University of Mary High School Rome Pilgrimage

We're excited to have you along for our Rome pilgrimage

Posts by John Dinkel:

June 26, 2025: The Hermitage of St. Francis

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John Dinkel Jun 26, 2025 12:14:42 PM
June 26, 2025: The Hermitage of St. Francis

Today was a great highlight of the trip. We began with mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, and then had a tour of the basilica, with time to pray at his tomb. After that, we proceeded to make the hike up the very mountain that St. Francis himself would have hiked to get to his hermitage on the mountain. The Holy Spirit is present in this city, and He works through the lives and witness of Sts. Francis and Clare to move hearts. Let me tell you parents, that hearts are being moved on this trip. Many amazing conversations have been had with the students since coming to Assisi. Praise God for being so generous to us on this trip!

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June 25, 2025: Assisi

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John Dinkel Jun 25, 2025 1:11:09 PM
June 25, 2025: Assisi

All of a sudden, we are starting the last leg of our pilgrimage. After the Papal Audience, we left for Assisi. Pictured is the beautiful Santa Maria Degli Angeli. We began our tour of Assisi with a masterful presentation by Fr. Magnuson on the life of St. Francis and the freedom that he received through his marriage to Lady Poverty. We finished our day with mass and then proceeded to our hotel, where we will be calling our home base for the next 3 days. The students are excited to encounter the peace of this city!

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June 25, 2025: The Papal Audience

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John Dinkel Jun 25, 2025 8:03:42 AM
June 25, 2025: The Papal Audience

Today, the students worked hard to get to see our American Pope. We woke up early and left campus at 5:30 am to make sure we got front row seats to see Papa Leo. Today, the pictures speak for themselves! As a bonus, we also got to see Jonathan Roumie, and some of the cast from the Chosen, and show our excitement for their series. Check out this video, featuring Trinity Student, Asher Ellerkamp, you're going to want to watch until the end!

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June 24, 2025: Tre Fontane, Subiaco, and Centro tour

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John Dinkel Jun 24, 2025 8:26:35 AM
June 24, 2025: Tre Fontane, Subiaco, and Centro tour

Today, we took a beautiful break from the business of Rome in the morning to explore some very peaceful locations. The first was the Abbey of Tre Fontane. This is the location where St. Paul was beheaded, and gave his life for the faith. This abbey is run by Benedictines, and St. Benedict was the subject of the highlight of the day. We journeyed East of Rome to find the beautiful city of Subiaco, which houses the cave that St. Benedict himself fled to escape the debauchery of Rome, and where he eventually wrote his rule. We North Dakotans owe a special debt of gratitude to the Benedictine order because it is the Benedictine Sisters who first brought the faith, healthcare, and education to Dakota Territory.

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June 23, 2025: The Vatican

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John Dinkel Jun 23, 2025 7:46:54 AM
June 23, 2025: The Vatican

This day is sure to be remembered by our students. We woke up bright and early and spent the entire day at the Vatican. We first went through the Holy Doors, which means that each and every student has gone through the Holy Doors of each major basilica! What a tremendous opportunity for grace and hope. We also took our entire pilgrimage through the Scavi tour, where we were able to see the bones of the very man on which Christ founded the church: St. Peter! 

Landon Mitchell of Shanley High School had the following to say about his pilgrimage experience so far: “The most impactful part of the trip has been seeing and hearing the numerous stories of the people who have given their lives for Jesus. The lives of the martyrs and saints who have died to hand on the faith have inspired me to live out my Catholic faith more courageously and to strive to live a holy life.”

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June 22, 2025: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and the Circus Maximus

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John Dinkel Jun 22, 2025 7:41:18 AM
June 22, 2025: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and the Circus Maximus

This morning, we were able to see some of the best historical sights of Rome. These sights included the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and the Circus Maximus. Students were particularly struck by the sheer size of the Colosseum, and how on earth they could’ve filled it with water for the mock naval battles. It is truly incredible to be able to walk through such a magnificent feat of ancient engineering. We also were able to go pray in the very prison that held Sts. Peter and Paul when they were spreading the Gospel. Dr. Nicholas Emmel provided an excellent reflection on what imprisons us in our modern lives, and how Jesus can set us free. Thanks be to God for our amazing chaperones! 

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June 20, 2025: Starting with the Relics of our Savior

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John Dinkel Jun 20, 2025 8:31:42 AM
June 20, 2025: Starting with the Relics of our Savior

Today we began our journey through Rome with Jesus Christ himself. We started by seeing the church of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, or the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. In this church alone, we were able to see a nail from the crucifixion, two thorns that pierced Jesus’s head, the inscription that hung above Him on the cross, the finger of the Apostle Thomas that he placed in Christ’s side, wood from the Good Thief’s cross, as well as some of the wood from the cross from which Jesus hung. Students were able to pray in the presence of these relics while our choir sang several beautiful hymns. This morning, we were also able to journey through the catacombs of San Callisto, where our students saw a fraction of the miles of tombs where Christian’s, including several early popes, were buried while under persecution from the Roman Empire. Here are some pictures from the day, including my catacombs group: Shanley High School!

