In Rome, in the footsteps of St. Lawrence

After 17 years of mission in Sudan and Egypt, I finally had the opportunity to visit Rome for the first time. I came to take part in a two-week refresher course for bursars, and I was also able to get to know some of the city’s historic sites. A dream that has finally come true.

Visiting Rome’s basilicas and historic sites was much more than a cultural experience: it was a true spiritual pilgrimage, which deepened my faith, strengthened my relationship with God, inspired my missionary commitment and renewed my desire to be a witness to Christ in the world.

A day on foot

Guided by Fr. Angelo Giorgetti and Fr. Sebastian Chmiel of the General Secretariat for Finance, we walked about ten kilometres, from 8:30 AM to 6:00PM, on a Tuesday. There are seven churches in Rome dedicated to St. Lawrence; because of time constraints, we were only able to visit five.

More than an itinerary through sacred places, it was a precious opportunity to encounter Christ, deepen my faith, reflect on the meaning of Christian service and renew my commitment as a missionary disciple.

In every church I was reminded that faith is not only something we profess with our lips, but a reality to be witnessed through our actions. St. Lawrence inspires me because he remained faithful to Christ even in the face of suffering and death.

Each church thus became a place of personal encounter with God and an invitation to grow in holiness. It was a pilgrimage lived in prayer, contemplation and conversion.

The true treasure of the Church

As a deacon, Lawrence was responsible for administering the Church’s goods and for assisting the poor of Rome. When the emperor demanded that he hand over the treasures of the Church, he presented to him the poor and suffering people cared for by the Christian community.

His witness teaches us that the true treasures of the Church are not material possessions, but people, especially those who are forgotten and most vulnerable.

Reflecting on his witness and his martyrdom, we prayed for the Church, for priests, religious, missionaries and the poor, asking for the grace to become ever more compassionate and faithful Christians.

The teaching of St. Lawrence

This one-day pilgrimage was a journey of faith, encounter and mission. Through the example of this great deacon and martyr, I rediscovered that the meaning of Christian life lies in loving God and serving others.

St. Lawrence teaches me that the Church’s greatest treasures are the poor, that true greatness is revealed in humble service, and that authentic faith requires courage and a spirit of sacrifice.

I return home with a renewed desire to follow Christ more faithfully.

Through the intercession of St. Lawrence, I pray to become a living witness of the Gospel among the poor, the suffering and all those who need hope, in particular the Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees I accompany in Egypt.

This pilgrimage helped me to rediscover my spiritual and missionary identity more deeply.

Fr. João Dinis João, MCCJ