Sequela Christi 2023
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 18
18 days ago, our pilgrims from diverse walks of life came together to embark on a perilous journey into self-discovery. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, we were privileged to explore the historic personalities of St. Francis, St. Clare, and many other Saints. It is perhaps a good time to look back and reflect on the various ways our hearts, minds and souls have been greatly enriched by our experiences. While today concludes the Sequela Christi 2023 pilgrimage, the pilgrimage of our lives continues.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 16
Today was the last full day we had for our pilgrimage and we went to the Castello Sforzesco and the Duomo di Milano. We started the day by first going over to the Castello Sforzesco, the Milan castle which was built in the 15th century. It was an impressive structure with walls that were as thick as 7 metres. It was one of many great and ancient buildings we saw on the trip. It had a fascinating history behind it and the Fort was technologically advanced for its time.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 15
As we slowly approach the end of our pilgrimage travelling into Milan, there is a bittersweet feeling towards the overall experience — feelings of immense gratitude for the people I’ve made on this trip who’ve made it so enjoyable & engaging, as well as feelings of hesitation that it’s all coming to an end & we’ll be back to the realities of life.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 14
Travelling from Padua, we made our way by boat to the beautiful city of Venice, a city situated on a group of 118 islands known for its unique urban layout, architecture, and cultural heritage. The city is built on wooden pilings driven into the ground and its iconic canals serve as the primary means of transportation.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 13
Day 13 kicked off with a gruelling 4-hour bus ride to the enchanting city of Padua, renowned for its mystical patron saint, none other than the miraculous St. Anthony. As a globally celebrated figure, a beacon of miracles both during his lifetime and beyond, he is our go-to saint when something precious goes missing in our lives.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 12
We began the day in the biggest Francsican church in Italy, the Church of Santa Croce, where, fun fact, many famous nobles were buried, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Over the centuries Santa Croce has become a “lieu de mémoire “, the Pantheon of an entire nation. Initially housing the graves of Franciscan friars however
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 11
Day 11 began with mass at Monteriggioni. A small castle built by the Sienese between 1213 – 1219 , a miniature version of a fortress with four walls surrounding the city. Built on top of a hill, its watchtowers provide residents with a clear view of the surrounding area. It must have been useful in spotting enemies and providing a high ground for defence.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 10
As we prepared to leave for Siena on the foggy morning of La Verna, I could not help but notice birds chirping as my footsteps echoed down the long hallways of the monastery. There was an inexplicable serenity, and an appreciation for the beautiful silence of the monastery rose within me.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 9
Today, we started the day early and left Assisi for La Verna, travelling up the towering mountain over 1200 metres in height. La Verna, also known as Mount Alvernia, is undoubtedly one of the most sacred places within the Franciscan tradition. It is the site where St. Francis received the stigmata – the wounds of Christ.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 8
Today on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, I feel extremely blessed to be celebrating it here in Spoleto. We started the day with celebrating the Solemnity mass in Spoleto Cathedral. Spoleto is a significant place for Francis as it is here where he had a dream of a voice ordering him to return back to Assisi.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 7
Our journey following the life of St. Francis continues in a little portion of the forest in the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels. The Portiuncula is a small Benedictine chapel St. Francis rebuilt, which he dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels. This chapel soon became the Mother Church for the Franciscan friars, where the order was founded.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 6
“Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, sure hope, and perfect charity. Fill me with understanding and knowledge, that I may fulfil your command” – St Francis’ prayer before the crucifix. Visiting three very special Franciscan sites today was extremely special for me, and this prayer
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 5
With a lingering gaze upon the majestic jewel of Rome, the resplendent dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, my fellow pilgrims and I embarked together on an enchanting journey towards Assisi, the very heart of Franciscan spirituality. Our initial sojourn led us to Santuario di Fonte Colombo, a place intricately woven into the fabric of Franciscan history.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 4
Ever dreamt of stepping into the enchanting realm Narnia? Well, it’s right here in the heart of Italy, and it goes by the name of Narni! Where its charm and beauty of entrancing landscapes and Mediaeval wonders left C.S. Lewis spellbound, inspiring ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 3
Day 3 was an exciting day, where we got to 2 of the 4 Major Papal Basilicas in Rome, namely the Archbasilica of St John Lateran and the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major. We even had the opportunity to celebrate the First Sunday of Advent in St Mary Major, which was such a beautiful experience.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 2
For day 2, we had mass at OFM Curia. A beautiful church with mosaic art all over the walls of the church. The arches in all four corners of the church creates an echo that makes hymns sound like they were sung by angels. The ceiling is lined with numerous depictions of saints.
Sequela Christi 2023 Day 1
Coming into this trip, I was feeling excited but also not knowing what to expect as I’ve not been to Italy before, or been on a pilgrimage like this before. As we went to each of the different locations, I was in awe and amazement. Similarly, I was in awe of the gold details & the intricate mosaic tile paintings all around the churches.