On the 13th of November 2024, we embarked on a historic pilgrimage to Rome that underscored our mission of unity, faith, and remembrance. Led by our Grand Master, Cllr Robert Dryden, the delegation included 22 esteemed Dames and Knights of the Order, as well as a Cambridge friend of the Order, Abdul-Kayum Arains. Our journey brought us to some of Rome’s most significant religious and historical sites, fostering connections and deepening our commitment to our principles.
A Historic Audience with Pope Francis
The highlight of our pilgrimage was an audience with Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square. We were deeply honoured to be introduced as special guests from England, accompanied by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Christ Trott, and Simona Prete, Senior Policy and Communications Officer. Pope Francis delivered an impassioned message focusing on global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and the pursuit of peace in conflict-torn regions like Myanmar, Palestine, and Ukraine.
In a moment of profound significance, the Pope personally greeted our Grand Master and the members of our Order. He received letters of appreciation and gifts from the Cambridge City Council, including contributions from MP Daniel Zeichner, Mayor Cllr Baiju Thittala, and the Cambridge Muslim Community. Pope Francis blessed us and presented us with rosary beads as a symbol of our spiritual mission.
A Reception at the British Embassy
Our pilgrimage also included an invitation from Christ Trott, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, who hosted us at his beautiful Vatican residence. The Ambassador provided refreshments and gave us an insightful briefing about the work of his office. He emphasized the importance of communication between His Majesty King Charles III and the Vatican on key issues such as climate change, poverty, and the pursuit of peace in conflict zones. Ambassador Trott highlighted Pope Francis’s role as a trusted global figure whose messages resonate worldwide. We reflected on the honour of being hosted by a representative of His Majesty’s Government and gained a deeper understanding of the vital diplomatic connections at play.
Diplomatic Tour at the Italian Senate
We were honoured to visit the Italian Senate, hosted by Senatrice Gisella Naturale, a friend of our Order from our previous visit to Italy in August this year. We received a private tour of the Palazzo Madama, including a rare opportunity to sit in The Aula, the chamber where Italian parliamentarians deliberate and vote. This visit celebrated the shared governance traditions of Italy and the UK, and we extended an invitation for Senatrice Naturale to visit Cambridge for a mutual exchange trip, including a tour of the British Houses of Parliament.
Honouring the Past in the Roman Ghetto
Our journey also included a solemn visit to the historic Roman Ghetto, established in 1555 as a place of confinement and oppression for the city’s Jewish community. The area’s history took a tragic turn during World War II, when many Jewish residents were arrested, deported, and executed in concentration camps. We paid our respects at commemorative blocks outside former Jewish homes, which bear the names and fates of the victims.
Together, we prayed for peace and vowed to never allow such atrocities to happen again. We met with members of the local Jewish community, visited synagogues, and shared messages of solidarity, emphasizing that the suffering of one community is the suffering of all. The Jewish community embraced our gesture, echoing Pope St. John Paul II’s call to “give a hug to people of other faiths.”
A Spiritual Homecoming at the Venerable English College
At the Venerable English College, we were welcomed by its leadership for a briefing and tour of the historic seminary. The visit featured the magnificent ceiling painting of St. George and culminated in a Mass ceremony. Our key member, Father Eugene Harkness, who served at the College for a decade, joined the clergy in a moving service. Father Konrad Grech, SJ, delivered a sermon emphasizing empathy and the interplay of mind and heart, inspiring all of us. Drinks and networking afterward further strengthened our bonds with the College.
Reflections and Moving Forward
Our pilgrimage to Rome was a profound journey of faith, remembrance, and diplomacy. Reflecting on the experience, Piero D’Angelico described it as “a testament to the enduring mission of our Order to build bridges between communities and preserve the lessons of history.” From our audience with the Pope to our visits to the Roman Ghetto, Italian Senate, Venerable English College, and the British Embassy, our engagements underscored our dedication to fostering peace and understanding.
As we returned to England, we carried with us a renewed commitment to our cause, inspired by the people we met and the places we visited. This pilgrimage not only honoured our past but also strengthened our resolve to address the challenges of the present and build a more compassionate future.
In the coming days, we will be publishing individual stories that highlight the unique moments and reflections from our pilgrimage to Rome. These accounts will delve deeper into the experiences of our members, offering personal insights and perspectives on the journey.