My pilgrimage to Rome was a deeply meaningful journey of spiritual reflection and historical exploration, drawing me closer to the core of the Catholic faith and the rich legacy of the eternal city. Thirteen pilgrims were chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime experience—four from Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Upoko o te Ika and nine from Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Manawa o te Wheke. Sharing this journey with another Amorangi strengthened our bond and deepened our connection.
Levin Torrey in Rome
Each day brought new experiences, from visiting beautiful basilicas dedicated to saints who devoted their lives to serving God, to standing with thousands to meet Pope Francis, a symbol of spiritual leadership. We paid our respects at St. Peter’s Basilica, where former Popes are laid to rest.
Meeting nuns on the streets of Rome was a unique experience for me, and I felt especially fortunate to spend time with the nuns at the monasteries where we stayed. Their manaakitanga shone through as they warmly ensured we were well-fed and cared for during our visit.
Pilgrims from Te Upoko o te Ika and Te Manawa o te Wheke Amorangi.
We attended an evening service at the Anglican Centre in Rome, where we met Archbishop Ian Ernest and representatives from other Anglican churches in the city. This gathering offered us, as Māori pilgrims, a chance to share our culture, Tikanga, the beauty of our homeland Aotearoa, and our deep love for waiata.
We visited Saint Paul’s Within the Walls Episcopal Church, the only Anglican church within the Vatican’s walls. Below the church, they operate a Refugee Centre where we had the chance to meet a refugee, hear their story, and learn about the challenges of relocating their family to Rome. We also witnessed how the Centre offers vital support through food, clothing, and education.
The Our final two days were spent in Assisi, where we visited Monte Cassino and the graves of the 28th Māori Battalion. It was a poignant moment as we held a karakia. For some pilgrims, it was especially meaningful as they found the resting places of their tūpuna in the urupā.
A plaque in memory of those New Zealanders that gave their lives in Cassino 1944
Next to the train station stood a memorial plaque, erected in 2014 to commemorate the return of New Zealand veterans and mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Cassino. On the riverbank rested another tribute, the Bell of Peace, rung in remembrance of those who lost their lives. A portion of its inscription reads: “Bell of Peace, only the toll of this bell can reach the souls in Heaven. Let them hear our devotion, like a mother’s for her sons.”
I was immersed in another culture, experiencing the diverse ways people live, eat, and worship. It was an enriching experience that nourished me spiritually, mentally, and physically.