WEST PALM BEACH | Sparked by the Jubilee Year of Hope and the desire to bring young adults closer to God by receiving the jubilee pilgrim indulgence, a group journeyed by foot Nov. 15, 2025, from St. Ann in West Palm Beach to the Basilica of St. Edward on Palm Beach.
Father Marc Gustinelli, parochial vicar at St. Ann, spearheaded the pilgrimage with Michelle Allum, St. Ann young adult leader, as an opportunity for the new St. Ann young adult group and others throughout the diocese to take part.
The pilgrimage began at St. Ann with instruction on what it means to go on pilgrimage and the church’s teaching on indulgences. Father Gustinelli explained that grace is given by God to those who live the Christian life. An indulgence is a special grace, the result of living out of the Christian life and making a particular act of devotion, such as a pilgrimage. Pilgrimages, as acts of devotion, produce in the pilgrim stronger faith and renewed hope, he said. The faithful are encouraged to go on pilgrimage as an aid to holiness and an act of fidelity.
He blessed those present before the group started walking toward the basilica. The rosary was prayed while crossing the Intracoastal Waterway bridge to the town of Palm Beach, followed by worship music as the pilgrimage continued. Once the group reached St. Edward, Father Gustinelli opened the jubilee doors for the pilgrims to enter.
To close the event, Father Alexis Joseph of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Riviera Beach, led the group in Eucharistic adoration and Benediction shortly before the regular Saturday vigil Mass.
To learn about young adult ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach, visit www.diocesepb.org/ministriesoffices/ministries/marriage-family-life-faith-formation-youth-ministry/young-adult-ministry/.
