Carrying Charisms Forward Together: A Pilgrimage Journey in the Jubilee Year

Communications Office
29 minutes ago
2 min read

Sr. Jenn Schaaf, OP is currently in Rome with Mission Officers from Catholic colleges and universities for "Carrying Charisms Forward Together: A Pilgrimage Journey in the Jubilee Year," the inaugural Rome Seminar for Mission Officers, taking place July 12–17, 2025, at the Instituto Santissima Maria Bambina. Held just steps from the Vatican, this transformative formation experience offers participants a unique opportunity to deepen their mission through prayer, learning, and pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year. The program invites attendees to deepen their understanding of the Church’s mission in higher education through direct engagement with Vatican leaders, theologians, journalists, and spiritual guides.

Seminar highlights include:

An opening Mass in the Chapel of the Istituto Santissima Maria Bambina
As part of a powerful Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, Mass was celebrated at the Altar in front of the Tomb of St. Peter. During this special liturgy, Sr. Jenn Schaaf did the first reading—an especially meaningful moment in the journey
Insightful conversations on current Church dynamics
Exploring spiritual leadership, focusing on Saints Ignatius of Loyola and Catherine of Siena.
Deepening conversations on religious sponsorship and the evolving identity of Catholic education
Spiritually rich visits to major Roman basilicas—Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, and St. Paul Outside the Walls

Amid the beauty of Rome and the Jubilee spirit, Mission Officers experience a sacred blend of history, mission, and renewal—finding themselves united in purpose and carrying forward the diverse charisms of Catholic higher education in the heart of the Church.