Bishop DiNardo to lead pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi
By Renee Webb, Globe associate editor

As the Diocese of Sioux City celebrates 100 years, parishioners are invited to take a Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi: A Journey of Faith hosted by Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo.

According to the diocesan coordinator of the trip, Father Dan Guenther of Emmetsburg, the trip is set for Nov. 18-25 with arrangements by Nawas International.

"In celebrating our 100th anniversary, we thought it would be nice to do something that would connect us to the universal church as well," explained Father Guenther, who suggested the pilgrimage. "What better place to go than to Rome?"

Rome was the most visited city in the world in the year 2000, the jubilee year.

The city offers a world of art, history and culture. The pilgrimage will include comprehensive sightseeing such as several basilicas, Vatican museums, the Catacombs and the Colosseum where Christians were once thrown to the lions.

In a brochure about the pilgrimage Bishop DiNardo stated, "This trip, perhaps a chance of a lifetime, will not only be a marvelous vacation, but a pilgrimage of faith as well with Mass celebrated each day in one of the great churches of Rome. You will have stories and pictures to share for years to come."

On Nov. 20, plans include attending the general audience with the Holy Father.

"We are looking into the possibility of a private audience with the pope, but we will not know that until a few weeks before the trip," explained Father Guenther, who has led numerous other trips to Rome, and to Germany, the Holy Land and other sites. He has also taken extensive personal trips.

Plans include a visit to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. And with scheduled free time, there is the possibility of a side trip to Florence or another city at an additional fee.

Royce Ranniger, operations director of the diocese, plans to make the pilgrimage with his wife. They will use it as an opportunity to see their friend Msgr. Kevin McCoy, rector of the North American College in Rome.

"My wife and I are excited about our plans to be a part of the centennial pilgrimage to Rome hosted by Bishop DiNardo, which is one of the main reasons we are planning to be part of this trip," said Ranniger. "There are a number of other priests and friends also going so I am sure we will get the royal tour of the Holy See and enjoy some other side ventures."

Those taking the trip will have the option to depart from Des Moines, Omaha or Sioux City.

Organizers of the trip anticipate more than 100 people will go; more than 30 have sent in their $300 down payment. Registration cut-off will be in early October. Cost of the trip - flight, hotels, breakfast and dinner, entrance fees, flight insurance, service charges - is $1,748.

For more information, contact Father Guenther, Holy Family Parish, P.O. Box 322, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 or call 712-852-3187.