Diocesan Student Pilgrimage to Italy | June 1–10, 2027
The Diocese of Salina invites students and families to participate in a Diocesan Student Pilgrimage to Italy, taking place June 1–10, 2027. This pilgrimage is designed to help young people encounter Jesus Christ through prayer, sacred places, and the shared life of the universal Church.
The pilgrimage is open to students who are currently in grades 9, 10, or 11, members of the graduating classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029, who attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Salina. Students who attend public school or are homeschooled but are active in their parish CYO programs are also eligible. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate alongside their students.
The pilgrimage will be led by Superintendent of Catholic Schools Geoff Andrews, marking his second time leading a diocesan student pilgrimage to Italy. Andrews previously traveled with students and families on a diocesan pilgrimage in 2025 and has also led international travel experiences with basketball teams, including trips to Italy in 2016 and London in 2018. His experience in student travel, combined with his role in Catholic education, helps ensure the pilgrimage is both well-organized and intentionally formative.
“This is not simply a trip to see famous landmarks,” Andrews said. “Pilgrimage invites young people to step outside of their daily routines, encounter their faith in a new way, and grow through shared prayer, reflection, and community.”
The itinerary includes visits to Rome and the Vatican, Assisi, Siena, and Florence, offering opportunities to pray in some of the most significant sacred sites in the Catholic tradition. Daily prayer, reflection, and opportunities for Mass are woven throughout the experience.
Pilgrimages and international travel offer unique benefits for teenagers. Experiencing different cultures helps students develop maturity, independence, and a broader perspective of the world. Traveling with peers and trusted adults encourages leadership, responsibility, and meaningful relationships. For Catholic students, pilgrimage adds an additional dimension by connecting faith to real places, history, and lived experience.
Families who participated in previous diocesan pilgrimages shared that students returned home with a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist, greater confidence in prayer, and a stronger sense of belonging to the universal Church. Parents noted how the experience helped their children grow spiritually while also building lasting memories together.
Participation in the pilgrimage is limited to 33 total travelers to foster a strong sense of community and shared reflection. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Early Enrollment Savings are available now through March 26, with flexible payment options offered to help families plan ahead.
For full details, eligibility information, and enrollment instructions, please visit the Italy 2027 Webpage.