Faith & Culture Meet: An Immersive Pilgrimage

December 27–January 4, 30 students and five chaperones took part in a Pilgrimage to Italy—a collaborative trip between the DSHA Latin and Campus Ministry departments. The purpose was for students to experience the connection between the traditional and historical roots of Rome and the Christian faith. Dasher Pilgrims visited historical sites in Florence, Assisi, Rome, and Vatican City. Anna Pienkos, DSHA ’25, reflects on how experiencing her own Catholic faith in a different culture, rich with beauty and history, allowed her to embrace her faith in new and formative ways.

Reflection by Anna Pienkos, DSHA '25

    • Anna Pienkos, DSHA ’25 (first row, fifth from left) poses with fellow Italy Pilgrims in Assisi on the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s miracle of the crèche (also known as a Nativity scene) – a tradition started by St. Francis in 1223 at Christmas Eve Mass. Later that day, Dashers visited the "Porzinucula" or "little chapel" at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and then attended Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis with pilgrims from all over the world.

Throughout my life, I have grown up and been raised in a Catholic family. It was normal to go to Mass every Sunday, attend Easter and Christmas services, and always be in some form of religion class at my school. However, it wasn’t until this past winter, when I had the opportunity to take part in the Italy Pilgrimage, that I truly and fully realized the beauty that God can create in my life.

Besides being my first time outside of the country, it was amazing to see the similarities in my faith between where I have grown up, compared to that of a completely different country and culture. I began to realize how connected we all are through one central belief. This experience brought
me closer to God because it allowed me to be in the heart of where our Catholic faith is rooted. It helped me understand how our Catholic faith, quite literally, is spread across the entire world.

Experiencing my Catholic faith in a different place and culture offered an opportunity that was so special. The beauty that surrounded us in St. Peter’s Square—from the shining gold to the rich architecture—revealed to me how present God is in our lives, as I felt so near to Him in that specific place. Toward the end of our week, we took an underground “Scavi” tour where we were able to see the Necropolis, and see and pray at the tomb of St. Peter underneath St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. It was inspiring to be in such close proximity to the bones of St. Peter; right next to a part of someone who was one of Jesus’ closest friends and most important apostles. I felt immersed in my faith in a new way. It reminded me how alive God still is within the Catholic Church, as well as in our lives overall.

I am deeply grateful for the chance to have experienced this trip. My sister has special needs, and is wheelchair dependent, so our family dynamics can often make traveling far away difficult. While I found myself wishing that I could share my moments in Italy with my family, and especially my sister, the trip allowed me the time to be grateful for the opportunities I have in my position. Not everyone has the privilege to experience different cultures and places, or live out formative faith opportunities in such a special and impactful way. Through this experience I was able to gain a deeper appreciation for the smaller aspects of life that my sister and many others may never have. I have felt such a  profound sense of gratitude for my sister and family, and for the life-changing perspective of our pilgrimage to Italy.

My faith has always been present, but the immersive nature of this pilgrimage—in an unfamiliar place—gave me the opportunity to discover a part of myself that I did not know was there. I was opened to how much I need and want God in my life, because He is the one constant that I can turn to when in search of hope, love, and forgiveness. The presence of God and the closeness that I felt to Him on this trip is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

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