A ROMAN THANKSGIVING

WILL ROBBINS ’25, BEAUMONT

Tradition is a word that easily comes to mind when thinking of the Pontifical North American College. From clap-ins and clap-outs to the Station Churches to pranzo at Ristorante Abruzzi, the NAC is full of many time-honored traditions. Among these many august practices, the traditions surrounding our Thanksgiving weekend hold a special place in the hearts of the men at the College. Being so far from the United States on a holiday weekend normally filled with family, friends, and familiar traditions, Thanksgiving can be a difficult time for the priests and seminarians living in Rome. Thankfully, the College has built her own, noble traditions to keep the men engaged and connected to America’s Thanksgiving traditions.

The weekend kicks off with the NAC’s Annual Turkey Trot 5k around the Vatican City State. Priests, seminarians, and friends from around Rome begin Thanksgiving morning with a friendly race around the Vatican in the early hours continues with brunch on the dormitory halls, which further builds the sense of fraternity for the weekend. However, the pinnacle of the day is in the evening, when the College, along with American friends from the Eternal City, gather for Mass and then a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Seating in the refectory is by state, with countless traditions regarding how each state decorates their table. From the butter cow at Iowa’s table to the over-the-top decorations at Texas’ table, the Refectory is filled with a great sense of gratitude and patriotism.

Thanksgiving dinner at the NAC is an incredible experience that follows a traditional American Thanksgiving menu. Our wonderful Italian cooks prepare countless baked turkeys, kilos of dressing, and mountains of mashed potatoes. Faculty and seminarians work for days to bake an incredible number of pumpkin pies. By all accounts, the NAC has a typical, Thanksgiving meal. However, one of the most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, is the small, Roman twist on the meal: beginning with pasta. Each year, the meal begins with pumpkin ravioli in a butter sage sauce. This small Roman twist is one of our favorite dishes. Served only once each year, the pumpkin ravioli embody the intersection of the Roman traditions of our home in the Eternal City and the American traditions from our various states. It is a small reminder of our being formed in Rome to serve the people of God in the United States.

For a holiday that finds its roots in the desire to give thanks for the abundant bounty of God, it is more than appropriate to share our traditions with others. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are sharing the NAC Pumpkin Ravioli recipe with you, and we sincerely hope you enjoy this tradition as much as we do in Rome. n