Students Embark on Pilgrimage Through Italy

Notre Dame Preparatory School students recently returned from a meaningful 10-day pilgrimage through Italy, where they explored sacred landmarks, embraced cultural traditions, and deepened their spiritual connection—all while creating memories to last a lifetime.

The journey began on June 9 as students and faculty chaperones departed from Baltimore, filled with anticipation and excitement. Soon after landing in Rome, the group experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment: attending a General Audience with newly elected Pope Leo at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The opportunity to be in the presence of the Holy Father was a highlight of the trip and a moving experience for all involved.

In Rome, students visited sites rich in religious and historical significance, including the SSND Generalate—home to the School Sisters of Notre Dame—as well as the Holy Door, which holds special spiritual meaning during Jubilee Years. They also strolled through Piazza Navona, soaking in the vibrant beauty of the Eternal City.

The pilgrimage then took them north, where students explored the hillside town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and a cornerstone of Catholic pilgrimage. In Florence, they participated in an authentic Italian cooking class—rolling pasta and savoring the local flavors. A stop in the Tuscan countryside offered an immersive experience at an organic farm, followed by a visit to San Gimignano, a breathtaking medieval town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Throughout the trip, students embraced the theme of “faith in action,” reflecting on their spiritual journeys while engaging with the global Church. Whether walking in the footsteps of saints or sharing meals family-style in the Italian countryside, the Blazers lived out the values of community, spirituality, and global citizenship.

Buon viaggio, indeed. The NDP pilgrimage to Italy was not only an educational and cultural adventure—but also a powerful reminder of the ways travel can inspire growth, understanding, and connection.