On October 23-26, 2015 in Rome, Italy, was held the World Pilgrimage of the Roma and Egyptian people. 23 Roma and Egyptians from Shkodra, Tirana, Fier and Korça participated in this pilgrimage. Part of this pilgrimage were even children of the special school “3 Dhjetori” in Shkodra.
The Pilgrimage was made possible by the “Albanian Organization of the Order of Malta” and the Ambassador Franz Salm-Reifferscheidt, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta for Roma Issues.
During the pilgrimage days the participants visited the Basilica of St. Peter, the Colosseo Monument, Piazza Venezia, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona, they prayed the Station of the Cross nearby Colosseo and participated in the celebration of the Holy Mass in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity.
After 4 days, the pilgrimage ended with a special Papal Audience in the Paul VI hall in Vatican. The audience was attended even by the Prince and Grand Master, Fra’ Matthew Festing.
There were over 5,000 Roma and Egyptians from all countries of Europe, America and Asia participating in this pilgrimage. The event reminded Gypsies and their whole community, the opening of the Church to those who live in a marginalized society and intended to make a “meeting of cultures” as an opportunity to raise the awareness of people about the history and quality of Gypsies, often victims of prejudice and enmity.