Artist Survives Surgery, Walks Solo Pilgrimage to Rome During Jubilee
“If I surpass the operation, I’ll walk to Rome.” A vow made from the hospital bed and fulfilled during the Jubilee year. Last year, Sergio Vellini, an artist specializing in painting and ceramics with a workshop in Borgo Garibaldi, was hospitalized for severe prostate issues. Following an initial surgery, he underwent a second procedure to remove two malignant tumors. “The operation was successful,” Vellini states, “thanks to the expertise and professionalism of Prof. Luigi Comunale and his urology team from Borgo Trento.” Once he recovered from the intensive radiotherapy treatments and regained his physical strength, Vellini did not forget his promise. Backpack on his shoulders, alone, he set out along the trail of the ‘Via Francigena’ or ‘Pilgrims’ Way,’ rediscovered by the Giovane Montagna Association of Verona.
From Mantua to Modena, to Pavullo del Frignano, then crossing the Alto Appennino Modenese park along the route from Fanano to Pistoia. “Many testimonies from the people I met,” admits the modern pilgrim, “who entrusted me with prayers, objects, and sacred images to take to Rome. Through a magnificent Italy, forgotten by traffic but lively, full of care and generosity.”
Vellini continues his journey through Vinci, Empoli, Certaldo, Monteriggioni, Siena, Buonconvento, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Oroia, Vignoli Bagni, Terra Radicofani, always alone. “A tested solitude that matures you greatly, brings you closer, with every kilometer traveled, to an intimate encounter with God. It constantly challenges you, helping you understand and confront diversities. At the same time, it becomes a spiritual enrichment, since humans have an ancestral vocation to walk, discover, and travel.”
A pilgrim who carefully manages his strength, since he started in less-than-perfect physical condition due to the effects of therapies: he maintains daily contact and advice with the outpatient clinic of Borgo Trento’s Day Hospital and his personal doctor, Dr. Benati of Bardolino, to whom he sends endless thanks.
A pilgrim of our time who mostly stays in hotels, supports himself with energy products, and uses Poste Italiane to lighten his backpack by sending home everything that becomes burdensome during the journey: his sleeping bag and heavy shoes, once necessary to surpass 2000 meters altitude and snowy zones of the Apennines; heavy clothing and used underwear.
Finally, after 15 days, having crossed Bolsena, Montefiascone, Viterbo, Lake Vico, Monti Cimini, Sutri, and Lake Bracciano, he reaches the capital, only to be stopped and checked upon arrival at St. Peter’s. “The fear of attacks is strong, so they empty your backpack.”
Vellini plans to retrace his journey next year, possibly with company. “To continue, through my testimony, to give some trust to those suffering and fighting against illness; a fight that can also be met with courage, willpower, and help from the sky.”