The L*** of ROMA

**Disclaimer: It took me quite a while to think this post through...and even a longer while to publish it! 

There are precisely 76 hours (or 3 days) until I step foot in the United States. On our Rome Campus, we’ve decided not to use the “L” word…LAST.

For one, this may not be my L*** time in Rome. I am confident that I will come back here one day. Who knows why, with whom, what for, and for how long? There’s this confidence in me that I am not saying my final “goodbye.”

Well, I could go on and on about all the emotions and feelings I’ve gone through this past week…but I’ll spare you the melodrama of my life. I will say, though, that we were not spared from the usual stress that comes around finals week. As any other professional procrastinator, I left much of my schoolwork for the last days of the semester. The only difference is that I also went through the self-induced pressure of feeling the need to see EVERYTHING in Rome…

It took me about a day or two to stop and think, “Really?” The discovery was glorious: I have seen almost all of the sites on my “to-see” list. The only place I wanted to spend my L*** days in Rome was St. Peter’s Square/St. Peter’s Basilica.

Makes sense, doesn’t it? My heart longs to be home, my Catholic Home…the reason I came here in the first place!

What exemplifies this best is that Mo & I went to St. Peter’s at night – just like the first night we were here, four months ago. I hadn’t been sentimental until this point…she brought me over to the spot where our director reminded us that Jesus Christ is the reason why we’re here. He talked about how this semester was going to push us, but help us to grow. Mo and I reflected on how there really is no other word to describe our experience here than “magical.” As Disney-coated as that sounds, it’s true! The peace that comes while sitting in front of one of the most magnificent man-made buildings as it lights up the Square during the night is unimaginable. I’m thankful for the friends I’ve made here, especially for Mo. Her and I have shared the desire to look for the Lord wherever we go. It’s always a blessing when you can have deep friendships like this. The L*** Sunday in Rome was spent with her, but we were blessed with yet another opportunity to visit St. Peter’s at night…

Wednesday was technically our final day in Rome. We were all a little anxious as to how stressful it may be. We woke up bright and early, leaving for the Holy Father’s General Audience at 5:30am. My prior experience to crowds in St. Peter’s Square was not a positive ones; I was tempted to get out of line and just watch the Audience from a distance. Praise God that I didn’t because He really treated His children that morning! We all agreed that it was the most peaceful crowd we’ve been in so far. We were able to make it to the front row of the general seating area, where our excitement grew waiting for Papa Francesco’s arrival. I had brought my binoculars – my first and L*** time using them – and it was so cool to be able to see Papa through them. His message that morning was on Marriage and the family.

My Mom had sent me 9 “Worry Crosses” that my grandpa – woodworker as a hobby – had made. I am bringing 8 of them home, blessed by the Pope, leaving one in Rome with him. It was easy to put it into a package with a letter, and I was able to hand it to one of Papa’s guard’s as they came by to greet the crowd. ** After I arrived home, I discovered that L'Osservatore Romano, the Official Vatican Newspaper, had snapped a shot of "the exchange." Amazing!

If you look real close, you can see me handing off the package!

Before we left, we made sure to take a group picture, all of us wearing our Università di Maria ROMA shirts. It was so great to be able soak in the moment with my group.

After the Audience, we went back to campus to have lunch and to do our major cleaning. I was inspired by how much effort everyone chipped in to make the place clean for the next group arriving early May. Self-gift shown through community is always beautiful.

Our L*** “hoo-rah” for the group was Community Night on the town. We patiently waited for our tride-and-true 870 Bus, all dressed up for the occasion. Our Campus Ministry team was also patiently waiting for us at the restaurant where we had our reservations. The meal went on as per usual, beginning with a welcome and prayer by Fr. AssistantChaplian. We had appetizing bruschetta, delicious carbonara pasta, finished with some tasty pork and potatoes.

Then came the time for “the toasts.” The funny thing about my Rome group is that we love tradition, at times a bit too much. Before the night had even begun, everyone was talking about these toasts that we would have to give at the end of the meal. I don’t believe in forcing anyone into traditions like these, and tried to suggest that we let it come naturally. So this was all in my mind as our meal was coming to an end: Who’s going to start the toasts? Maybe we’ll have a little prayer by Fr. Chaplain and then he’ll welcome anyone to toast…should I go first?

St. Joan, pray for us!

But it was even better than that. One of the members of our group, who was chosen to be the RA for the semester, stood up with our RD to announce that they had been praying about patron saints for everyone since the beginning of the semester. They had individual saints and saint medals for each person, mine was St. Joan of Arc. Our RD said that she was an obvious choice as she was always fighting for Christ and it reminded him of my goal to be on the frontlines, teaching in the public sector.  Because of this, I have made her the patron saint of my career.

Following our saint assignments, it was time to say goodbye to our Campus Ministry team. The team consisted of seminarians, priests, and deacons who are studying at the Pontifical North American College. All throughout the semester they have been a solid constant of support and love. They have taught us, laughed with us, shared stories with us, and given their individual time to us. I hope to keep in touch with them, as they have touched my heart. Because it was past their curfew, we decided that our whole group would give toasts back on campus. So next, we went out for gelato at our favorite shop, The Fridgidarium (aka, the Fridge). I got my two favorite flavors, Stracciatella and Chaciolato Fondente. YUM.

Our final stop was the place we will always call home, St. Peter’s Basilica. I was amazed, yet again, by the peace I felt. We stood outside the gates and someone had suggested that we give our toasts right then and there. So we did! I’m sure it was a precious sight, a bunch of young adults gathered around in a circle facing the Basilica, listening to one person at a time and trying hard not to cry (some of us failing epically!). After everyone had said what was on their heart, we brought it in for a group hug. The general consensus of the toasts was that there is nobody else we would have chosen to experience this semester with. And I agree. I know and believe that God brought each and every single one of the Rome Spring Group together and we will always have the bond of experiences abroad: the joys, the sorrows, the struggles, the accomplishments, the stresses, the goofiness, the openness, and the love – the constant flow of love!

My faith has been renewed. My personality has deepened. My realization of God’s love for me has been experienced through the beauty abroad. I thank God for making this happen, and I thank my parents for helping me every step of the way. Their support is never failing and I am forever grateful.

Ciao, Roma!

Until next time…

Lord, thank You for the blessings, the graces, and the love that You pour upon us Your children. Open our hearts so that we may always praise Your name!