Sanctum Pilgrimages

31/08/2025

Day 5

Today marked the beginning of our travelling days outside of Rome 🚍🇮🇹. After breakfast and check-out, we left the Eternal City and journeyed north towards Orvieto, a hilltop town rich in medieval charm 🏰 and profound Eucharistic significance.

Upon arrival, we were immediately struck with awe at the sight of the Duomo of Orvieto ⛪. Its stunning façade, adorned with golden mosaics, intricate sculptures 🗿, and towering spires, seemed to lift our hearts heavenward. It is truly one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Italy.

We descended into the crypt 🕯️, where we celebrated Holy Mass in a quiet and sacred atmosphere. After Mass, we entered the Chapel of the Eucharistic Miracle, where the relic of the Miracle of Bolsena-Orvieto (1263) is preserved. Here, we paused in deep prayer 🙌 and sang Tantum Ergo, reflecting on the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. This moment was especially meaningful, as this very miracle inspired Pope Urban IV to institute the Feast of Corpus Christi for the universal Church 🌍.

Afterwards, despite a few wrong turns through the town, we finally arrived at a local restaurant for lunch. The meal was delicious, prepared with simple but flavourful Umbrian tastes 😋 that delighted everyone.

In the afternoon, we continued our journey towards Assisi, the beloved hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare 🌿. Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel for an early rest after the long travel.

Later, a few pilgrims ventured into the town to explore its beautiful simplicity cobbled streets, stone houses , and quiet piazzas, all exuding a spirit of peace .

At night , some of us gathered once more to walk towards the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, where we were able to pay homage at the tomb of the beloved saint . Standing in silence 🤍 before his resting place, we felt the humility, joy, and radical love of the poor man of Assisi, whose life continues to inspire the Church and the world .

Though we did not visit as many churches as on the previous days ⛪, this quieter day of travel was filled with beauty 🌅, fellowship , and above all, the grace of the Eucharist 🕊️. It gently prepared our hearts for the days of retreat and deeper reflection that awaited us in Assisi.

30/08/2025

Happy Merderka!

On 31 August 1957, Malaysia was blessed with the gift of independence. Lord, guide our nation in peace, unity, and justice.

Bless our leaders with wisdom,
our people with unity and peace,
and our land with justice and prosperity.

30/08/2025

Day 4

After breakfast, we set out once more for the heart of Rome 🇮🇹. Although this year is the Jubilee Year, and large crowds were expected everywhere, to our surprise many of our stops were not too busy – a blessing that allowed us more time for prayer and reflection.

Our first visit was to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran ⛪, the Cathedral of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. Known as the “Mother and Head of all the Churches of Rome and the World,” it is the oldest of the four papal basilicas. Crossing through its Holy Door 🚪, our second during this Jubilee pilgrimage, was a profound spiritual moment. Inside, we marvelled at the towering statues of the Apostles🗿, the magnificent Gothic baldachin, and the rich history that echoes through every stone of this basilica.

One of the most moving moments for us was to see the Cedar Table, preserved in the basilica’s cloister, traditionally venerated as the very table of the Last Supper. To stand before it, recalling the moment when Christ instituted the Eucharist, brought home the deep connection between our pilgrimage and the mystery of our faith 🙌.

Just across the street lies the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) 🪜, believed to be the very steps Jesus climbed during His trial before Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. Since they were brought to Rome in the 4th century by St. Helena, pilgrims have ascended these stairs on their knees 🕊️ as an act of devotion. Because the place was not overly crowded, many of us had the grace to ascend the steps slowly, praying the Our Father on each stair 🙏 and meditating deeply on the Passion of Christ.

We then proceeded to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Santa Croce in Gerusalemme) 🌹, an ancient church also linked to St. Helena. It houses several precious relics of the Passion of Christ 🩸, including fragments of the True Cross, a nail from the Crucifixion, and thorns believed to be from the Crown of Thorns. Standing before these relics was a powerful reminder of the reality of Christ’s sacrifice for us ✝️.

By midday, we stopped for lunch near the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The food was authentically Italian lovingly prepared, flavourful, and a joy to share together in fellowship .

Since we had some time before our next visit, we returned to St. Peter’s Square ⛲. There we took another group photo 📸 and enjoyed shopping for religious articles and souvenirs, many of which pilgrims intended to bring home as gifts 🎁 for loved ones and as blessed reminders of this journey.

Later in the afternoon, we gathered for Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, our third papal basilica of the pilgrimage. This great Marian shrine holds the revered icon of the Salus Populi Romani 🕊️, beloved by Pope Francis who often prays before it. We also visited the Bethlehem Crypt, which contains relics of the manger where the Infant Jesus was laid. In the silence of the basilica, we felt a tender closeness to Our Lady 💙 and to the mystery of the Incarnation.

From there, we walked to the nearby Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori, which houses the original miraculous icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. It was a meaningful stop for some pilgrims, and some took the opportunity to purchase devotional icons 🖼️ of Our Lady to bring back home.

