For Michael, the ticking clock on the Jubilee Year presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity too good to miss. Upon realizing the Holy Door would be sealed for the next 25 years after January 6th, he made a snap decision on January 1st to fly from Palermo to the Vatican for an intense, 13-hour day trip on Sunday the 4th, determined to witness this piece of living history.

The journey itself was a model of efficiency. Traveling light with just a backpack and his carta d’identità, Michael’s flight departed at 7:10 am and touched down at 8:20 am. From the airport, a smooth transfer via train to Roma Termini and then a metro ride delivered him straight to the Vatican.

Once there, he wasted no time. For a mere $34, Michael booked a tour that allowed him to fulfill the purpose of his pilgrimage: passing through the revered Holy Door. The tour also guided him through the tombs of past Popes, providing a deep dive into the art and history of the Vatican. As a unique memento of his day, he picked up a Latin certificate from the Info Point for just €2, commemorating his pilgrimage.

After a packed day of historical exploration, Michael grabbed dinner and bought a few gifts before heading back for his 9:40 pm flight. He landed back in Sicily by 10:50 pm, concluding his whirlwind adventure. A significant benefit of the trip was the €68 discount on airfare he received as a Sicilian resident, courtesy of a government program designed to keep island residents connected to the mainland.

Ultimately, Michael’s spontaneous journey highlighted a major perk of living in Sicily: true history is often just a short day trip away.