesus Master Church, the crypt, and the museum of Mother Scholastica deeply touched our hearts. In Alba, the birthplace of our Founder, every shrine, church, and historical place spoke to us about faith, Divine Providence, Marian devotion, sacrifice, and missionary zeal.
Meeting our elderly Sisters in Sanfrè and Rome was another unforgettable experience. Despite age and suffering, their joyful faces radiated peace and holiness. We were especially happy to meet Sr. Theophina, who lovingly enquired about the growth of our Province and assured us of her prayers.
The pilgrimage helped us discover more deeply the spirit of Blessed James Alberione — his trust in God, love for Mary, passion for vocations, humility, and dedication to evangelization through the media. Visiting the Basilica of St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel, Assisi, and the Pauline communities in Rome filled us with gratitude and inspiration. A special blessing was seeing Pope Leo XIV during the audience.
Our meeting with Mother General Sr. Bernadetta Sotelo and the Sisters made us truly feel part of one Big PDDM Family. Their love, encouragement, and hospitality remain unforgettable.
As we returned to India, our hearts were filled with gratitude, joy, and renewed zeal to live our vocation faithfully, to build communities of forgiveness and unity, and to share with others the blessings we ourselves received during this grace-filled pilgrimage.
Sr. M. Flavia Aranha
