On Monday July 28, a group of pilgrims from the GBR province set off from London Heathrow to take part in the Youth Pilgrimage of Hope to Rome. The group was made up of 19 young people from Salesian and FMA centres in Liverpool, Bollington, Bolton, Battersea and Farnborough. It was accompanied by two Salesian Sisters and three Salesians.

The group met the Holy Father after the opening mass in St Peter's Square and while attending the overnight vigil in the fields around the Tor Vergata region of Rome, together with one million other young people.

Members of the group went through the Holy doors at the basilicas of St Pater's, Mary Major, St John Lateran and St Paul outside the walls.

In addition, they visited the tomb of the late Pope Francis to pay their respects and celebrated mass in the chapel adjacent to his tomb. They also visited the basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Salesian General House, both of which are on the same campus.

They also participated in a gathering of more than 5000 young people from Salesian centres all over the world.

Here they met the Rector Major, Don Fabio Attard and Mother General Mother, Chiara Cazzuolo. This was a tough but a very enjoyable pilgrimage; we anticipate many graces will come from it.

You can find more photos on our Flickr Page

Text supplied by Fr Gerry Briody SDB

Images ©Fr Joe Tran SDB, Br Nhan Le SDB & Fr Gerry Briody SDB