The pilgrimage was organized by Elon���s Catholic Life in partnership with Vocatio Travel and was led by Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life, and Kiara Cronin, student ministry coordinator for Catholic Life. The journey took the participants to and from Rome and then to Franciscan sites in the towns of La Verna, Assisi, Gubbio and Greccio.

The group first started in Rome, which included a visit to Vatican City. There, they received the opportunity to attend Pope Leo XIV���s papal audience, generally given on Wednesdays when the pope is in Rome. The audience included pilgrims and visitors from around the world.�� Angela DeFlorio ���28 shared her experience seeing Pope Leo,

���It was a once in a lifetime experience! I loved getting to watch him bless all the babies there, and the atmosphere was amazing. I found it really interesting that he did his best to address everyone in their native language, and it made his address feel very welcoming and personal,” said Angela DeFloria ���28.

After the audience, the group also toured St. Peter���s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The group then traveled north to visit the medieval city of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. One of the most well-known and beloved Catholic figures, he is often referred to as the ���poor little man��� and is the patron saint of animals, ecology and the environment. St. Francis died in 1226, making this jubilee year the 800th anniversary of his death.

Among the sites that the group visited were the Basilica of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, the nearby town of Gubbio where St. Francis tamed a wolf, and the nearby town of Greccio where St. Francis set up the very first nativity scene. In the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis rests the saint���s tomb, and there the group attended a private Mass celebrated by Tremblay.

���I could feel the presence of God there as well as the spirit of St. Francis,” said Tremblay of visiting the tomb of St. Francis.

Many within the group appreciated the opportunity to learn about St. Francis more deeply.

���Being on the journey with Fr. Peter really added to this learning as he shared his knowledge of St. Francis’s life, order, and spirituality,” said Ben Carraher ���28 “Hearing from friars and priests that dedicated their lives to God through the Franciscan way of life was the absolute best way to visit and learn about Francis and the Franciscan movement.���

���I learned so much about St. Francis and feel a deeper connection with him, embracing lessons of simplicity and humility that I want to carry throughout my life,” said Anahy Felipe de Cruz ���26

The pilgrimage brought the group back to Rome for their last few days. They visited the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, where Tremblay explained that there were 500,000 graves of the early Christians, and the many people buried here are considered martyrs by the Catholic church.

���These people willingly died for their faith. The thought of all these graves opening and a huge crowd of people walking out of the catacombs, at the second coming of Christ, to greet Jesus was very emotional to me,��� Tremblay shared, referring to the Christian belief that Jesus will return physically to Earth at the end of time.�� He celebrated another private Mass with the pilgrimage group inside the catacombs.

Beyond their experience meeting the pope, visiting St. Francis���s birthplace and tomb, and touring the catacombs, the group also spent their last day learning to make pasta.

���I really liked the pasta-making class, and I actually learned a few tips and tricks from Chef Alberto that I took home and used to make my own pasta! I, of course, really loved the gelato, and I had a ton of fun trying some new dishes I never would have gotten to try otherwise,��� DeFlorio said.

The group hopes to take their experience and knowledge back onto 消消犯���s campus and share with others.

Catholic 消消犯 Ministry (CCM) welcomed more than 550 students, families, and community members for worship, filling the gym floor and overflowing into the bleachers. CCM has witnessed continued growth in Easter Mass attendance, from 268 in the spring of 2023 to over 550 this year.

���Young people have grown disenchanted with the superficial promise of happiness that our culture offers,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life. “They are looking for something deeper: seeking a deeper connection to truth and beauty.���

But the story is about more than just those attending Mass; eight students received the Sacraments on Easter, including a baptism, two professions of faith and Confirmation for all. Easter, the most important celebration in the Christian calendar, is traditionally a time when new members are welcomed into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments after a year of attending classes in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). Lorelei Lowen ���29 shared,

���I was interested in receiving my sacraments, so I emailed Father Peter before coming to Elon, and he connected me with T and the OCIA program,��� said Lorelei Lowen ’29.

