Sophie Byrne, Primary RE Lead at St Michael’s Catholic School, High Wycombe, was lucky enough to take part in the ‘Called to Teach’ pilgrimage to Rome, organised in England and Wales by the Catholic Education Service (CES) in July 2025. Here is her testimony.
My pilgrimage started on Friday with my arrival in Rome. Soon after, once all pilgrims had arrived, we attended the opening mass at the
Baptistery of St. John Lateran Basilica. The evening was spent getting to know the other 45 pilgrims.
The Irish College – our accommodation in the Irish College was truly remarkable, highlighted by an audience with Pope Leo XIV.
His words, “God has created each one of you with a purpose and a mission in this life. Use this opportunity for listening, for prayer, so
that you may hear more clearly God’s voice calling you deep within your hearts,” and “I hope that, each day, you will nurture your relationship with Christ, who gives us the pattern of all authentic teaching, so that, in turn, you may guide and encourage those entrusted to your care to follow Christ in their own lives,” set a profoundly reflective and inspiring tone for the entire week.
Later, I had the profound experience of entering my first Holy Door at St. Mary Major, followed by Mass at St. Mary Major. I also had the chance to visit Pope Francis’ tomb. The day wrapped up with a coach tour of Rome, giving me a wonderful overview of the Eternal City.
On Sunday, we attended Mass at the Irish College, a beautiful start to a more tranquil day. Lunch was enjoyed at the picturesque Palazzola villa, followed by a fascinating tour of the Castelgandolfo Villa and gardens, the Pope’s summer residence, offering a glimpse into papal life outside the Vatican.
Monday took us outside Rome to places of profound historical significance. I visited the World War II Commonwealth cemetery in Cassino, a somber reminder of past conflicts. This was followed by Mass at Monte Cassino and a visit to the tombs of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica. The day concluded with an incredible archaeological site tour of Pompeii, where we walked through the preserved remains of an ancient Roman city.
Tuesday was dedicated to the heart of Catholicism. We attended Mass at St. Peter’s tomb before exploring St. Peter’s Basilica and
its Holy Door. This was followed by a comprehensive Vatican garden and museum tour, immersing ourselves in the art and history of
the Holy See. The day ended with a short walking tour of Rome, uncovering more of the city’s hidden gems.
Wednesday brought more spiritual and historical exploration. We visited the Holy Door of St. John Lateran and ascended the revered
Santa Scala – Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs. Later, we descended into the ancient Catacombs of St. Sebastian..
The afternoon included Mass at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, another Holy Door experience, and a visit to St. Paul’s Tomb. The day concluded with an insightful Q&A panel with dicastery members, offering a deeper understanding of the Church’s work.
Thursday was a special day trip to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. We attended Mass at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a deeply moving experience, and explored the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Blessed Carlo Acutis’ heart
My pilgrimage concluded on Friday with a closing mass in San Clemente, a fitting end to a week of spiritual enrichment.
Beyond the structured itinerary, this pilgrimage was invaluable for the relationships I formed with teachers from across England, Scotland, and Ireland. Sharing this profound experience together not only deepened my understanding of the Catholic Church and Italian history, but it truly re-awakened my spirit and served as a powerful testament to faith building. Each step of the journey, from the ancient catacombs to the awe-inspiring basilicas, felt like a brick laid in the foundation of a renewed spiritual connection.