Our Year 9 students recently returned from a memorable and reflective pilgrimage to Rome, where they explored some of the most significant sites in Christian and ancient Roman history.

The trip began with a visit to the Catacombs of St Sebastian. Walking through these early Christian burial chambers provided students with a deeper understanding of the courage and faith of the early Church. The experience offered a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with the lived reality of the past.

Students also visited the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Seeing the scale and structure of this ancient amphitheatre first-hand enabled them to reflect on the complexity of Roman society and its enduring influence on the modern world.

A highlight of the pilgrimage was time spent in Vatican City. In St Peter’s Square, students joined pilgrims from around the world for the Sunday Angelus, led by Pope Leo. The atmosphere of prayer and unity made a lasting impression on the group - our school even got a mention from Pope Leo himself!

Students also visited the Basilica of St Mary Major, where they prayed at the tomb of Pope Francis. This quiet and reflective moment allowed them to consider his leadership and service to the Church.

Following in the footsteps of St John Bosco, the group visited his house and learned more about his dedication to the education and spiritual formation of young people. The pilgrimage concluded with Mass celebrated in the Salesian Basilica, providing a fitting opportunity to reflect together on the experiences of the week.

Throughout the visit, our Year 9 students represented the school with maturity, respect and engagement. The pilgrimage offered not only historical and cultural enrichment, but also meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth and shared reflection.

We thank the staff who organised and accompanied the trip, and we commend our students for the way they embraced this significant experience.

Watch the video of the Pope mentioning Thornleigh!