Easter Vigil

Alleluia, He has risen!

This was a very special day and the most important day for us as Christians, so although I am overdue in my entries, I would like to reflect on this day.

The Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is special because it concludes at midnight on Sunday morning, thus kicking off the Easter season. It is celebrated by Pope Benedict, who is the successor to the Apostle Peter whom Jesus first appointed, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). To see the man who has been chosen by God to be head of the Church, leaves one at a loss for words. It is obvious that no one man can lead 2 billion Christians, and thus shows how deeply rooted he is in Christ. It is only because of Christ that he is able to be our Holy Father, and it is because of Christ radiating in his love that one is left for this loss of words.

Secondly, this year’s Easter celebration was so memorable for me because it was spent in community with thirty of my brothers and sisters from my college back home. Words cannot express the fire that burns within as you are amongst your peers and truly celebrating and rejoicing in our Lord’s triumph over death. What a truly joy filled day.

Easter Sunday we celebrated with the whole house coming together to prepare an Easter Dinner. What made the dinner extra special were the several guests present. I’m so grateful they were able to join us, and share in the community we have here. Afterwards, we headed to the park for some football and soccer to conclude the evening.

Praise God for his many blessings on us here. We have now entered into the final month of studies before returning to the states, and so these last days carry their own special time for us, similar to the last days of your senior year in high school, or before moving away from a place you’ve called home. This has become home in that we have grown to be 30 brothers and sisters in Christ.

Blessings to each of you back home. I am looking forward to my return.

In His Love,
Ryan

Maratona di Roma

The day of the marathon was a very memorable and exciting day! An early rise, and a quick breakfast, and before I knew it we were waiting for the Metro.It was packed with runners, and when I entered I was fascinated by the instant fraternity present amongst us. Anyone who has ever run track or cross country can relate. It's pretty special.

Over 12,000 runners, 26.2 miles, through one of the most historically rich and beautiful cities in the world. Not much more needs to be said. The route began at the Colosseum, and took us south out of the city, before returning. We then ran past St. Peter's Basilica, The Olympic Stadium, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and Circus Maximus, all before returning to the Colosseum for the finish.

This was my first marathon and so I wasn't sure how my body would take to the challenge, but by the grace of God I was able to do it. I found alot of strength in the support of all who were cheering throughout the race. Especially memorable were the points at which members of our house were cheering for me. It was a great boost! At two points a couple of them even ran with me. This support was such a blessing.

Now that the race has come and gone, I'm left with many memories that any runner would cherish, as well as more free time that was previously consumed by training. I'm glad I ran the race, and am also grateful to God, for the strength to complete it.

Blessings to each of you as we near Holy Week, and may you have a joy filled Easter!

Assisi

This past weekend Ben, one of the seminarians, celebrated his birthday. His favorite saint is Francis, and so we found it fitting to make a group trip to Assisi. Only about a two hour train ride from Rome, and is a very inexpensive weekend. The city is quite small, yet is rich in Franciscan heritage. It is the birthplace and home of St. Francis, as well as St. Clair. Francis lived during the early 13th century, and is known for his upbringing in a wealthy family, which he renounced by handing over every last belonging of his, in order to follow Christ in poverty. Many other men and women were attracted to this way of life, and they to adapted it. It united them with the poor and suffering they served. St. Clair was one of these followers.

The weekend was very enjoyable, and has been one of my favorite places thus far. It was time away from the city with the guys, and visiting the sites of Francis and Clair. It was also a beautiful landscape!

This weekend I'll be running in the Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon). The race will begin at 9am Sunday, which is 3am Central Time. If you think of it, say a prayer for me before you go to bed Saturday night. I'd appreciate it. Next post I will share about the race. Blessings!

For When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong

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.

