Hello from Rome - June 15th, 2025

Hello St. Mary’s and St. Francis Xavier Communities,

I wanted to send you a follow-up communication on my time with The Rome Experience program and let you know how things are going on my pilgrimage. So far, it has been a whirlwind. Before getting to Rome itself, my journey has taken me to Amsterdam, Paris, Florence, and a small Italian town called Bracciano where we spent 5 days in silent retreat. I have taken in so much in such a brief time and there is still so much more. Even with as much time as I have spent, and have yet to spend here in Europe, I know I will still have barely scratched the surface of all that is to be experienced here.

Everywhere I have traveled has been beautiful and every day I have been struck by an immense feeling of being blessed by God. However, one of the greatest blessings I have had so far is being able to carry the prayer intention cards which you entrusted to me and pray for them in Rome. I have already taken them to the four major Basilicas in Rome and have spent time in prayer at each one, asking God to hear and answer the petitions all of you have had on your hearts. Captured in these photos are the places and times I have spent offering your prayers to God: St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Being able to perform this service has been a true privilege and has deepened this spiritual journey. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me this profound opportunity to partake in interceding for those prayers that mean so much to you.

I ask that God answer your prayers in the way only He knows to be best. Please keep me and the men who are with me in your prayers. You will continue to be in mine.

God Bless you all,

John Sparks

We got to meet Pope Leo!

St. Peter’s