On June 7, 2025, on the occasion of the solemnity of Pentecost, all members of the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt from Rome, from Italy and from around the world gathered in pilgrimage at St. Peter’s Basilica to participate together in the time of prayer and vigil with the Holy Father.
The pilgrimage took place in the context of the Jubilee of the Movements, Associations, and New Communities. We, as the Schoenstatt family and pilgrims of hope, all wanted to be part of this great family of the Church in the meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
Departure of the Pilgrimage from the Parish of Saints Francis and Catherine, Patrons of Italy
At 3:00 pm., a group from the Movement gathered at the parish of the Holy Patrons of Rome, a community entrusted to the care of the Schoenstatt Fathers’ Institute, where a joint prayer was held.
The church, built in a rationalist architectural style, has served as a parish seat since June 27, 1942, the date when Pius XII proclaimed St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine of Siena as patrons of Italy. On November 26, 1989, the church was visited by John Paul II.
After the prayer, the first Schoenstatt pilgrims set off on foot toward the church of San Salvatore in Onda, located on Via dei Pettinari, near Piazza San Vincenzo Pallotti, where the saint’s tomb is located. The walk lasted about 40 minutes.
Visit to the Church of San Salvatore in Onda and Prayer at the Tomb of St. Vincent Pallotti
At 3:30 pm., the Schoenstatt pilgrims began visiting the church, where all groups from around the world, staying in various parts of Rome, gathered. The visit continued with a moment of prayer at the tomb of St. Vincent Pallotti.
The Church of San Salvatore in Onda is a significant 11th-century place of worship located in the Roman district of Regola, near the house where St. Paul is believed to have stayed. Its name, “in Onda,” comes from the frequent floods of the Tiber River that used to affect the area. In 1844, it was entrusted to St. Vincent Pallotti for the religious community he founded, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines).
St. Vincent Pallotti, founder of the Union of Catholic Apostolate in the 19th century, had a broad vision of the Church’s mission, encompassing all the baptized — both lay and consecrated — as apostles. Fr. Joseph Kentenich joined this community and was ordained a priest within it. Thus, one can say that Schoenstatt is also strongly connected to this place and the figure of St. Vincent Pallotti.
Continuation of the Pilgrimage toward St. Peter’s Square
The walk lasted about 30 minutes, but the anticipation for the vigil with the Pope was palpable in everyone. The procession stopped at the Piazza del Sant’Uffizio to wait for other groups of pilgrims who were coming from the Cor Ecclesiae Shrine or had gathered there, including the General Presidium of Schoenstatt. Around 5:00 pm, the entire Schoenstatt Family present entered St. Peter’s Square.
Pentecost Vigil with Movements, Associations, and New Communities
In St. Peter’s Square, musical groups from some movements and associations had already begun to enliven the gathering. After 6:00 pm, a vigil with music and testimonies from representatives of several movements took place. Then, from around 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the Pentecost vigil was held, presided over by the Holy Father.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV invoked the Holy Spirit, as sung in “Veni Creator Spiritus,” as a transforming force that accompanies the mission of Jesus and the Church. The Spirit opens us to the Kingdom of God and invites us to conversion by embracing God’s nearness. Through Jesus and His example, we understand that God acts to transform the world according to a logic of love, justice, and freedom. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit united Mary, the apostles, and the disciples into a single mission, making them radiant and undivided witnesses to the Gospel. This unity is reflected today in the communion of the Church, which is expressed through synodality — that is, walking together guided by the Spirit. Synodality means living “being together” — with God, with others, with creation — as a path toward a more just and peaceful world, in contrast to individualism and exploitation. True spirituality, animated by the Spirit of Jesus, promotes fraternity, participation, freedom, and integral human development. Therefore, evangelization is not conquest, but the spreading of grace with the help of Mary — and this is what we aim to achieve in Schoenstatt.
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
