DAY 1
DAY 3
DAY 5
After a few delays in transit, the students landed in Rome safely around 11:30 am local time to begin their pilgrimage. They visited the North American College on the Janiculum Hill where they toured the campus with Fr. Azar and Fr. Kuhr and celebrated Pentecost Mass said by Fr. Juan. The evening was concluded with a spectacular view of the city of Rome from the observation deck, followed by dinner and gelato.
After breakfast near the hotel, the pilgrims took the metro to Piazza del Popolo, the north gate of the city, and started a walking journey to see several historic sites along the way including Santa Maria del Popolo, Santi Ambrogio e Carlo, Sant’Ignazio, and more. The journey ended at the Pantheon where the group split up for the final house challenge: a scavenger hunt in the heart of Rome! Chalcedon won, with Trent coming in second place. The pilgrims ended their third day with a private, after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums that included a visit to the magnificent Raphael Rooms and Sistine Chapel.
Venturing out of Rome, the pilgrims spent the day visiting the basilicas and burial sites of St. Francis and St. Claire in Assisi of the Umbria region: the green heart of Italy. Some hiked up above the town to Rocca Maggiore, the castle that commands the place, to enjoy stunning views of the valley below and Monte Subasio above. The last stop in Assisi before returning to Rome was to the 17th century Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, home of the Parziuncola Chapel of St. Francis.
DAY 2 The pilgrims began their second day with an Italian-style breakfast at a nearby café before heading to St. Peter’s Basilica for a tour of the heart of the church. Highlights included the Pieta of Michelangelo, the Alexander VII Monument of Bernini, and the tombs of St. Peter, St. John Paul II, St. Pius X, and Blessed Innocent XI. After lunch, the group took the Scavi tour to see the archaeological site under St. Peter’s Basilica. They concluded the evening with dinner and gelato, ultimately arriving at the Spanish Steps.
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DAY 4 The morning started with a Wednesday Audience with Pope Francis. After lunch, the group visited the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Capitoline Hill, ultimately ending on Tiber Island where they saw the tomb of St. Bartholomew the Apostle. Some went on to an early dinner, but others ventured on to walk the length of Trastevere. “It was a rather long walk, I concede,” reflected Mr. Cole, “but no one seemed to mind.” The pilgrims ended their journey with Mass in Latin at Santa Trinita’ dei Pelligrini before retiring for a well-deserved rest.
ROM NOTES FROM
the Senior Class’ A
