A group of pilgrims from Orlândia, São Paulo, found themselves ensnared in a travel agency scam, losing a staggering sum of R$ 464,000. The agency had sold them a package for the Jubilee of Hope celebrations taking place in Rome this year. The shocking revelation of the cancellation came on a Tuesday when the group raised concerns about the non-issuance of their air tickets. The agency cited financial crisis as the reason for the abrupt cancellation, leaving the 27 individuals from Orlândia and two from São Joaquim da Barra in disbelief.
“The communication came from the company’s lawyer via video conference, where he mentioned the financial difficulties and the inability to fulfill the commitment of taking the young people to the jubilee. They only said that and promised to provide further clarification at a later time,”
shared businessman Leôncio Mazarão. Each participant had invested an average of R$ 16,000 in the trip, which included religious itineraries and accommodation arrangements.
The agency’s owner, Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues, informed the media that the reasons for the cancellation had been explained to the pilgrims, and efforts were underway to address the affected individuals directly. Among those impacted was lawyer Sanny Médik, who expressed intentions to pursue legal action against the agency, seeking both civil and criminal accountability.
The pilgrimage held significant importance for many participants, as the next Jubilee event is slated for 2050, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The emotional toll was palpable, with pilgrims like Isabel Piloto emphasizing their determination to salvage the dream through fundraising efforts, driven by a sense of duty to themselves and the Church.
Over the years, the pilgrims had raised funds through various means such as raffles, bazaars, and charity events, intending to continue their solidarity initiatives to make the journey possible. Despite the setback caused by the agency’s financial woes, the resolve to overcome the obstacles remained unwavering among the affected pilgrims.
In a subsequent communication sent on Friday, the agency elaborated on its challenges, attributing its dire financial state to a culmination of hardships exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and disruptions in the travel industry. The owner mentioned credit restrictions due to conflicts in Israel as a contributing factor to their inability to fulfill the travel obligations for the 2025 Jubilee, emphasizing his commitment to rectify the situation promptly without benefiting from the cancellation financially.
The pilgrims’ plight serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with trusting travel agencies and underscores the resilience and community spirit displayed by the affected group in the face of adversity. As they navigate the aftermath of the cancelled pilgrimage, their unwavering hope and dedication to realizing their shared aspiration exemplify the strength found in unity and perseverance.
