14th PILGRIMAGE

OF THE PEOPLE

SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM

TO ROME

We asked Christian Marquant, coordinator of the Coetus Internationalis Summorum Pontificum, to give us the latest news about the upcoming pilgrimage, which will take place in Rome on October 24, 25, and 26. Cardinal Raymond Burke is kind enough to preside over it.

Q – Dear Christian, what news is there about the upcoming pilgrimage?

Christian Marquant – The first good news is that the pilgrimage will indeed take place. As in the previous 13 years, our Ad Petri Sedem pilgrimage will take place this year in Rome from October 24 to 26. As always, it will end on Christ the King Sunday. However, it will be an exceptional pilgrimage because it will take place during the Holy Year 2025, which is also the 100th anniversary of the encyclical Quas Primas on the Kingship of Christ.

Q – Why Ad Petri Sedem?

Christian Marquant - That is, the pilgrimage of the Summorum Pontificum people, that is, those attached to the usus antiquior, who give thanks to the Prince of the Apostles and his successor and thus demonstrate their attachment to the Church of Rome.

Q - The Summorum Pontificum People?

Christian Marquant - Yes, the representatives of the faithful who in more than 100 countries wish to continue to live their Catholic faith to the rhythm of the traditional liturgy and catechism.

Q - Any updates on the program?

Christian Marquant – Yes, there are: the first chronologically will be the presence of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who has kindly accepted to preside over the Pontifical Vespers opening our pilgrimage on Friday, October 24th at 6:30 p.m. at San Lorenzo in Lucina.

Q - This is not the first time he has participated in the ceremonies of your pilgrimage.

Christian Marquant - Indeed, he also presided over the Pontifical Vespers in 2022. We are very proud and honored by the participation of the Cardinal of Bologna, who is also the President of the Italian Bishops' Conference: it is an eloquent sign of peace and charity among all Catholics.

Q - Vespers will therefore not be celebrated at the Pantheon this year.

Christian Marquant - Due to the Holy Year, the Pantheon will be occupied by a concert that has been planned for a long time. Its rector, who is also the parish priest of San Lorenzo in Lucina, has offered us his basilica for this year.

Q - And the next day?

Christian Marquant - Overall, the program will be the same as in previous pilgrimages, with a significant change in its timetable... since on Saturday morning, many pilgrims who have come to Rome for the Holy Year will gather in St. Peter's Square.

Q - So, this new program...

Christian Marquant - It will begin as usual in front of the Basilica of St. Celsus, but at 12:00 p.m., before the pilgrimage continues in procession to St. Peter's Basilica at 1:00 p.m., where, after the security checks, we will pass through the Holy Door.

Q - And at St. Peter's?

Christian Marquant - At Saint Peter's, we will be warmly welcomed by Cardinal Raymond Burke, who, as I mentioned, has agreed to sponsor our 14th pilgrimage this year. We will have the joy of seeing him celebrate a pontifical Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin at the altar of the Chair, as it has already happened 11 times since 2012, with an interruption in the past two years.

Q - So, once again, there will be a celebration of the Mass of the pilgrimage at Saint Peter's. A miracle?

Christian Marquant - The joy of peace while giving thanks for this return, thanks to Heaven and Pope Leo, to our holy spiritual and liturgical habits.

Q - Is this the end of the pilgrimage?

Christian Marquant - No, it will conclude on Sunday with a closing pontifical Mass celebrated at the Trinità dei Pellegrini and two Masses of Thanksgiving.

Q - And for those who would like to know more?

Christian Marquant – You will find the program below and you may also consult our website: Pèlerinage Ad Petri Sedem https://site.summorum-pontificum.org/

Q- But we must also not forget Pax Liturgica Day.

Christian Marquant – No, of course not, remembering with emotion that Pope Leo's first word was peace. What a joy to meet again with these Augustinian friars who have always welcomed us so kindly for this day of encounter and friendship. You may consult the program always on the website: Pèlerinage Ad Petri Sedem and https://bit.ly/40JNZTF