Day 21:  from Athens to Rome

Today was a travel day.  At around 6:30 am, we left Athens international for Rome. At 8:00 am, we arrived in the Eternal City.  After gathering all our luggage, we met our bus and traveled to the Christian Brothers house, which will be our residence for three weeks. After checking into our rooms, we celebrated the liturgy.  In his homily, Fr. Peter reminded us to thank God for the pilgrimage’s success and encouraged us to keep the pilgrimage spirit alive.

After Mass and lunch, we had the rest of the afternoon free.  Many guys went to St. Peter’s.  After seeing St. Peter’s for the first time, Hoang said that when he entered the Basilica he prayed, “Thank you God that I am a Catholic.”  The evening was also free and many seminarians simply went to bed early after a long day that began with a very early wake up call. Please continue to pray for us!!  

Day 22:  Rome: major Pauline Sites, and other ancient sites

Today, after an early rising, we traveled to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where we celebrated the Sunday Mass.  This church is a reconstruction of the original 4^th century basilica, which a fire destroyed in 1823.  Some restored 5^th century mosaics still exist within the edifice.  Saint Paul’s is the second largest church in Rome and contains Saint Paul’s relics, which are underneath the main altar.  When we arrived, we took pictures of the giant statue of Saint Paul in front of the church.  As we entered the structure, we hustled to the side chapel of Saint Benedict for our liturgy.  As we walked through the nave, there was a Mass in progress at a center altar.  Consequently, we listened to a fantastic choir and smelled a lot of incense as we approached a side chapel, where we would celebrate our Mass.  In his homily, Fr. Mike reminded us that God usually chooses the weak and makes them strong and that many different types of people in the Church make it healthy. Under this context, he cited the examples of Saints Peter and Paul.  After our liturgy, we gathered at Saint Paul’s relics, where we prayed and took pictures.  This visit was a powerful experience for us, because we have grown to appreciate in a new way the passion, desire, and strength of Saint Paul.

After this experience at Saint Paul’s, we traveled to the ancient center of Rome. As we approached the Colosseum, we saw the Arch of  Constantine, which celebrates Constantine’s victory at Milvian Bridge.  We left the bus and made for the Colosseum. We stood on the outside the ancient structure and our guide lectured on its history. The Emperor Vespasian built the Colosseum in AD 72.  It was a place for gladiatorial combat, and the place where some Christians were martyred.  We entered the ancient structure, explored it, and took many pictures.  After the Roman Empire had fallen and the Colosseum was no longer used for gladiatorial contests, it was used for Christian worship with several chapels built in it.  Within the Colosseum, our guide pointed out the remains of an ancient crucifixion fresco. 

After an hour visit, we left the Colosseum and walked toward the remains of the Roman Forum.  As we approached these ruins, we saw the Arch of Titus, which celebrates Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.  In the early republic, the forum contained a market place, senate house, and different temples.  Within this space, the Caesar received the victorious armies.  We saw numerous ancient columns and half-standing brick structures.  Our guide explained that the Romans, throughout history, used a lot of ancient structures for building materials, a kind of recycling of pillars, marble and stone blocks to build newer structures.  This explains why only fragments of buildings are left.  (This is also why much of the Colosseum is gone, since all of its marble and much of its stone was “recycled” in the middle ages).  Within the Roman Forum, we saw the remains of the Temple of Vesta, which was an important temple in ancient times.  It contained a constant sacred flame, which was maintained by a cult of Vestal Virgins.  If the flame was extinguished, they were beaten, or if they ever lost their virginity, they were killed. 

After we made our way through the forum, we returned to the bus, drove by the Circus Maximus and Baths of Caracalla, and then went to lunch.  After a great Italian meal, we traveled to the site of Saint Paul’s martyrdom, now called Tres Fontane. According to tradition, after he was decapitated, his head bounced three times and three fountains sprung from the earth.  At this place, there exists a small church and three altars built over the places where Paul’s head landed.  You can hear the water bubbling and gurgling beneath them.  As we entered this structure, everyone knelt and prayed.  As I knelt, I imagined the scene of Paul’s death, the soldiers, crowd, the sword, the weather and the strength of Paul. 

After this experience, we traveled to the church of Saint Peter in chains. Saint Peter was put into chains both in Jerusalem and Rome. This church contains both sets. Also, this church is the home of Pope Julius II’s tomb, built by Michelangelo.  Part of this tomb is a statue of Moses.  There are web cams on this structure.  So, if you would like to see it on-line go to www.progettomose.it 

After this experience, we returned to the Christian brothers for dinner and rest after a long day. Please continue to pray for us!!  

