McKenzie Pickett and Abrielle Monaghan of Jamestown High School are pictured at a recent fundraiser for St. Luke’s youth trip to Italy. Submitted photo

Eight local youth from three school districts are preparing to embark on an adventure.

From Feb. 17 to Feb. 23, Grace Anderson, Aidan Fodor, Cyrus Jones, Allison MacCallum, Abrielle Monaghan, Jazmyn Norrod, James Nowling, and McKenzie Pickett will walk with adult chaperones 75 miles along an ancient pilgrimage route known as the Via Francigena, connecting Canterbury to Rome.

The youth will walk from the city of Viterbo — known as the “City of the Popes” — to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

The trip is being organized by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for youth who are currently enrolled in or have completed the church’s confirmation class.

“The pace of our modern life makes it easy to lose track of ourselves,” said the Rev. Jessica Frederick, St. Luke’s minister for children, youth, and families. “By walking a portion of the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, we are inviting our youth to slow down and wander off the beaten path – inviting them into a space of self-discovery and adventure along the way.”

The students embarking on the journey are eager for the opportunities this adventure holds.

“I am truly grateful to be able to experience the trip of a lifetime,” Falconer high school junior Cyrus Jones said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the beautiful nature that Italy holds. I am also eager to be traveling out of the country for the first time and being able to experience Italy’s culture.

Added Jamestown High School sophomore Aidan Fodor, “I am excited to experience something that connects me to other people that have done the same pilgrimage, as well as seeing historical landmarks.”

A fundraiser to support the trip will be hosted at St. Luke’s, 410 N. Main St., Jamestown.

A pancake supper will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The cost is $7 with all proceeds supporting the youth pilgrimage to Italy. St. Luke’s youth will serve as volunteers at the pancake supper.

“I can’t wait to learn lots of new and exciting things during this trip,” says Southwestern high school senior, Grace Anderson. “I am most looking forward to the amazing views and learning about how the local culture is different from ours.”