Pilgrimage to Rome

by Staff

5-13 November 2008



A Pilgrimage to Rome to pay homage to the seat of Christendom and work on continued Anglo-Roman unity was led by the Bishop of the Southwest. The delegation consisted of the bishop and three others. Meetings were held on a variety of topics with various church and Italian officials, ranged from a variety of topics from Church doctrine to sacred archaeology, and were most productive.



At the office of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre



Meetings included an audience with H.Em. Cardinal Rylko, a visit with a prelate to discuss Christian archaeological history at the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology on behalf of H.E. Archbishop Ravasi, who was occupied with a meeting for Christian-Muslim peace, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, an historical discussion over coffee at the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and more. Part of the delegation was also able to spend time in prayer with the deceased Holy Fathers buried beneath St. Peter's Basilica.

Bishop Johnson discusses church history with a
lay Vatican official in the Basilica of St. Peter

Bishop Johnson also traveled to Florence to attend a mass in celebration of the anniversary of the dedication of the famed Duomo di Firenze. The Cathedral boasts the Brunelleschi dome and was built and decorated by some of the greatest artists of the early Renaissance. The Bishop met with one of the Chaplains of the Duomo for a discussion and exchange of blessings.

Members of the delegation with pilgrims
in Saint Peter's Square



Throughout all meetings, the delegation was most warmly and respectfully received. All combined, it is hoped that this brief set of encounters will contribute to eventual complete Anglo-Roman union.

Members of the delegation relax at a performance
of opera music at the Teatro Argentino in Rome

Bishop Johnson meets with the President of the
Savoy Royal Guard