By Maria Cintorino (’14)
Reflecting on Rome
Looking Back on a Semester in the Eternal City
A
As all of us Juniors prepare to return home from what most of us agree to be the best semester we have ever had, I would like to share some of the many wonderful memories and blessings from our semester in bella Roma. The papal conclave was certainly a highlight for us all. Being here in the heart of the Church for Pope Benedict’s last days, experiencing the sede vacante, the conclave, and the announcement of Pope Francis’ election was a great blessing and a truly beautiful experience—one we will treasure the rest of our lives. Here in Rome, we intimately experienced the universality of the Church—especially when we anxiously waited to hear the name of our new Pope with thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square. The sights, sounds, and emotions during that time will always be a part of us and they will not be forgotten. We students have been able to get to know Papa Francesco in Rome—gaining great insight into who he is and his method of doing things. We were able to see him for the last time at a Wednesday audience, where he gave a beautiful reflection on Saint Joseph and Mary. Another highlight of this semester was our pilgrimage
18
Instaurare
week—particularly the three days we spent in Assisi. Assisi is definitely one of my favorite places outside of Rome. It was so charming to see the love the Italians have for St. Francis in the Umbrian town and how that love extends throughout the country. (There seems to be something pertaining to St. Francis in almost every church in Italy.) If you ever find yourself in Assisi, I highly recommend going to St. Francis’ hermitage on Monte Subasio just outside the town—the peace and beauty found there are of another world. Over these past three months, we have learned Rome inside and out. If you find yourself there, here are some random insights: In crowds, the concept of non spingere, which means “do not push,” does not exist, although you can hear people shouting that phrase all the time. After visiting multiple churches, it is safe to say that you can find a saint’s body—or bones—in almost every