It has been one month already since returning from our pilgrimage at the start of the semester. As I reflected on this time, I would like to share two memorable moments.
In mid February we visited the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, and served for Mass. Just as each diocese in the United States has a cathedral, so also does Rome. It was constructed in the 4th Century after the Emperor Constantine defeated the previous Emperor Maxentius. This was the first Christian Church Constantine built, known as the “victory church” for it represented an end to the heavy persecutions imposed upon early Christians by the Roman Empire. It was an enjoyable evening for the whole St. Thomas Community living here, as we were able to celebrate Mass together in this Mother Church for Christianity, and afterwards, the 30 or so of us went out for dinner.
Secondly, our day trip to Siena. This beautiful and peaceful village is nestled in the midst of the Tuscan hills, a couple hours north of Rome. It is where the young Saint Catherine spent her childhood. Here, I visited the home of Catherine’s youth, and the church where she attended Mass each morning. At her home, we were able to pray in the very places she went to spend time in silence with her Lord. It was through this time her heart was enkindled with a love to answer Christ’s invitation to follow him, and this she did with great joy. Today, she has left a profound impression on Christianity. She, along with every saint, are recognized by the church because it is through their lives, we are both inspired and encouraged to not be afraid to follow God, because as we see, such a great trust and humble surrender can be used by Him to convert many hearts back to his love. As Scripture says, “For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong” -2 Corinthians 12:10.
In mid February we visited the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, and served for Mass. Just as each diocese in the United States has a cathedral, so also does Rome. It was constructed in the 4th Century after the Emperor Constantine defeated the previous Emperor Maxentius. This was the first Christian Church Constantine built, known as the “victory church” for it represented an end to the heavy persecutions imposed upon early Christians by the Roman Empire. It was an enjoyable evening for the whole St. Thomas Community living here, as we were able to celebrate Mass together in this Mother Church for Christianity, and afterwards, the 30 or so of us went out for dinner.
Secondly, our day trip to Siena. This beautiful and peaceful village is nestled in the midst of the Tuscan hills, a couple hours north of Rome. It is where the young Saint Catherine spent her childhood. Here, I visited the home of Catherine’s youth, and the church where she attended Mass each morning. At her home, we were able to pray in the very places she went to spend time in silence with her Lord. It was through this time her heart was enkindled with a love to answer Christ’s invitation to follow him, and this she did with great joy. Today, she has left a profound impression on Christianity. She, along with every saint, are recognized by the church because it is through their lives, we are both inspired and encouraged to not be afraid to follow God, because as we see, such a great trust and humble surrender can be used by Him to convert many hearts back to his love. As Scripture says, “For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong” -2 Corinthians 12:10.
u r amazing with words! it sounds like everything is going well. take care love, aunt judi & uncle dave
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