Day 23:  Rome:  Classes begin

For  those of you that think that we have been on a vacation with no responsibilities, fun every day, all day long, drinking fine wine and eating 7 course meals every night, well, today we started up our classes again.  Yes, we are back to the daily grind of class all afternoon, and homework all night.  The Christian Brothers have been kind enough to allow us to use their mini computer lab for home work.  This brings one question to my mind, “Have you ever tried to type a 5 page paper on a French Keyboard?”  Yes, my friends there are only two keyboards in the lab that have English keyboards, and there are also two in Spanish, and two in French.  However the fun part is that the language of some of these keyboards do not match the language that the operating system that they are running.  So for us typing “henpeckers,” we are totally confused.  Do not be dismayed however, I have finally figured out that on the French keyboards “w” is really “z,” and “a” is really “q” – a grand accomplishment I know.  I am certain my mother is proud.  Unfortunately I still have problems with the punctuation, the “m” and “n” keys, plus the shift key is much smaller… such is life, (I would have written that in French, but I don’t know where the correct keys are!)

Please be assured of our prayers, and please remember us in yours.

Day 24:  Rome

Not much happened today.  Some of us went out into the city and bummed around.  For myself, I took advantage of a rare opportunity that has only happened once before… I slept in.  And it was glorious!  I slept in until 9:30 with no guilt or worry of missing class. 

We had classes all afternoon again, after which we had evening prayer and Mass.  Then we ate dinner and enjoyed some free time by playing cards or watching Mtv, the only station we get with any English.  Mtv here is not at all like in the States – they really play music videos. 

For those of you worried about Zach, he is with us in Rome after escaping from both a Turkish prison and Greek Laundromat.  As hard as we try to sell him or pawn him off on children, he keeps coming back.  Maybe the Swiss guard will take him…

Day 25:  The General Audience with the Pope

Today we got up bright and early to go to the general audience with our Pope, John Paul II.  We arrived by subway to St. Peter’s Square, my first visit.  Wow, it is big, and I am from Texas.  In the middle of the St. Peter’s Square, (even though it is more of an oval shape… go figure) is a large life-size creche, a gift from the people and state of Croatia.  Angelo was very pleased. 

We went to the general audience hall and waited, and waited, and waited.  We were told that it is first come, first seated, so get there as early as possible – i.e. 8:30 when the doors open.  We went through the security point and were saluted by the Swiss Guard as we were all dressed in collars and cassocks.  We had florescent lime-green tickets which meant we got to sit way up front, the second and third rows to be exact.  In front of us and to our side was a group pf Japanese Sisters working in Brazil.  They spoke Spanish after thinking Sonny was Japanese. 

When the Pope arrived, all sort of pandemonium broke loose.  I have never seen anything like it in my life.  He then read the catechetical lesson for the day on the importance of unity in and among the Christian Faithful, focusing on that “We hold a treasure in earthen vessels.”  After this, a synopsis of the statement was read in many languages, and then groups of pilgrims from various languages were introduced and given the opportunity to clap or sing a little song.  We clapped.  The Pope smiled and waved at us when we were introduced as a group of seminarians.  I can honestly say that I haven’t seen him look as good as he did today.  He still had some problems getting around, but I understood every word he said in English, and most of what he said in Spanish.

There was a choir of young people from Poland that sang Christmas Carols.  The best part of the day was really just watching the people around us and their reactions.  One of the seminarians said, “The Sisters around us acted like a bunch of teenage girls at a Tom Petty Concert.”  The enthusiasm was almost too much – there seemed to be a lot of pushing and shoving as people who were invited to receive personal blessings from the Holy Father made their way up to the stage escorted by the ushers in formal gray tuxes.  A man in front of us had an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that he had been traveling around the world with, and his daughter was invited to be blessed by the Pope, so she took the image up with her.  To the left of the Pope was a bishop who was accepting the gifts people brought.  He must have thought it was a gift and tried to take it from her, and the man in front of us started jumping up and down shouting, “No, No it is mine, the Holy Father Blessed it for me, don’t take it, it is mine!”  As I said before I have never seen anything like it.  The best part, though, was when we returned tonight and watched the Italian evening news, and there we were bigger than day, and looking totally caught off guard, none of us realizing that we were being videotaped. 

We are still hoping to be invited to a private Mass and audience with the Holy Father, but have heard nothing of it as of yet.  We are all well, with the exceptions of a few colds and sniffles, and are in high spirits.  Please continue to pray for us as we continue our journey and we continue to remember you in ours.  As always, Pray for the conversion of Turkey. 

Until next time,  Ciao!

--  Tony

Day 26:  Rome:  A Day of Prayer

Our day was one set aside for prayer and reflection.  No classes, no touring.  Fr. Mike planned and presided over this day of prayer for us.  It began with morning prayer and a pilgrim’s reflection from Fr. Mike, a spiritual look back on our journey to this point that called to mind the highlights and the surprises, as well as the frustrations.  We then had time in the morning for personal prayer or maybe a walk to a neighboring church, but today was one of the rainiest days that we’ve seen on our whole time over here, so that probably kept most close to the house. 

