Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy 2025

The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is organizing a pilgrimage for college students in the diocese to see holy sites throughout Italy for the Jubilee Year of 2025. From May 26th to July 3rd, our students will be visiting sites in Milan, Florence, Assisi, Orvieto, and Rome to grow in their understanding of the faith of the universal Church and deepen their relationship with Jesus. To learn more about our pilgrimage’s itinerary, you can click the donation link for any of our student pilgrims below and scroll to the bottom of their donation page on the WeTravel website. Our students deeply appreciate any support you’re able to offer, whether it takes the form of prayer or financial sponsorship. The six students below are working to raise an additional $3,400 per student for their pilgrimages, making our total goal $20,400 by April 4th. Thank you for your kind consideration.  To learn more about the Jubilee Year, watch the video below.

Hi, my name is Abby Rock! I am a sophomore at Fairmont State University in their BSN Nursing program. I am from Hurricane, WV and have been an active parishioner at Ascension Catholic Church for almost 10 years now! Traveling to Italy has always been a dream of mine; God has brought this dream to life in a better way than I could have ever imagined!

Aside from the additional perks of delicious food and experiencing a new culture, I cannot wait to take in the beautiful architecture and rich religious history of our destinations. Over the last couple years, I have come to really appreciate the rich traditions of the Catholic faith and hope that being in the presence of the root of so much of this history will give me a better understanding and greater love for the origin of our faith.

Hi! My name is Annie Pierson, and I’m a junior studying architecture at Fairmont State University. I’m from Ripley, WV, and my home parish is Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church. I’m excited to go on a pilgrimage to Rome because I’ll be able to connect with the church’s history as we walk the same paths that saints and martyrs have walked.

Praying and reflecting in the city’s beautiful churches will be an awakening and powerful experience that will help me grow spiritually and closer to God. Going to Rome will also be an amazing opportunity to see all of the city’s mesmerizing architecture! If you would like to donate to my trip fund, the link is above!  All the help is greatly appreciated!

Hi, I’m Kai Smith, and I’m a sophomore architecture student at Fairmont State University. I’m from Rainelle, West Virginia, and my home parish is Saints Peter and Paul in Oak Hill, WV. I am very thankful and excited for this pilgrimage to Italy.

Personally, this not only will help me grow and better my understanding as an up-and-coming architect, it will help me better my faith and grow closer to God. Being able to see history thousands of years old and be closer to it spiritually is important in strengthening and growing my faith.

Hello there! My name is Kamden Lankford. I am a Junior at Fairmont State University studying Exercise Science with hopes of going into the field of physical therapy. I am from Marietta, Ohio belonging to the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption. I am beyond thrilled to partake in the pilgrimage to Rome provided by the Newman Center at Fairmont State University.

I believe that this is a great opportunity to learn and deepen my faith. Please keep us in your prayers and thank you for all your support. God bless you.

Hi! My name is Kate Grant, and I’m a sophomore at Fairmont State University. Currently, I am a double major studying National Security & Intelligence and Political Science. I am from Poca, West Virginia, and my home parish is the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, West Virginia. This pilgrimage is a wonderful opportunity to deepen my faith by observing God’s presence in the art and architecture of the basilicas and holy sites we will be visiting. I am eager to begin my pilgrimage, especially during this year of Jubilee. Thank you for your consideration of your donation and may God bless you.

Hello, my name is Natalie Wagner. I am an architecture major, and I am a sophomore. I am from Bridgeport, West Virginia, and my home parish is Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Stonewood, WV. I am so excited to see the wonderful architecture in Rome and to have a spiritual connection with God.

I believe that this pilgrimage will strengthen my relationship with God.