First Week in Rome

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Praised be Jesus Christ!

Kevin and I have been in Rome about a week now.  We have been warmly welcomed to the Pontifical North American College by a group of second-year seminarians who have been leading us along daily excursions around Rome and surrounding areas.  Already in a week, we have received countless blessings in being immersed in the Eternal City.  Around each corner there is evidence of great saints and martyrs who have spent their lives in witness to Jesus Christ and His Church.

As we begin our journey in Rome and our final formation for the priesthood, we are accompanied by over 70 seminarians from dioceses in the US, Australia, and Canada.  It is a tremendous blessing to have so many wonderful brothers in Christ who share our vocation and desire to grow in love of Christ and His Church.

Once again, Kevin and I thank you for your prayers!  Thanks to your prayers, our transition has been filled with great joy.  In turn, know that we pray for you all daily.

All to the greater glory of God!

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The pictures are of some of the highlights of our time so far in Rome.

First, is a view of the seminary's roof.  There is a view of St. Peter's Basilica in the background. In the lower center of the picture can be seen the courtyard of the seminary where there is a fountain that is surrounded by 50 orange trees which represent the number of states in the US.

Second is the seminary's "campo sportivo," which includes a soccer field, softball field, basketball court, and racket ball courts.

Third, St. John Lateran which is the Cathedral of the Rome and thus the mother and head church of Rome and the world.

Fourth, you see where the remains of St. Catherine of Sienna are in the church Santa Maria sopra Minerva.  Kevin and I visited as we were strolling through Rome.  This church is located very close to where we will be going to school.  What a blessing to be able to pray before the remains of such a awesome saint as St. Catherine!