As evening drew near, we made one final stop at the Colosseum 🏛️, one of the most recognisable landmarks of Rome. Though today it stands as a monument of history, for Christians it also recalls the sacrifices of countless early martyrs 🩸 who shed their blood for Christ. We paused here for photos 📷 and reflection before returning to our hotel 🏨 for a well-deserved rest.

29/08/2025

Day 3 ⛪✨🇻🇦

Today was our long-awaited day in Vatican City, the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church. We rose very early 🌅 and, after collecting our packed breakfasts, made our way to St. Peter’s Square.

Upon arrival, we found ourselves among an immense crowd of pilgrims, all gathered for the General Audience with the Holy Father. Due to the large numbers, security divided our group into two. One part of our group was directed to the Paul VI Audience Hall 🏛️, and we felt incredibly blessed to be in such close proximity to the Pope during the audience. The other part of the group entered directly into St. Peter’s Basilica through the Holy Door a profoundly spiritual experience, especially during the Jubilee Year 🚪⛪ .

The audience concluded with the solemn recitation of the Our Father in Latin (Pater Noster) ✝️📖. Hearing this ancient prayer echo in unison by so many nations and voices reminded us that we belong not just to a local church in Malaysia 🇲🇾, but to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, a universal family united in Christ.

Afterwards, our pilgrims split again for different experiences. Some remained in St. Peter’s Basilica, where they had the extraordinary grace of seeing Pope Leo XIV at close range. A few were even touched and blessed personally by him – a once-in-a-lifetime gift that filled them with immense joy.

Meanwhile, others visited the Vatican Museums, walking through halls filled with masterpieces collected through centuries of faith and culture. The highlight, of course, was entering the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes vividly narrate salvation history, from the Creation to the Last Judgement. It was more than art it was catechesis painted in colour and light 🌈.

At midday, we regrouped for lunch before heading to the Parrocchia Santuario di Santa Maria in Traspontina, a Carmelite church just steps away from St. Peter’s, where we celebrated Holy Mass together, a moment of deep thanksgiving in the heart of the Church.

Later in the afternoon, we all entered St. Peter’s Basilica again through the Holy Door, taking time to explore its vast and awe-inspiring interior. We paused at the Pietà by Michelangelo 💙, a masterpiece of sorrow and faith that captures Mary holding the lifeless body of her Son. We then visited side chapels ⛪ and paid homage at the tomb of St. John Paul II, a place of profound devotion for pilgrims worldwide.

Every corner of the basilica speaks of the majesty of God and the glory of His Church. If the Church is meant to represent a foretaste of Heaven on earth, then St. Peter’s Basilica surely offers us a glimpse of its grandeur 🌌.

Our day concluded with a joyful group photo 📸😊 outside St. Peter’s Basilica, capturing not just faces but the deep grace of being pilgrims together in the heart of our faith. We then boarded our bus and returned to the hotel, tired but filled with gratitude for this unforgettable day ✨.

28/08/2025

Day 2 🏛️

Our second day in Rome began with a visit to the historic heart of the city . We started at Piazza Navona ⛲, one of the most famous squares in Rome, built on the site of the ancient Circus Agonalis. Its elongated shape still preserves the outline of the Roman arena once used for athletic contests.
Today, it is adorned with Baroque fountains and palaces 🎨, a lively testimony of how Rome embraces both its ancient and Renaissance heritage.

Just nearby stands the Church of St. Agnes in Agone ⛪, dedicated to the young martyr St. Agnes🌸, who died around the age of 12 for refusing to renounce her faith and purity. Built over the site of her martyrdom, this elegant Baroque masterpiece reminds pilgrims of the cost of faith and the courage of Christian witness.

From there, we walked to the Church of St. Louis of the French (San Luigi dei Francesi) 🇫🇷, the national church of France in Rome. Inside, we marvelled at the three famous Caravaggio paintings 🖼️ depicting the life and calling of St. Matthew. The dramatic play of light and shadow brought the Gospel story vividly to life before our eyes.

Next, we visited the Pantheon 🏛️, originally a Roman temple to all the gods, later consecrated as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs. Its massive dome with the open oculus remains one of the most impressive feats of ancient architecture. Given the heat of the day, we treated ourselves to some refreshing Italian gelato 🍦,a sweet pause during our pilgrimage walk.

We then made our way to the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva ⛪, one of the few Gothic churches in Rome. Built over a former Roman temple, its plain exterior hides a vibrant interior of colourful frescoes and rich chapels . Here, we reflected on how Christianity built upon the ruins of the old pagan world.

A short walk brought us to the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Sant’Ignazio di Loyola in Campo Marzio) 🔥. Dedicated to the founder of the Jesuits, this church amazed us with its stunning ceiling frescoes 🌌, where the illusionistic painting seemed to open heaven itself above our heads.

After a much-needed lunch break 🍝, we continued to the Trevi Fountain ⛲, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Following tradition, many pilgrims tossed a coin 🪙 into the fountain, symbolising our hope to return to the Eternal City one day.

