On Sunday, February 15, 2026, over 200 people took part in the Polish Community Walking Pilgrimage to Seven Churches in Rome. The route, covering approximately 25 kilometers, led through the most important Roman basilicas and the Catacombs of St. Domitilla, one of the oldest and largest catacombs in Rome. The event was organized by the Church of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, and the pilgrims were led by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś.
At the beginning of the pilgrimage, Cardinal Ryś emphasized that it was primarily a pilgrimage to the personal “basilica” located in the heart of every human being. Short introductions before entering each temple provided an opportunity to learn about the history of places important to the early Church, but also to build community among the pilgrims on their journey.
As Fr. Tomasz Jarosz pointed out, it was a journey not only through Rome, but above all into the depths of one’s own heart — a time to strengthen one’s faith, to have the courage to get to know oneself, and thus also to give oneself to another person and accept them as they are. The pilgrimage was also an important preparation for Lent.
A special moment was the Eucharist celebrated in the Catacombs of St. Domitilla for the intention of the homeland and peace in the world. It is the resting place of many martyrs of the first centuries, including Saints Nereus and Achilles. Some of the oldest Christian paintings depicting the Good Shepherd and biblical scenes have been preserved there. In the early centuries of Christianity, the Eucharist was celebrated at the tombs of martyrs—witnesses of faith to the point of shedding their blood. The cardinal pointed out that altars were erected over their tombs, and from this tradition derives the custom of placing the relics of saints and martyrs in every consecrated altar. It was a sign of the unity of Christ’s sacrifice with the sacrifice of their lives and an expression of faith in the “communion of saints” – the spiritual bond between the pilgrim Church and those who have already attained the glory of heaven. This custom is preserved in the Catholic Church to this day.
The participants emphasized that although the pilgrimage required physical effort, its essence was primarily an inner journey – a time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual strengthening.
The pilgrimage was attended by priests, nuns, representatives of the Roman Polish community, guests and pilgrims from Poland, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and numerous communities, including the Domestic Church. A large group of sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth was also present – four sisters from Via Machiavelli and 14 sisters from Via Nazareth. Their participation was not only a testimony to others, but also a mutual enrichment of the community. Each of the sisters carried their personal intentions and those entrusted to them through the intercession of the Foundress.
Sr. Karmela Baryła
Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCKSPF
