On 22nd July, a group of 130 pilgrims and four priests from the Spanish city of Valencia made a stop in San Severo, Puglia, as they walked a section of the Via Francigena in Southern Italy, which connects Lucera to San Severo. The Spanish pilgrims began their journey in Pietrelcina, the birthplace of Padre Pio, and set off the following day towards Monte Sant’Angelo.

They were warmly welcomed in San Severo by the OdV Vie Francigene San Severo ETS Cultural Committee, an organisation active since 2021, based on voluntary work, dedicated to the development of the Via Francigena and other pilgrimage routes. The local council also played a very active role in welcoming this large group of university students on their faith journey, who spread smiles, songs, and good cheer throughout the community.

For San Severo and the surrounding area, this event was a significant opportunity to draw attention to the upcoming Jubilee of 2025, which will undoubtedly bring many pilgrims from around the world to the city, en route to San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant’Angelo.

Once again, attention will be focused on the Via Francigena in this area on 16th, 17th, and 18th October, with the AEVF General Assembly taking place in Monte Sant’Angelo, where delegations from England, France, Switzerland, and Italy are expected to participate.