Somehow, we've already reached the last day of our pilgrimage. What an incredible day it has been!
We woke up bright and early to secure our seats for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Mass. Thanks to that early start, all 180 of us were able to celebrate Mass with the Successor of St. Peter, Pope Leo XIV. It was an incredible honor and the perfect way to spend our final day together. North Dakota was well represented throughout the celebration. Our entire pilgrimage was in attendance, four priests and one North Dakota-born bishop concelebrated the Mass, and UMary's own Maggie Popp had the honor of proclaiming the first reading. Tickets for this Mass are incredibly difficult to obtain, so we are especially grateful that every student had the opportunity to experience such an extraordinary celebration.
This evening, we'll gather one last time for a banquet dinner, where each chaplain will have the opportunity to share a few final words with the students. We’ll see you all soon!