Slow & Steady

Although Italian culture moves at a much slower pace than America, it has taken these first few weeks for me to finally feel as though I have caught up with it. A new language, a new city to find my bearings in, new modes of transportation, a new meal schedule, and a new way of learning. One might collectively call this adjustment culture shock, though I’d say it’s been more of a gradual transition. Finally I feel as though my feet are firmly planted, and hopefully this means my next journal entry won’t be delayed for another two and a half weeks as this one is!
The language I feel I know enough to get by around the city. Living in community with other American students means that I don’t necessarily need to become fluent in Italian, a task that would take far more than a semester to do anyway.
As for the layout of the city, I feel I have a good grasp for where the major landmarks are. Walking nearly everywhere is the Italian way, and has helped me to find my way around in no time.
The meal schedule has been an adjustment as well. A typical diet consists of a pastry and coffee for breakfast around 7am, lunch as the main meal of the day around 1pm, and then dinner around 8pm. If you go to a restaurant for dinner before this time, chances are it will be completely empty.
The final adjustment has been in the classroom. In the states your grade is measured based on several exams and assignments over the course of the semester. Here, you listen to the professor lecture and are assessed based on one 10 minute conversation with the professor at the end of the term. In the end it comes down to self motivation in studies so as not to fall behind over the course of the semester.
For length’s sake, I will end here. In my next entry, I’ll share a few of the things I’ve been able to do in these first weeks. I hope your Lenten Season has had a blessed beginning, and I pray it will continue up until the celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter.

Mission Accomplished

Yesterday evening we returned after a five day pilgrimage that took us on foot from Viterbo back into Rome, a distance of roughly 50 miles. The highlights of this trek were many, but I will just share with you a few.

Although it rained nearly every day, I found the countryside to be amazing. There's something to be said about actually climbing hills, crossing fields, and carrying your belongings on your back. It brings everything so much closer than say, tossing your bags in the trunk of your car, and passing all of these things by in the blink of an eye. The pilgrimage forces you to slow down and take in everything, a great lesson before the semester begins!

In the middle of this pilgrimage, I celebrated my birthday. It was unlike any other birthday I'd celebrated, as I was not in the States this year, but rather hiking through the Italian villages of Sutri, Monterosi, and Campagnano. The guys made the day special, as we went out for dinner that evening and for some gelato, an Italian equivalent to American Ice Cream, afterwards.

Last but not least, on the final full day of the pilgrimage, we were nearing our destination when we came up on a bit of an obstacle. The route led across a river via a bridge, however this bridge was completely deconstructed. This meant we had to ford the river. Off shoes and socks, up with the pant legs rolled above the knees, and in a line to lift all the packs to the other side. Then we each went across to the other side. Fortunately, nobody got swept away in the fast moving current. This was voted one of our favorite parts to the route!

Now, we have returned safe and sound to Rome, and have moved into Bernardi, the name of the residence hall where we will all live over the course of the semester. Orientation begins this week, and classes the following. Until my next entry, blessings and peace!

The Eagle Has Landed

Goodnight New York...Good Morning Rome! We've all arrived safe and accounted for here in the Eternal City.

As we boarded our flight in New York last night, many of us realized this would be our last minutes on American soil for several months. It was a beautiful goodbye, as the plane prepared for takeoff, dusk had set its shadow on the city and the millions of streetlights provided a picturesque glow as we lifted off over the Atlantic Ocean.

After a brief night's rest, many of us awoke to somewhat of an overcast sky, but a landscape far different than that we had recently departed. With the unusual amounts of rain they've had this winter, the countryside seemed to resemble Ireland moreso than Italy. After we passed customs and picked up our luggage, stepping outside resembled one of those spring mornings in Wisconsin or Minnesota, complete with the smell of fresh rain in early April.

From the airport, we headed to the North American College (NAC), where we'll be spending the night before leaving for our pilgrimmage in the morning. This is the residence of about 200 American seminarians who are completing their studies in Rome.

One final note, our group headed over to St. Peter's Square in the Vatican for the 12 O'Clock Angelus prayer today, led by Pope Benedict. The Angelus is a prayer recalling the Annunciation, where Jesus became flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit, thus making salvation possible for us by God. This important event in our Christian faith is remembered at 6, 12, and 6 each day by Catholics around the world who join together in this prayer.

As I mentioned, tomorrow morning we leave for our pilgrimmage, covering about 60 miles in 5 days. The route we will walk begins north in Viterbo, and ends back here in Rome next weekend. Until then, God's blessings to you and thank you for joining me in my journey!