Notes from Rome

DAY 1

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.

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.

DAY 3

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.

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.

DAY 5

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 17 th century Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, home of the Parziuncola Chapel of St. Francis.

DAY 6

The tour of major basilicas of Rome continued on the sixth day, but the day started with a visit to the Catacombs on San Callisto, the largest of the catacombs outside of Rome. Basilicas visited included San Paolo fuori le mura, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Giovanni in Laterano with the Santa Scala. After dinner near the hotel, the pilgrims made their way to the Trevi Fountain where they ended their day with a few more helpings of gelato.

DAY 7

The pilgrims’ last full day in the Eternal City was spent either traversing the city, visiting Chiesa Nuova and the tomb of St. Philip Neri on his feast, or exploring first century mosaics and toilets at the ancient seaport, Ostia Antica. The group reconvened for Sunday Vigil Mass with Fr. Juan at the Basilica of Santi Apostoli near the Capitoline Hill, which is the burial place of the apostles Philip and James, and of Pope Clement XVI. The pilgrimage was concluded with a group dinner followed by a final walk to the Tiber to see Ponte Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s at night. “It was great to have everyone back together for a final meal in Rome, and a final meal as HSP students all together!” said Mr. Cole.