Quo Vadis? UMCL Team Embarks on a Journey of Faith Through Rome
On April 18, 2026, Pastor Jeffry Bross and members of UMCL kicked off a once‑in‑a‑lifetime pilgrimage to Rome—a city where, as the saying goes, even the stones speak. Their itinerary involves much more than sightseeing; they’ll enjoy an immersive spiritual and educational experience that traces the roots of Christianity through worship, conversation, history, and community.
Why Rome?
Rome invites pilgrims to walk in the footsteps of saints and martyrs, to stand amid the ruins of empire, and to reflect on how Christian faith took shape under pressure, persecution, and profound hope. As the UMCL group explores sites each day, they will reflect on how God has been at work across centuries and discern how God continues to call us today.
Structure of the Pilgrimage
Guided by Pastor Daniel Cochran, the group will explore ancient Roman sites from Jesus’s time, early Christian spaces, and churches filled with art and architecture designed to magnify God. The group will engage in daily devotionals and prayer to ground the experience. And—of course—they’ll enjoy plenty of delicious meals to taste the local culture and nurture deep fellowship.
At the heart of the pilgrimage is the question: Quo Vadis, Domine? —“Lord, where are you going?” As the group walks the streets (a lot of walking!!) they will listen for how God might be leading them to something bold, as they learn from those who came before.
UMCL Rome Pilgrimage Itinerary at a Glance
April 18–26, 2026
Saturday, April 18 – Departure
Sunday, April 19 – Arrival in Rome
- Basilica di Sant’Andrea della Valle
- Largo Argentina
- Roman Pantheon
- Santa Maria sopra Minerva
- Theater of Pompey
Monday, April 20 – Ancient Rome
- Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater)
- Tullianum (Mamertine Prison)
- Capitoline Hill
- Theater of Marcellus and Portico of Octavia
- Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum
- Tiber Island
- Trastevere churches: Santa Cecilia & Santa Maria
Tuesday, April 21 – Early Christian Rome
- Catacombs of San Callixtus
- Santa Maria in Palmis (Domine Quo Vadis)
- Basilica of St. John and Baptistery
- Santo Stefano Rotondo
- Basilica of San Clemente
- San Pietro in Vincoli (Michelangelo’s Moses)
Wednesday, April 22 – Churches of Rome
- Campo di Fiori Market
- Chiesa Valdese di Roma
- Trajan’s Markets
- St. Paul’s Within the Walls
- Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Michelangelo)
- Basilica di Santa Pudenziana
- Basilica di Santa Prassede
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Thursday, April 23 – The Vatican
- Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel)
- Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano
- Vatican Necropolis (Tomb of Saint Peter)
- Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel Sant’Angelo)
- Piazza Navona (Stadium of Domitian)
- San Luigi dei Francesi (Caravaggio)
- Basilica di Sant’Agostino (Caravaggio)
Friday, April 24 – Outside the Walls
- Ostia Antica
- San Paolo fuori le mura
- Circus Maximus
- The Roman Rose Garden
- Santa Sabina and Giardino degli Aranci
- Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Saturday, April 25 – Baroque Rome
- Vittorio Emmanuel Monument
- Chiesa di Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola
- Temple of Hadrian and Column of Marcus Aurelius
- Santa Maria del Popolo
- All Saints’ Anglican Church
- Spanish Steps
- Trevi Fountain
Sunday, April 26 – Departure
Our blessings go with the UMCL group as they journey through history, and in faith and fellowship.
Lord, bless our UMCL team and Pastor Daniel as they travel to Rome. Grant them safety and time for meaningful reflection as they visit sites and explore history. Bring depth and joy as they connect to you and one another. May they ask Quo Vadis, Domine? and may they respond to the direction you provide for their lives. Amen.