This summer, I was given the opportunity to accompany my school, St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School, on a pilgrimage to Italy, visiting Rome, Assisi and Orvieto. This trip, led by our chaplain, Father Christopher Tipton, was transformative.
From St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to San Damiano in Assisi, the group was given the opportunity to grow in love and virtue at what seemed like every moment. Personally, I felt that the ability to live these truths both in quiet prayer time and with friends seemed to be the defining feature of this trip. Obviously, everything has ups and downs, but with those people that I love by my side, I felt closer to God than ever before, and I believe that their presence created an environment of safety and comfort that allowed me to truly experience God.
One of the greatest advantages of going with the school was the number of Christ-focused minds we had with us. Whether it be our Latin teacher, Peter Lucas, or our Dominican sisters, Sister Ann Dominic and Sister Mary Grace Watson, they all had important pieces to add to every new place we went.
During the trip, the pilgrims were given many uncommon opportunities, such as the Scavi Tour under St. Peter’s, or the gift of seeing a relic of St. Terese.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was our time in Assisi. Although we were there for only two days, we saw the medieval town that was away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities we visited, and during the time there, we were able to focus more on each part. In Assisi, it seemed as though God was praised all over. There are frescoes and mosaics on regular buildings, and architecture that glorifies creation everywhere.
The Lord guided each one of the students and chaperones on this trip and gave them graces that will last a lifetime. Tears were shed, not just because of sadness, but because of the beauty that God shows everyone, from all walks of life.
Throughout the pilgrimage, the group was able to experience the wonders of Italy. Whether it be the tomb of St. Cecilia, or the obelisk St. Peter saw as he died, the group was given a view into the history of the Catholic Church, their history.
There is no way to describe the emotions and connections experienced on this trip, but hopefully they can be seen through the actions of those who were there. The people who were given this opportunity will continue to show their love and life to those around them and teach others what they have learned. Ave Christus Rex.