���OCIA has allowed me to face some of the most difficult doubts and questions in my faith journey,” said Maggie Blakeney ’26. “It has taught me that faith isn’t done alone, but with others.���

Local dioceses in Raleigh and Charlotte have noticed a similar trend of college-aged adults participating in the OCIA process. 消消犯 ministry played a crucial role in fostering this growth. Through welcoming communities, retreats, small groups, and conversations with the Chaplain and ministry staff, students find opportunities to explore questions of faith, life, and meaning.

���CCM has shaped not only my experience at Elon, but it has transformed the way that I think about life and the circumstances that are thrown our way,” said Savanna Bell ’28. “CCM was simply the light in the darkness that chained me to my past life. By placing myself at the center of it, literally, the friendships are what have made me Catholic (or how I like to say it, ElonCatholic). I would have never gotten so deeply rooted in the Sacraments if it weren’t for the smiles that greeted me each time I walked into the big church doors.���

���Ash Wednesday is a special spiritual day for many of our students. It is one of the days we see the most students. Last year, we saw almost 650 students, faculty, staff, and community members,” shared Trung Huynh-Duc, director of Catholic Life.

���Lent continues for forty days of prayer, fasting, and giving to others, in preparation for Easter. This is a special time to deepen or reconnect with faith. People observe Lent in different ways: reading more Scripture, finding new ways to pray each day, giving up something meaningful (like chocolate, social media or streaming), and volunteering to help others. These forty days invite us to reflect on and honor the time Jesus spent in the desert before beginning his public ministry, helping us prepare our lives and hearts for his resurrection at Easter.

���We���re here for you as you journey through Lent,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain of Catholic Life. “We [Catholic Life staff] love getting coffee or lunch with students, so don���t hesitate to reach out.���

Catholic Life is also offering free resources at Ash Wednesday services and on their website to help students make the most of these forty days.

Ash Wednesday services

���9:30 a.m. Prayer and Ash service in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion

12:15 p.m. Ecumenical service at Elon Community Church (collaboration with the Truitt Center & Elon Community Church)

4 p.m. Prayer and Ash service in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion

8 p.m. Mass at Elon Community Church

���I can���t believe I almost missed it,��� shared Gabe Waits ���28 after his return to campus. ���I had really looked forward to being home and spending time with family, but I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so I had to go.���

Waits, along with seven other students, chose to give up the last portion of their winter break to participate in SEEK, a transformative conference hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University 消消犯 (FOCUS). Since the early 2000s, SEEK has been a cornerstone event, drawing together college-aged people and young adults to deepen their faith, discover service and career opportunities, build community, and worship. This year���s conference, held simultaneously in Columbus, Ohio; Fort Worth, Texas; and Salt Lake City, Utah, welcomed over 26,000 attendees nationwide. The students from Elon were able to participate in the conference thanks in large part to several donors to Elon Catholic 消消犯 Ministry.

A major highlight of SEEK is its lineup of highly regarded presenters. Participants listened to keynotes from speakers such as Father Mike Schmitz, a campus minister at the University of Minnesota Duluth��and a bit of an internet sensation. His engaging videos and the popular “Bible in a Year” podcast have encouraged millions worldwide. Along with Father Mike, fellow priests, religious sisters and Catholic influencers delivered powerful messages centered on love, mercy and overcoming shame. Even Pope Leo shared a special video message to all in attendance.

���The overwhelming message was that you are wanted, you are loved,��� shared Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life. ���消消犯 face so many challenges and often carry burdens of shame. Hearing keynote after keynote address, these topics left our students feeling seen, valued, and hopeful.���

Anna Morelli ’29 echoed this sentiment: ���SEEK was a great reminder that God is a loving God, and He knows everyone so personally and deeply.���

The seven students who attended the conference gathered for lunch in McEwen a week after returning to campus. As the conversations and reflections wound down, the lasting impact of SEEK was evident. Even after returning to the bustle of life at Elon, students continue to carry the experience with them.

���SEEK helped me realize that after graduation, staying connected to a Catholic community will be essential,” Gavin Michaud ���26 said. “Seeing thousands worship together made living out my faith���wherever I go���feel much less daunting.���

Leo XIV was elected pope after a two-day papal conclave. He is the first American-born pontiff, and Father Tremblay told WFMY, because of this, he will understand the hearts of American people better.

“An American pope will know us well, he’ll know our concerns, he’ll know our faith, he’ll know our life, and he’ll certainly know our culture, our society, and our politics,” said Father Tremblay.

