Approximately 40 pilgrims left the Pastoral Center in Merrillville on Sept. 12 by coach bus to head into neighboring Illinois to spend the day walking in the footsteps of Pope Leo XIV, visiting a variety of locations from his childhood home to places where he began his ministry.
Father Declan McNicholas, associate pastor of St. Mary in Crown Point and director of missionary discipleship and evangelization for the Diocese of Gary, helped to guide the pilgrimage. He said what stood out the most about the pontiff’s upbringing was how ordinary and simple it was. He noted there was nothing particularly unique or special about his family or where he grew up. He was like every other kid and every other family.
“I think it highlights the fact that we all are called to holiness and greatness in the Church,” he said. “Pope Leo shows that all of us can do that.”
Among the most memorable sites where the tour stopped for Father McNicholas was the pope’s childhood home in Dolton and church in Riverdale, which are now closed to the public. He said the buildings were like so many other homes and churches that are on the south side of Chicago.
“Again, nothing special, just very ordinary,” said Father McNicholas, “but God was working from a long time ago to bring him up and prepare him to become pope.”
The pilgrims also had the opportunity to hear from one of Pope Leo’s classmates in the Augustinians as he talked about Father Robert Prevost who would later become Pope Leo XIV. He highlighted how then-Father Prevost's ministry in Peru shaped him immensely.
The classmate shared a story about how the community he was living in got broken into, and they robbed electronics. Usually within a religious community, the United States would send money to replace that stuff, but Father Prevost said that they didn't want the United States just to send money but rather to work with the community to replace the things that they needed, taking ownership for the stuff that they had.
“Recognizing that at times life will be difficult and you have to work through it,” said Father McNicholas. “I think it took a reminder in my own ministry. That God will always provide what I need. And sometimes it might be difficult.”
The group also made a stop at Aurelio's in Homewood, where the pope was earlier this year and got to meet Joe Aurelio, the owner of the pizza establishment.
Katherine Carlson Lukas, of St. John the Evangelist in St. John, said the founder of Aurelio’s warmly welcomed them and shared stories of his friendship with Pope Leo, which made the experience unforgettable. They even sat where Pope Leo once sat and enjoyed his favorite pizza, now called the “Poperoni”!
“It was a lot of fun and a really cool place to visit. I would encourage people to go out, have pizza there, and maybe visit some of the sites of Pope Leo,” said Father McNicholas.
Father McNicholas explained it was Lukas who approached him with the idea of organizing a one-day pilgrimage to visit places of significance, including where Pope Leo was born, grew up, and went to school. He added it was great timing that soon after Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope, the interest in such a pilgrimage gained traction.
Lukas said she wanted to ‘Walk in the Footsteps of Pope Leo’ to better understand the new Holy Father and his early life. Learning that he was a fellow American, who grew up so close to the Diocese of Gary, made her eager to know more about him.
“Pope Leo’s upbringing was both humbling and inspiring,” she said. “His story reminds us that you don’t need to come from wealth, prestigious schools, or grand churches to follow God’s call. He simply said ‘yes’ to God wherever He led. He was also very deeply rooted in Augustinian principles and traditions – which was so powerful to witness.”
Lukas continued, “Learning more about Pope Leo has truly inspired me. His life is a reminder that God doesn’t call only the wealthy or ‘qualified,’ but equips each of us to pursue holiness in our own way. His story brings hope and pride to Americans, while also humbling us to trust in God’s call.”
As a tour guide with Stella Maris Tours, Lukas is excited that the diocese may offer more pilgrimages in the future. In fact, one with Father Richard Holy, pastor of St. Edward in Lowell, is scheduled for Oct. 20. Anyone interested can learn more about the pilgrimage at stellamaristours.us.