Our next stop was the Capuchin Crypt 💀, a place both solemn and striking, where the bones of Capuchin friars are artistically arranged as a reminder of mortality and the hope of resurrection.
We concluded the day with a visit to the Church of the Gesù ⛪, the mother church of the Jesuits, where St. Ignatius of Loyola is buried 🙏. Its grandeur, both in architecture and spirituality, reminded us of the great missionary zeal of the Jesuits in spreading the Gospel worldwide.

By evening , we returned to the hotel, tired yet deeply enriched, ready to rest and prepare for the next chapter of our pilgrimage 🛌.
Suggested Hashtags:

27/08/2025

Day 1 🇮🇹
Our pilgrimage began in the early hours of the morning as we gathered at KLIA around midnight to begin our journey. After a long series of flights, including a transit in Dubai , we finally arrived at Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport.

There, we were warmly greeted by fellow pilgrims from America who would be joining us on this journey of faith. Together, we made our way to the hotel. Most of the group chose to rest after the long travel, but a few of us decided to set out and explore Rome in the late afternoon 🌇.

Our first stop was Trastevere, one of the oldest and most charming districts of Rome. This area has deep Jewish roots ✡️, as Jews were known to have settled here centuries before the birth of Christ, later becoming one of the central quarters of Jewish life in Rome.

We began with a brief stop at the Jewish Museum and the Great Synagogue of Rome 🕍, where we admired the exterior and captured a few photographs to mark the moment. From there, we crossed the Tiber River and paused at the Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Island (San Bartolomeo all’Isola) , a church dedicated to the Apostle Bartholomew, which today also serves as a shrine to modern martyrs of the 20th and 21st centuries 🕊️.

Continuing our walk 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️, we arrived at the Basilica of St. Cecilia in Trastevere, built over the home of the young Roman martyr, St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music 🎶. Here, one can almost feel the quiet strength of her witness, preserved in the ancient mosaics and artworks of the church .

Our final visit was to the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest Marian churches in Rome 🌹. Its golden mosaics shimmered beautifully in the soft evening light ✨, a reminder of the enduring devotion to Our Lady throughout the centuries.

We ended our evening with a wonderful Italian dinner 🍝 at a local trattoria, enjoying authentic Roman dishes and sharing fellowship . With hearts full of gratitude 💖, we returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for the days ahead 🛌.

15/08/2025

Blessed Assumption!

During Mass in Castel Gandolfo for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV marvels how Mary's 'yes' gives hope to us ...

13/08/2025

🇻🇳 Xin Chào! Start the New Year in Central Vietnam ✨

Footsteps of Vietnamese Martyrs & French Missionaries


Looking for a meaningful way to begin 2026? 🌿

🕊️ Walk in the footsteps of saints and missionaries… visit sacred shrines, majestic cathedrals, and peaceful monasteries, all while experiencing Vietnam’s warm hospitality.

📅 Dates: 19 – 23 January 2026
🛏️ Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
🙏 Spiritual Director: Fr. Augustine Lee

✨ Highlights include:
🔹 Phu Cam Cathedral
🔹 Holy Redeemer Church
🔹 Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang
🔹 Imperial Citadel
🔹 Thien An Monastery
🔹 Tra Kieu Shrine
🔹 Hoi An Cathedral
🔹 Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
🔹 Our Lady of Sao Bien

🔗 Full details:
https://www.sanctumpilgrimages.com/home/vietnam-pilgrimage2026

📝 Register now:
https://forms.gle/kPfFZJiMGQQb2s497

📩 Interested? Message us:
wa.me/60168572152

07/08/2025

WYD 2027 official date is finally out!
3 -8 August 8, 2027. 🥰🌻🥳

World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027 will be held from August 3 to August 8, 2027. See you all in Seoul! 😍

“Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

05/08/2025

2026 Camino is Live! 🕊️

🌊 Coastal Way to Ascension Thursday- CAMINO PORTUGUÉS


Looking for a spiritual break next year? 🌿

Join us for a soul-refreshing journey along the Camino Portugués : Coastal Way, ending on the sacred feast of Ascension Thursday. 🙌

🕊️ Imagine walking beside the sea… waves crashing gently, cool breeze brushing your face… each step not just a journey across countries, but deep within your soul. .

📅 Dates: 6–16 May 2026
🛏️ 11 Days 10 Nights

🔹 Start from Lisbon
🔹 Walk through Baiona, Vigo, Arcade, Pontevedra
🔹 Follow serene streams to Padrón, the town linked to the arrival of St. James’s body
🔹 Celebrate Mass at sacred churches along the way

🔗 Learn more:
www.sanctumpilgrimages.com/home/camino-portuguese2026

📝 Register here:
forms.gle/cq5m1tkoQaR6GPYF7

📩 Interested? Message us:
wa.me/60168572152

#2026

31/07/2025

We have our winners, finally! 🎉

Most of you guessed almost correctly, but we’ve selected the three participants with the most correct answers!

Thank you so much for participating, we can’t wait to have you join our pilgrimage next year!

🥁 Congratulations!!!
The winners are:
• Geraldine Lau
• Anthony Lim
• Chan Lilian

Please PM us your contact number and email to redeem your RM500 voucher.
Redemption deadline: 31 August 2025