Faith Journeys: Catholic Italy

The Passion of Christ is a sacred play performed by the villagers of Sordevolo, Italy, every five years since 1816. The play is an open-air theater that puts on a dramatic presentation of Christ's suffering, death, and trial. The play features actors, extras, musicians, and stage operators, and takes place from June to September, with 400 people participating three nights a week.

Passion plays originated in Europe during the Middle Ages as a way to teach people about Christianity. For many who watch them, they are opportunities for meditation and religious devotion, and can be powerful symbols of the core of Christian spiritual life.

Note: After the pandemic delays, the next performances will be in Summer 2027

THE SHRINES WE’LL BE VISITING:

Rome: St. Peter's Basilica: The epicenter of the Catholic Church, housing the tomb of St. Peter.

Basilica of St. John Lateran: The oldest of the four major basilicas in Rome, known as the cathedral of the Pope.

Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: A UNESCO World Heritage site, it houses the tomb of St. Francis and features beautiful frescoes.

Loreto: Basilica della Santa Casa: Enshrines the Holy House believed to be the house of the Virgin Mary, miraculously transported from Nazareth.

Lanciano: Church of St. Longinus: Known for the Eucharistic Miracle, where bread and wine transformed into flesh and blood during Mass.

San Giovanni Rotondo: Sanctuary of Padre Pio: Includes the Old Church with the tomb of St. Padre Pio and the newer Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

Monte Cassino: Abbey of Monte Cassino: A historic Benedictine monastery founded by St. Benedict, a significant center of Catholic monasticism.

How did Italy become the home of the Catholic Church? If Christianity was to grow, it had to first conquer the world’s most dominant city – Rome! The deaths of Peter and Paul in Rome reinforced its significance. Peter is considered the first Pope. The Bishop of Rome, later known as the Pope, gradually asserted pre-eminence over other bishops, symbolizing Rome’s centralized authority.

The Catholic Church Jubilee, occurring every 25 years, is a significant event in the Church's tradition. Pilgrims undertake journeys to designated holy sites, often in Rome, seeking grace and spiritual growth.

The concept traces its roots to the Biblical tradition of the Jubilee Year in Leviticus (Chapter 25). Through rituals, prayer, and charitable acts, the Catholic Church uses the Jubilee to foster spiritual and communal unity, reflecting its commitment to faith, mercy, and renewal.