Fall/Winter 1997 A Whirlwind Introduction to NAC, Assisi, and R ome Greets Class of '01
The New Men, 1997, pose for their first group photo in St.Peter's near the saint's tomb.
When the new men awoke on August 27 to the view of the morning sun rising over the Swiss Alps on their marathon flight from New York to Rome, they knew it would not be long before they would glimpse their new home-The Pontifical North American College. In typical North American College style and tradition, the new men received an overwhelming and supportive welcome. To their surprise, they were greeted as they emerged from the jetway by rectors, faculty, and staff. Later, spiked by rousing applause, the group was greeted by more faculty, staff, and the orientation team at the steps of the Immaculate Conception chapel. The 40 new men processed through the chapel doors tired and hungry, but grateful to God for a safe journey and for the opportunity to study in the Eternal City. On August 29, the new men made their first pilgrimage to St. Peter's Basilica, stopping to pray the creed at the Confessio and asking for the Holy Apostles' intercession. Mass was celebrated in the Crypt Chapel, the Christ the King altar, facing the Confessio. On August 31, the new men visited the Baptistry at the Basilica of St. John Lateran and celebrated Mass in one of the chapels there. They then proceeded to Castel Gandolfo to attend a public audience with the Holy Father during his Sunday noon Angelus. The North American College constituency, standing directly under the Holy Father's window, was greeted by His Holiness in English, and the seminarians voiced their approval.