On 9th May, the confreres of the St. Alphonsus Community in Rome, together with the members of Collegio Maggiore, undertook a memorable pilgrimage to Muro Lucano, the birthplace of St. Gerard Majella. Around thirty-two confreres participated in this spiritual journey, which was organized in a special way during the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of the beloved Redemptorist saint.
The pilgrimage began with a visit to the Co-Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The group was warmly welcomed and guided by the Parish Priest, Fr. Thomas, who explained the historical and spiritual importance of the cathedral and its connection with the life of St. Gerard. His insightful explanations helped the confreres appreciate more deeply the faith and devotion that shaped the saint’s early years.
The pilgrims then visited the humble house where St. Gerard was born and raised. Standing in the very place where the saint spent his childhood was a moving experience for many, especially for those visiting Muro Lucano for the first time. The group also visited the carpentry shop where the young Gerard worked and learned the value of simplicity, hard work, and obedience—virtues that later became hallmarks of his holy life.
The pilgrimage concluded at the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, where the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Giovanni Congiou, Rector of the house. The Eucharistic celebration became the spiritual high point of the journey, uniting the confreres in prayer and thanksgiving for the inspiring witness of St. Gerard Majella.
After the Mass, the confreres shared a joyful fellowship meal before beginning the return journey to Rome. Though the journey was long and tiring, everyone returned with hearts full of contentment and gratitude. The pilgrimage offered not only an opportunity to visit the birthplace of a great saint, but also a moment of fraternity, reflection, and renewal in the spirit of St. Gerard during his 300th birth anniversary.
Scala News
