U.S. travelers are feeling the effects of worldwide terrorism in unprecedented numbers. Promoters of the 10th annual Path to Rome Conference and Pilgrimage, sponsored by the Catholic lay organization Miles Jesu, are being challenged to recruit pilgrims to attend this year’s event which takes place in London in November.
“Terrorist attacks in London earlier this year seem to have placed a damper upon U.S. traveler’s interest in going abroad,” say conference promoters. “This is a great concern to us for many reasons, not the least of which is that the future of these great events may be jeopardized entirely.”
The annual event features presentations from prominent converts to the Catholic faith, as well as from members of the Church hierarchy. In addition to the conference, the event offers a pilgrimage to sites of religious importance — this year in the London area and Ireland.
Conference promoters ensure their pilgrims that travel is as safe as possible. “We have our attendees staying at facilities which are somewhat off the beaten path, we will be traveling in private coaches rather than on public transportation, and have arranged our tours to take advantage of the off-season and off-peak hours”. Despite these safeguards, the terrorists seem to be winning this round as U.S. registrations for the event are down considerably from previous years.
Rather than admit defeat, these promoters are marching boldly forward, certain of eventual success. “The world’s attention was focused on Catholicism this year as never before. We are charged with being living examples of faith, Soldiers of Jesus! We must echo the wonderful words of encouragement of our beloved John Paul II as he challenged us to go forth and “BE NOT AFRAID!” Path to Rome is an excellent opportunity to put our Faith into Action.
The youth met in Cologne in undiminished numbers from past World Youth Days. In spite of some fears, hundreds of thousands of our young people gathered with the Holy Father in Europe in peace and security for their three day pilgrimage. Their Faith was evident and their joy infectious.
“We must go on in confidence, to seek the Lord’s presence and His blessing as we celebrate together the 10th Anniversary of our pilgrimage to Christ, our ‘Path to Rome’,” says Father Thomas Cahill, M.J., one of the conference’s promoters.
All are hoping that terrorism will not succeed in keeping U.S. citizens from traveling abroad. “There is no way to ensure your personal safety no matter where you are — we cannot let fear paralyze us from experiencing life and reaching out, for then we have lost much more than the freedom to travel.”
Those interested in the Path to Rome Conference and Pilgrimage may find more information at www.PathToRome.com or by calling 1-800-654-7945.
