It is one of the final days of our pilgrimage. The pace of the past ten days has been full, and the pilgrims are tired—but it is the beautiful exhaustion that comes only from being immersed in grace. Together, we have walked through ancient churches, prayed before beloved saints, celebrated Mass in sacred places, and followed the footsteps of countless Christians who have come before us.
Earlier in the day, we explored two of Rome’s four major papal basilicas: the magnificent Basilica of St. Mary Major and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Pope himself. Each basilica seemed to reveal another layer of the Church’s rich history and spiritual heritage. The art, architecture, relics, and stories are overwhelming in the best possible way.
By late afternoon, our hearts are full.
There is a certain heaviness to the day—not a burden, but a sacred fullness. It is the weight of gratitude. The weight of wonder.
As the sun begins its slow descent over Rome, we leave St. John Lateran and walk along the ancient streets toward one final destination: Santa Croce in Gerusalemme—the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.
Its name may sound surprising in the heart of Rome, but its story is extraordinary.
In the fourth century, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, traveled to the Holy Land in search of the places sanctified by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During her pilgrimage, she oversaw excavations at Calvary and is traditionally credited with discovering the True Cross.
When she returned to Rome, Helena brought with her precious relics from Jerusalem. She also transported soil from Calvary itself and spread it within her palace chapel. The chapel was transformed into a sacred representation of Jerusalem in Rome, eventually becoming the basilica we know today as Santa Croce in Gerusalemme.
For centuries, pilgrims unable to travel to the Holy Land came here to venerate the relics associated with Christ’s Passion.
As we arrive, the evening light bathes the basilica in warm gold.
A liturgy is taking place at the main altar, and we quietly enter, moving respectfully along the left side of the church. The atmosphere is hushed. Sacred.
We begin ascending a small staircase. Along both walls are depictions of the Stations of the Cross, each inviting us to accompany Christ on His journey to Calvary.
At the top, we turn right.
There, tucked away from the grandeur of the main basilica, is a small and beautiful chapel.
It is simple.
It is quiet.
And it holds treasures beyond imagination.
Behind the altar, protected within a glass reliquary, are some of Christianity’s most revered relics of the Passion of Christ.
The pilgrims approach one by one.
Suddenly, the events of the Gospel no longer feel distant.
Only inches away are fragments traditionally identified as pieces of the True Cross upon which Christ was crucified. Nearby is one of the Holy Nails believed to have pierced His hands or feet. There is a portion of the Titulus Crucis—the inscription bearing the words “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” that was placed above His head on the Cross.
The collection also includes relics associated with the Passion, including fragments connected to the Good Thief, portions of the crown of thorns, and other treasured relics brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena nearly seventeen centuries ago.
Pilgrims stand silently.
Some pray.
Some weep.
Some simply gaze in awe.
No photograph can capture what it feels like to stand before these relics. No book can fully describe the experience. For many, this becomes one of the most powerful moments of the entire pilgrimage—a deeply personal encounter with the reality of Christ’s sacrifice and love.
Before leaving the basilica, we make one final stop.
Hidden within the church rests the tomb of Venerable Antonietta Meo, affectionately known as “Nennolina.” She was an Italian girl who died at just six years old yet displayed a remarkable holiness and spiritual maturity that continues to inspire people around the world. Her simple yet profound love for Jesus serves as a reminder that sanctity is not measured by age but by openness to God’s grace.
As we prepare to depart, we bless ourselves with holy water and step back outside.
The Roman sky is painted in shades of gold, amber, and crimson.
In the distance, the silhouette of St. John Lateran stands against the fading light.
Pilgrims board the bus carrying photographs and stories they will eagerly share with family and friends back home. Yet what they carry most cannot be captured by a camera.
They carry memories of prayer.
Moments of encounter.
Unexpected graces.
A deeper understanding of the faith.
And experiences that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Join Us in November 2026
This November, Inside the Vatican invites you to embark on our special pilgrimage, Journey to the Face of Christ.
Together we will travel through some of Italy’s most beautiful and spiritually significant regions before concluding our pilgrimage in Rome. Along the way, we will visit sacred shrines, celebrate Mass in historic churches, encounter the lives of saints, and deepen our relationship with Christ.
And yes, we will stand together in Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, before the relics of the Passion, just as countless pilgrims have done for centuries.
Come, Journey to the Face of Christ.
November 2026 awaits.
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