The September course is intensive and certainly intense. There are many hours of lessons on interesting, practical and topical subjects, but in the end the fatigue takes its toll. For this reason, we are very grateful that the conclusion of the course consists of an excursion, which also facilitates the conviviality and fraternity among the seminarians before the academic year begins. This year, the excursion was special: first, because it lasted two days instead of one; and second, because we visited a place of pilgrimage that was very dear to many: the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the sacred remains of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, popularly known as Padre Pio, rest.
During this short but very intense trip, we first visited the cathedral of Termoli, where the relics of St. Timothy, the faithful collaborator of St. Paul the Apostle, can be venerated. From there we went to Foggia, where we were welcomed at the Minor Seminary. We were very grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality of the rector, don Francesco, and the whole community of seminarians, with whom we shared an evening of friendship, songs and testimonies. Finally, we were able to pray before St. Pio and celebrate Holy Mass in the sanctuary. We even had time to visit another renowned place in the area: the shrine of San Michele on Monte Sant'Angelo.
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