In order to kick off Holy Week at the Vatican, this group of about 30 Christendom College study abroad students went on an all-day pilgrimage to visit the seven major churches in Rome: the four basilicas, St. Lawrence, St. Sebastian and Holy Cross in Jerusalem.
FR. MICHAEL BAGGOT
Theology Professor, Christendom College
“This is a tradition that goes back to the great saint, St. Philip Neri, who is known as 'the Apostle of Rome.' He wanted to bring the young people that he worked with throughout the city to see the major basilicas and other important churches of the city, so they could pray together, sing together, laugh together, and enter more deeply into the mysteries of our faith.”
This is exactly what they did, even filling St. Peter's Square with the songs they had been singing throughout the day, to meditate on and draw ever-nearer to God.
THOMAS WARD
Student, Christendom College
“For me it was to prepare for the Triduum, to kind of walk where the saints walked. To experience what they experienced and to see the relics and to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for the Triduum.”
LAUREN CERMAK
Student, Christendom College
“I have absolutely loved getting to spend the time with the seminarians, getting to walk in conjunction with my fellow classmates here in Rome, and getting to visit the churches that have such a physical connection to these incredible saints; Peter, Paul. To see especially Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and the relics of the Passion there. It's been an incredible experience and I don't know if there's any better place to spend Holy Week.”
To be able to venerate these relics, see the beautiful churches and have the experience of being in Rome for Holy Week is something these study abroad students will never forget, even as they return back to America at the end of their 77 days in the Eternal City.
