Every 5 years each bishop makes an ?ad limina? visit to the Vatican to meet with the Holy Father and the offices of the Holy See. Currently Bishop Lennon and his fellow bishops from Ohio and Michigan are in the Vatican for their visit.
The highlight of the ?ad limina? is a meeting with the Holy Father. According to reports, the meeting lasts about 45 minutes and gives the Pope a chance to address certain topics to each group of bishops, while also entering into a dialogue regarding their diocese and the Church in the U.S.
The term ?ad limina? comes from ?ad limina apostolorum? meaning ?to the thresholds of the apostles.? While the visit contains some administrative tasks, the visit is also a chance to connect spiritually with the Universal Church both for the bishop and the people that he represents. Ohio and Michigan bishops celebrate daily Mass at various basilicas and churches in Rome. Among the Masses scheduled are at the Tomb of St. Peter, St. Paul Outside the Walls, Altar of Blessed John Paul II, St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran.
To see more photos from the "ad limina" visit please click here.
Below is the CNS video regarding the Ohio and Michigan Bishops' "ad limina" visit (scroll over video and click play to view).