By Ngozi Nwankwo
As part of its preparation for the 2023 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Rome and Greece, the delegation of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC and the states Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers arrived Rome, Italy on Saturday, 16th December, 2023 on a Pre- visit where they are expected to visit some of the important holy sites and inspect some of the hotels that would be used by the intending pilgrims for the forthcoming Pilgrimage exercise which would commence by early next year.
The delegation arrived Fiumcino International airport, Rome at about 1:30 pm local time, and were warmly received by the ground handlers.
The delegation, led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam is billed to inspect and visit some important Biblical holy sites in Rome and Greece, but would spend four nights in Rome before departing for Greece.
While in Rome, the delegation would visit Mamertine Prison, St.Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, amongst others.
The delegation comprises, the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Maurice Mbaeri, NCPC directors and Chairmen and Secretaries of the various states Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
It would be recalled that the Commission and the States Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers have resolved that Rome and Greece would be the next pilgrimage destination options for the December 2023 Main Pilgrimage exercise in view of the the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, hence the Pre -Visit to the two countries.