A Providential Pilgrimage to Rome

MSHR Reflections | A Providential Pilgrimage to Rome By Sr Chinyeaka Ezeani MSHR

“If anyone had told me…”

A couple of months ago, if anyone had told me I’d be present when Pope Francis’s successor appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, I would’ve laughed it off as a big joke!

But then came a call in February…

A Calling from Rome
Sr. Margaret Ledwith informed me that a General Councillor of the Sisters of Marie Reparatrix in Rome was looking to contact me. They wanted me to accompany them for one of their General Chapter days in May.

After some discernment, I accepted.

May 7: A Day of Grace
The day was filled with presentations, reflection, and deep spiritual sharing. Sisters from around the world joined via Zoom for a day set aside for nourishment and renewal. It was moving for them, and for me too.

That evening, I climbed to their terrazzo for aerobics, my eyes constantly drawn to the dome of St Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel. The first “black smoke” had appeared. We waited in hope.

Hope and White Smoke
On Thursday, May 8, I prayed white smoke would appear before my journey ended. After yet another black plume, I joined the faithful in St Peter’s Square—astonished by the crowds, media presence, and palpable anticipation.

Security was tight, and returning to the square after buying rosaries proved impossible through the same route. Exhausted, I went back to the convent—but remained alert.

Moments after I refreshed myself, I heard jubilant shouting. I glanced at my phone—white smoke!

Running to the Square
Like Peter and John after the Resurrection, I ran—joined by three sisters whose Chapter session ended the moment the white smoke rose. Using Rome’s hidden shortcuts, we reached the square in 15 minutes.

The atmosphere was electric. Even children and pets joined

the celebration. A sister beside me whispered in French, “How proud I am to be a Catholic!”

The New Pope Appears
Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony. He was clearly emotional, his sniffles were audible through the mic. One phrase stood out: “Grazie, Papa Francesco!” Large lettering of that very phrase adorned a tall building along Via della Conciliazione.

It was a deeply moving moment.

A Pilgrimage of Gratitude
On Friday, May 9, I visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I passed through the Holy Door and prayed at Pope Francis’s tomb before attending Mass in his favourite chapel.

Later, at the Church of St Ignatius—a place of many memories from my student days at the Gregorian University—I lit real candles for every MSHR, novice, aspirant, and friend.

Unexpected Reunion
Another joy was unexpectedly meeting my former professor, Sr. Mary Pat Garvin, on a Vatican street! We hadn’t seen each other in nearly 20 years. She was in Rome for the UISG Formators programme.

A Journey’s End
On Saturday, May 10, I headed to Fiumicino Airport. Despite a two-hour Ryanair delay, we landed safely in Dublin.

This journey—made possible by a simple “yes”—was full of grace, surprise, and joy. The Sisters of Marie Reparatrix repeatedly told me how blessed they felt by my presence.

And I felt exactly the same.

“God’s providence works in mysterious ways.”