Regional Youth Pilgrimage to San Nunzio Sulprizio
The journey of the youth of Abruzzo and Molise to the Sanctuary of Pescosansonesco
About Youth Pilgrimage to San Nunzio
The Youth Pilgrimage to Pescosansonesco
The Regional Youth Pilgrimage is the event that gathers young people from the eleven dioceses of the Abruzzo-Molise ecclesiastical region around the figure of San Nunzio Sulprizio, the young saint canonized by Pope Francis in 2018 and proclaimed patron saint of the disabled and victims of workplace accidents. The destination of the journey is the Sanctuary of San Nunzio Sulprizio, located in Pescosansonesco, a small town in the Province of Pescara nestled at the foot of the Morrone massif, in the heart of Abruzzo.
A journey shared by the entire ecclesiastical region
Promoted by the Youth Ministry of the Abruzzo and Molise Episcopal Conference (CEAM) together with the Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Pescara-Penne, the pilgrimage brings together hundreds of young people from Abruzzo and Molise. The gathering takes place in Torre de' Passeri, from where participants set off on foot to reach the saint's hometown, covering a route of several kilometers marked by moments of prayer, reflection, and sharing.
Music, testimonies, and celebration
The day combines a spiritual dimension with a festive atmosphere: along the route and upon arrival, there are testimonial concerts performed by youth choirs and orchestras from the Abruzzo dioceses, moments of listening and life stories, the celebration of Holy Mass presided over by the delegate bishops, and, in closing, moments of conviviality with music and a DJ set on the sanctuary square. It is a way to bring together the youth of the region, rooting them in the popular and religious tradition of inland Abruzzo.
Why Pescosansonesco
Pescosansonesco guards the roots of Nunzio Sulprizio (1817-1836), a young blacksmith who died at just nineteen and became a symbol of hope for those living in fragility and suffering. The sanctuary dedicated to him is now a destination for pilgrimages from across the region, and the choice to have the youth converge here makes this journey a bridge between centuries-old devotion and the new generations of Abruzzo and Molise.
Youth Pilgrimage to San Nunzio — edition 2026
The first regional edition of the Youth Pilgrimage took place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with the theme "frAGILI. Custodire con cura", interpreted as the agility hidden within fragility and as an invitation to guard the youth as a precious resource. Over 300 young people, coming from the eleven dioceses of the Abruzzo-Molise ecclesiastical region, met at the Palasport area of Torre de' Passeri to set off towards the Sanctuary of San Nunzio Sulprizio in Pescosansonesco.
Along the kilometers of the journey, accompanied by reflections from Radio Speranza InBlu, the young people experienced moments of prayer and sharing. Upon arrival, there were testimonies, a concert performed by the Diocesan Youth Choir of the Archdiocese of L'Aquila and the Youth Orchestra of the Diocese of Avezzano, and Holy Mass presided over by Monsignor Tommaso Valentinetti, Archbishop of Pescara-Penne, together with Monsignor Michele Fusco, CEAM delegate for Youth Ministry. The day, which also launched the journey towards the WYD in Seoul 2027, concluded with a DJ set on the sanctuary square.
Programme Youth Pilgrimage to San Nunzio 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026
- 9:15 AM — Gathering and departure from the Palasport area in Torre de' Passeri
- 9:15 AM - 11:30 AM — 7 km walk with moments of reflection
- 11:30 AM — Break in Castiglione a Casauria
- 1:30 PM — Arrival at the Sanctuary of San Nunzio Sulprizio and packed lunch
- 2:30 PM — Afternoon activities and testimonies on the sanctuary square
- 4:00 PM — Confessions and singing rehearsals
- 4:30 PM — Holy Mass presided over by Mons. Tommaso Valentinetti and Mons. Michele Fusco
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM — Final greetings with DJ set and snack
Music provided by the Diocesan Youth Choir of the Archdiocese of L'Aquila and the Youth Orchestra of the Diocese of Avezzano. Moments of reflection broadcast live by Radio Speranza InBlu.
Highlights Youth Pilgrimage to San Nunzio 2026
Prices Youth Pilgrimage to San Nunzio 2026
Practical information — Youth Pilgrimage to San Nunzio
How to get there
The gathering is held in Torre de' Passeri (PE), easily accessible from the Torre de' Passeri-Casauria motorway exit on the A25 and served by the railway station on the Rome-Pescara line. The journey continues on foot to the Sanctuary of San Nunzio Sulprizio in Pescosansonesco.
Tips
This is a walking pilgrimage: comfortable shoes, clothing suitable for hiking, water, and, as per tradition, a packed lunch are recommended. Participation is open to parish and diocesan youth groups; for registration, please contact the Youth Ministry of your diocese.
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Where does it take place — Youth Pilgrimage to San Nunzio
Santuario di San Nunzio Sulprizio
Santuario di San Nunzio Sulprizio, 65020 Pescosansonesco