Hawaii Catholic Herald
People still hoping to make a pilgrimage to Italy during the Jubilee Year have an opportunity this November with a trip hosted by EPIC Ministry.
The statewide ministry for young adults has teamed up with Catholic Travel Centre, a California-based tour and pilgrimage company, to offer “A Wine and Spirit Journey to Italy” from Nov. 2-13. The 12-day trip will include visits to the cities of Assisi, Siena, Florence, Orvieto and Rome, with wine tastings at several points along the way.
In Rome, pilgrims will travel to sites such as the Vatican Museums, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and major basilicas (with the opportunity to pass through their Holy Doors). They will also have the opportunity to attend a papal general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
Kainoa Fukumoto, EPIC Ministry’s founder and vice director of programs, writes in the pilgrimage’s brochure that a “tremendous and memorable experience awaits you.”
“Together, we pray for openness to what the Lord has in store for us pilgrims, and we look forward to seeing how this pilgrimage enkindles your faith and the faith of our community.”
Fukumoto is also the group coordinator for the pilgrimage.
Father EJ Resinto, who is on EPIC Ministry’s board of directors and is pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Honolulu, is the pilgrimage’s spiritual director. Father Romple Emwalu, pastor of St. Michael Church in Waialua, is also traveling to Italy.
Fukumoto told the Hawaii Catholic Herald that while the pilgrimage’s intended demographic is young adults ages 18-39, all are invited to join the journey.
The standard price of the land-only program — participants must make their own air travel arrangements — is $4,523. There is a discounted price for payment by check or money order.
The deadline for initial registration is May 15, with a deposit of $1,000 per person due at that time. The final payment is due 120 days prior to departure — July 5.
For more information, visit EPIC Ministry’s website at www.epicministry.net, where you will find a link to the pilgrimage brochure.
