On October 11-12, 2025, the Militia of the Immaculata took part in a global prayer gathering for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, held in Rome. The participating M.I. members were led by the M.I. International President, Miquel Bordas PRÓSZYNSKI and the International Vice President, Margherita PERCHINELLI. The Delegate of the Minister General for the Assistance of the M.I., Friar Gilson Miguel NUNES, OFM Conv., was also present, along with members of other Marian groups and associations.
The M.I. Delegation from Italy was the largest present, led by the National President, Diego TORRE, the National Assistant, Friar Paolo BARANI, OFM Conv., and other members of the M.I. National Council of Italy. The Militia members of Italy were represented by large delegations led by regional and local presidents, including those from the Province of the Marches, Enna, Puglia, Palermo, Rovereto, Padua, Rome, and Modena. Individual M.I. pilgrims from Poland, Spain, the Philippines, and Brazil were present as well.
Thus, some two hundred M.I. pilgrims came to the Eternal City, bringing with them the spirit of Franciscan simplicity that was so dear to the late Pope Francis, and fulfilling the Church’s requirements for obtaining a plenary indulgence. The indulgence involves devoutly passing through the Holy Doors at the Basilica of St. May Major and at St. Peter’s Basilica, after first going to confession, attending Mass, receiving Communion, and finally praying the Profession of Faith, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be in keeping with the intentions of the Holy Father. The two-day pilgrimage to Rome began on Saturday morning, October 11, with a visit to the Friary of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe [Casa Kolbe]. It was here, 108 years ago (1917) that St. Maximilian founded the Militia of the Immaculata. While at Casa Kolbe, the Militia members experienced a time of grace and communion. They celebrated Mass there, presided over by Friar Paolo BARANI, OFM Conv., and concelebrated by seven other priests participating in the Jubilee, both Franciscan and diocesan.
The participants enjoyed lunch in the cloister of the Friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles, seat of the General Curia of the Friars Minor Conventual. Afterwards, the participants went to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where they honored the Madonna and prayed at the tomb of Pope Francis. The day concluded in St. Peter’s Square, where, along with thousands of other people, they accompanied a procession of Our Lady of Fatima, brought to Rome especially for the occasion, and prayed the Rosary for peace with Pope Leo XIV. “Like the first disciples gathered in the Upper Room, we have come together tonight in prayer around Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother,” said the Pope at the conclusion of his meditation. He then prayed for peace, turning to the image of Our Lady of Fatima—a woman of profound peace who is the Queen of Peace—which was displayed to the left of the altar. The vigil concluded with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, contemplated in silence, under the prayerful and loving gaze of the People of God, the People of Mary, who were gathered in St. Peter’s Square, represented by the Vicar of Christ.
On Sunday, October 12, the M.I. pilgrims attended Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square. During his homily, the Pontiff said: “Brothers and sisters, Marian spirituality is at the service of the Gospel: it reveals its simplicity. Our affection for Mary of Nazareth leads us to join her in becoming disciples of Jesus. It teaches us to return to him and to meditate and ponder the events of our lives in which the Risen One still comes to us and calls us.” At the end of the Mass, prior to the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV read out a beautiful act of entrustment to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Francesca Paola NASCA