We had Mass at noon and it was offered for Christian unity, in response to the Holy Father’s hopes and intentions expressed at the Wednesday audience.  Lunch followed and we ate in silence, listening to spiritual readings according to monastic fashion.  Fr. Mike delivered another reflection at 2:00 and we then had personal time for prayer, reflection or spiritual reading up until 5:00.  We closed the day then with evening prayer, the Spirit called upon through the candle lighting and incense ritual of solemn vespers.  It was a day that gave us a chance to take stock of where we have been in the pilgrimage and to look to what lies ahead in the second half, a day that gave special emphasis to our purpose in the Lord’s presence with each other on the journey.

News From The Casa----

We were given a room in the Casa to use as our chapel.  Matt Settle (Go Packers!!) took charge of transforming what is basically a meeting room into a very noble and special place to pray.  The atmosphere of the room was greatly enhanced by setting out some of the many icons that we acquired in Greece.  Speaking of art, Hector’s design has been chosen for our commemorative class tile.  Possibly we will have a picture of his fine work made available on this website in the future for you to see.  Finally, we are still awaiting word of whether or not we will be invited to attend a private Mass with the Holy Father.  The most recent information we have received about this is that he is weak and tired, and that may prevent it.  Please pray that both he will be blessed with strength, as well as that we might have this very hoped-for opportunity.  We all know it would be a tremendous time of grace for us.

God bless all of you.  -- Patrick   

Day 27:  Pompei

An early rise today and we headed out on a three hour bus trip to Pompei.  Our route took us alongside the Appenine (or Appian?) mountains passing Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence, and the St. Benedict’s Monte Cassino Monastery.  We will be visiting both of these at a later time.  Today was definitely the most rainy weather we’ve experienced, low misting clouds shrouding the peaks as we traveled.  As we approached Naples we saw vineyards, Italian umbrella pines, cypress, and lemon trees.  Oh, and our guide informed us that Naples is the birthplace of the wonderful pizza pie, the Italian pleasure disc I like to call it. 

We arrived at Pompei and began a two-hour tour, fortunately rain-free for just that period.  The city, six miles from the infamous volcano Mount Vesuvius, was buried in ash following an eruption in 79 AD.  The ruins are amazingly extensive and only 70% have been uncovered.  There are plaster casts of people and animals frozen in their last living positions, often covering their mouths trying not to inhale the ash or noxious gases.

After the tour and a filling repast we went to La Madonna di Pompei Church for Mass.  The paintings and the marble that adorn this place are beautiful.  The patrons of this church also funded a great amount of social work for the area, most specifically for orphans.  One hallway in the complex has glass cases full of pictures and other items that attest to the love and care given to so many of the young.

We made our journey back, stopping for dinner along the way.  A good day, but wet! 

News From The Casa----

Wouldn’t you know it, just two block from our residence we have that most recognizable of all American symbols – The Golden Arches.  This is a non issue for some of us, but an oasis for others.  Fr. Peter Damian said that a number of last year’s group went to McDonald’s religiously every night (!).  We may not be matching that but, truth be told, a number of us have fallen.

Bye -- Patrick

Day 28:  Rome:  A Holy Day of No Obligation!

Ah!  A completely free day, and our first one of the whole pilgrimage, that is without counting the day we arrived in Rome which began with that 3:00 a.m. wake up call to leave Athens.  Borrowing terminology from Steve’s days with NET, the day was appropriately declared a “holy day of no obligation!”  So for this entry I decided I would sample that class as to how they spent their time and if they had any special highlights.

-- Hector L., Nacho T., and Fabian M. went the Church of St. Ignatius and noted the three dimensional quality of the paintings and the statues of angels that almost seem to move with you as you walk.  Nacho also visited the Oblate Sisters of Jesus the Priest, the same congregation as our lovely sisters at Mundelein.

-- Vu T., Khue V., Zach E., and Jorge G. took in a movie.

-- Steve B. recounted the story of a woman asking him at a restaurant to pray for her husband who has a malignant tumor.  She was prompted to do this because Steve had his clerics on for a visit to the Vatican and she had seen him pray before eating.  He was especially moved by this encounter.

-- Hoang N. did some sleeping and found some good Chinese food, fried rice and shrimp.

-- Angelo B. and Shawn R. were given a sneak peek into a new chapel that is to be used for the cardinals who will assemble to elect John Paul’s successor.  This was made possible by a Croatian priest that Angelo knows.

-- Matt S., Glen W., Tony N., and Marek D. went to attend Vespers at St. Paul’s outside the Walls for the Feast of St. Paul’s Conversion.  Their big highlight: just happening to end up about five feet away from the Pope as he processed up the center aisle, passing on a special moving platform.

-- Anthony A. reports that he slept ALL DAY.

-- Ric H. and Brendon L. did some church visits and Ric followed it up with dinner at the North American College with some diocesan brothers.

For myself, I did a personal church tour, hitting about twelve of them.  My feet are flat and sore but it was worth it all the same.  -Patrick