Father Tremblay also spoke with WXII about how the new pope may inspire young Christians.

“I do believe there are a number of people amongst our young students, think about generation Z, who are reconsidering faith for a lot of different reasons, and many are looking at Catholicism for a lot of wonderful reasons,” Father Tremblay said. “And I suspect here in the United States, the election of Pope Leo might help to grow those numbers.”

Read more of Father Tremblay’s interview with�� and

Since he took office in 2013, Pope Francis has become more than just a religious leader; he has been a bridge-builder and a tireless worker in tackling global issues. Admired for his humility, Pope Francis was a true reflection of Jesus Christ���s love and mercy on earth.

For many people, Pope Francis represented something special within the Church.

“Pope Francis has been a figure that many young people can rally around,” said Jillian Thomas ’25 “Every fall at Org Fair, folks get so excited about our cardboard cutout of him and want to take pictures with it!”

It���s this kind of connection that shows how much he meant to students���he was seen as a “symbol of hope” on campus, especially highlighted by the turnout at the memorial Mass held in Numen Lumen on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

“Even though we���re feeling the grief of this transition, I believe he brought a lot of new faces to the faith, and they���ll continue to grow in whatever direction God guides us next,” said Thomas.

Many grew up with Pope Francis, who influenced their faith from the very start.��The way Pope Francis lived and spoke shaped the spiritual journeys of a generation.

“Growing up in the 2010s, Pope Francis was my introduction to Catholicism. I always felt proud seeing him as the leader of our Church,” said Anthony Nunno ’27 “His 消消犯s help me keep deepening my faith and understanding of life.”

���In 2017, I stood just a few feet away from Pope Francis during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter���s Square, said Sydney Michel ’27. “The air felt full of something sacred, and in that moment, I was completely still, soaking in the peace, the beauty, and the power of it all. Seeing him up close, so humble and full of grace, I understood why he meant so much, not just to me, but to people all around the world. That moment in Rome left a mark on my heart. It reminded me that holiness doesn���t have to be loud���it can live in the quiet power of a kind word, a loving gesture, or a leader who walks with the people.���

The entire Catholic Church has been in a nine-day period of mourning, praying for Pope Francis and reflecting on his life and legacy, and how we can honor him through our own lives.

���Pope Francis had this rare kind of presence. Gentle but strong. Simple but profound,” said Michel. “His kindness and the way he loved and led with compassion for all people is something I���ll always carry with me. As we say goodbye, I hope we can all hold onto the goodness he brought into the world and try to live with a little more love because of him.���

“There were so many students, and a lot of them brought friends,” said Kasey Miller, associate director of Communication and Engagement for Catholic Life, with excitement. “Fraternity brothers, friend groups and families took up entire rows. Everyone was smiling and chatting, waiting for Mass to begin.���

This was a record crowd for Easter Mass on Elon���s campus.

“Hope and joy motivate us all. Elon students are eager to find these feelings in faith and in Jesus,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life.

Navigating college life while practicing religion can be tough, but Catholic 消消犯 Ministry is seeing rising engagement.

“The demand for spirituality, hope, and joy is clearly growing. We’re committed to creating spaces where students can embrace their faith,” said Father Tremblay.

After praying, fasting and almsgiving for the forty days of Lent and following Christ’s footsteps through Holy Week, Catholics celebrate the Lord’s resurrection��from the dead on Easter Sunday. This belief is the basis of the entire Christian faith. On Easter Sunday, the Catholic Church also welcomed six students who completed the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process throughout this past year, culminating in their receiving the Sacraments of Initiation during the��Mass.��

“Although it wasn’t in an ornate church, it [Mass] felt like home. I’m no longer distant from God; His grace has brought me closer to Him,” said Parker Stevens ’27.

Julien Dupas ’28 shared, “For the first time, I experienced Easter not just as a holiday but as a sacred celebration,” said Julien Dupas ’25 “It felt like everything I had offered, every sacrifice and prayer, had led to that moment. Easter Mass wasn’t just a tradition anymore. It was a deep, intimate encounter with Christ.”

