St. Columba Parish

Led by Fr. Michael P. McLoughlin, Pastor

On the Occasion of Viktor Gjergji’s Ordination to the Order of Deacons

8-Day Pilgrimage to Italy | September 23–30, 2023

Dear Friends,

I would like to take this time to personally invite you, your relatives, and friends to join us on this special trip to Italy’s greatest cities and the special places dear to Christian hearts, for the special occasion of Viktor Gjergji’s Ordination to the Order of Deacons. Our pilgrimage centers on Rome and Vatican City, where we will visit and venerate the sacred sites of our Catholic faith, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. We will celebrate daily liturgies and have the privilege of attending the Holy Father’s general audience. Best of all, we’ll attend the Ordination Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a reception at the North American College (by invitation).

Our pilgrimage will also bring us to Assisi, where we will walk and pray in the same locations where St. Francis, St. Clare, and many others before us drew closer to God. We’ll celebrate Mass in the beautiful Basilicas of Santa Maria degli Angeli and St. Francis, with time for prayer and reflection in this astounding place of pilgrimage.

Best of all, we will be celebrating our faith, forming deeper bonds of friendship, and enjoying food and customs of another culture! There is nothing like sharing such experiences with friends and family in faith. This will be a truly memorable journey in a special way. Please consider joining me!

Fr. Michael P. McLoughlin