Easter Sunday is just the beginning. Catholics celebrate Easter for fifty days, ending at Pentecost, when Jesus ascended to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to be with the world.

If you are interested in continuing to celebrate the Easter season with Catholic 消消犯 Ministry, all are welcome to attend the Sunday Masses at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavillion and 5 p.m. at Elon Community Church.

The Elon Catholic 消消犯 Ministry Homecoming tailgate welcomed the arrival of fall with a heartfelt celebration of community.

The gathering brought together alumni, students, parents and community members, fostering a sense of belonging. Hosted by the CCM Servant Leaders, the tailgate was filled with snacks, fun games, and CCM swag.

Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life, introduced a unique creation dubbed the “Homecoming Chicken Sandwich.” It featured a Chick-Fil-A nugget nestled between two Dunkin’ Munchkins. The sandwich quickly became a favorite

among students, disappearing almost as soon as it was served.

Throughout the day, alumni arrived eager to see friends and Catholic Life staff. Recent graduates greeted students and each other with big hugs while sharing��what life is like after graduation. Current students quickly shared what was the same and what had changed over the past year. Alumni returning for their fifth reunion engaged with staff and reminisced about their time at the university, sharing stories about their families, and where their careers have taken them.

The Homecoming tailgate was a celebration of connection, unity and nostalgia, leaving many anticipating what next year’s event will bring.

CCM is a place for all to share in community, prayer, service, leadership and fun. Everyone is welcome and invited to join the organization in worship at Sunday Mass or attending their events. CCM strives to help all in their faith journey while at Elon and spread some love along the way. The organization also offers small group discussions, retreats and service opportunities.

CCM��focuses on living as a community of faith on campus, loving Jesus in prayer and the Eucharist, growing as disciples and leaders and serving the needs of our Elon community and the whole world. You can find information about the organization, programs, events and how to become a member on the��.

You can find the CCM email and social media on��. In this episode of Feature Phoenix, Cronin shares the mission of CCM and the community they share.

���As Catholics we really value the Catholic social 消消犯 and that makes us prioritize service, the dignity of others and serving those in our community who could really use our support,��� said Cronin.

CCM has a house located at 515 E College Ave, across from the East residential neighborhood and adjacent to the Historic parking lot. The CCM House serves as a hangout space, meeting room, small group space and more. All are invited to stop by and join in the community. A��“Sunday Supper” is held once a month. 消消犯 can receive a free meal after the evening��Sunday Mass which serves as a time to bond as a community.

Masses are held when Elon is in session. Below are times and locations for��Mass. When Elon is not in session, there are still Masses available for all to attend. Those are held at Blessed Sacrament Church on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sundays at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Mass Services

Tuesday | Numen Lumen Pavilion | 12:15 p.m.
Friday | Numen Lumen Pavilion | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday | Numen Lumen Pavilion | 10 a.m.
Sunday |��Elon Community Church��| 5 p.m.

Feature Phoenix is a great way to learn about the clubs and organizations that Elon has to offer and how inclusive excellence is engrained on the campus. The series highlights clubs and organizations of different sizes that bring together people around a range of topics. Find the newest video on the������and visit the������to find past videos.

“It was an exciting issue to have,” said Assistant Director of Development Nina Devaney ’24. “We had already set up almost every chair in the building before Mass. We had to pull chairs from the brunch set up, but people were still standing!”

By the end of Mass, the Sacred Space, McBride and the balcony were full, with others leaning against the back wall or standing in the aisles.

“It was incredible to witness so many students attending Mass with their families and over 10 students volunteering to assist with ministry roles,” said Lizzie Gildner, student ministry coordinator.

has hosted Family Weekend Mass for many years but added the brunch last year to connect with even more with families. This year, 275 people attended the brunch, a significant increase from the previous year. Parents are still talking about their experience, often sharing how much Mass and brunch are the weekend’s highlight and how much they enjoyed being part of the CCM community.

But as excited as everyone was for Family Weekend, it was plain to see that Father Peter Tremblay was elated. Father Peter radiated��joy when standing in the hall welcoming people as they entered Mass or moving from table to table at brunch, chatting personally with each family.

“I am always excited to talk with parents,” said Father Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic life. “And I am overjoyed to share all the hard work the student leaders and the community are doing on campus.”