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June 19, 2025: We Made It!

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John Dinkel Jun 19, 2025 10:54:43 AM
June 19, 2025: We Made It!

Day one of the pilgrimage has not disappointed! All the groups have had relatively smooth travel days. However, the final group ended up leaving Bismarck 30 minutes late. This means that we saw our 55-minute layover quickly dwindle to a 25-minute layover. However, there is strength in numbers, and with some coordination with other groups, we were able to get the flight attendants to hold the plane and allow us to all board. Not only have all our students arrived safe and sound in Rome, somehow, by the grace of God, every one of our 158 bags made it to Rome. Grazie Dio! Now we finish our day with Mass, and a big communal meal before we venture into the city tomorrow.

Thank you for your prayers! 

June 29: Final Day in Rome

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John Dinkel Jul 1, 2023 6:55:46 PM
June 29: Final Day in Rome

Our last day in Rome was a memorable one. We had Mass with the Holy Father to celebrate the feast of Peter and Paul. This is a great privilege as this is one of the biggest feast days in all of Rome. Our students were all able to get great seats, and they even wheeled Papa Francesco down the aisle after mass! We are grateful to have been able to participate in mass with the successor of Peter.

We finished the day with a fantastic banquet meal. The chaplains and staff all had the chance to share a few words with the students. It was beautiful to see how deeply the chaplains care for their students, and how much the students love them in return. We are blessed to have so many young priests to witness to and journey with these students on their early pilgrimage. Now we return to the States. Thank you for allowing your children to participate in this pilgrimage. It was an honor to be able to lead them through Rome. Andiamo!

June 28, 2023: Orvieto

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John Dinkel Jun 28, 2023 10:50:05 AM
June 28, 2023: Orvieto

Hello friends and family! It’s hard to believe that we have just 2 days left on pilgrimage before we come back to the States. Today we spent one more day outside of Rome journeying from Assisi to Orvieto. There we were able to see the Cathedral of Orvieto, which is home to a breathtaking façade, the San Brizio chapel that Michelangelo studied before painting the Sistine Chapel, and, most importantly, another Eucharistic miracle. This miracle took place over 700 years ago, when a priest was traveling to Rome who was doubting the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. During the mass, the host actually started bleeding onto the corporal. That very corporal is still there today, and our pilgrims were able to pray in the presence of that corporal as well as the Blessed Sacrament. We have a lot to be grateful for!

June 27, 2023: St. Francis and St. Catherine

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John Dinkel Jun 27, 2023 1:10:13 PM
June 27, 2023: St. Francis and St. Catherine

Caio from Sienna! We began the day with mass at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, a privilege that few pilgrims are able to participate in. Students were able to pray at his tomb and after we journeyed to Siena where we spent time learning about and praying with the great St. Catherine of Siena. We finished the day with a holy hour in front of the Eucharist Miracle of Siena. It was truly beautiful to see our students adoring Jesus in the Eucharist that has been there for nearly 300 years. Pray that this hour of adoration increases our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. 

June 26, 2023: Assisi

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John Dinkel Jun 26, 2023 4:20:50 PM
June 26, 2023: Assisi
Today was a special day indeed. We endured a long hike up to St. Francis of Assisi’s hermitage, where we were able to pray in the same place he spent most of his time. Although it was very difficult, many of the students said that this was their favorite day. We were also able to see and pray in front of the relics of St. Clare and Blessed Carlos Acutis today as well. 
 
Assisi has been a great change of pace for us all and it has increased freedom in many of the pilgrims’ hearts. I find that a common topic of conversation is about how the Lord is working in their hearts. It’s hopeful to hear that receiving their phones back isn’t the first thing they’re excited about upon returning home!

June 25, 2023: Monte Casino

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John Dinkel Jun 25, 2023 4:37:51 PM
June 25, 2023: Monte Casino

Hello everyone! Today we left the hustle and bustle of Rome for the peaceful country side of Assisi. On our way, we stopped at one of the great Benedictine sites: Monte Casino. The abbey at Monte Casino is a very impressive structure that can house over 300 monks. We were welcomed with a hospitable Benedictine welcome, and were able to celebrate a Gregorian chant mass with the monks there. This, of course, is a very important site as we owe many of the Catholic institutions of North Dakota to our Benedictine heritage. Now we’re off to Assisi and will spend several days in the steps of some of the greatest saints, Francis and Clare!

June 24, 2023: St. John Lateran, Holy Stairs, and Church of the Holy Cross

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John Dinkel Jun 24, 2023 4:50:59 PM
June 24, 2023: St. John Lateran, Holy Stairs, and Church of the Holy Cross
Family and friends, 
 
It’s been a beautiful journey to experience Rome with these pilgrims. Today we were fortunate to see the church of St. John Lateran, the Holy Stairs, and relics from Jesus’ crucifixion in the Church of the Holy Cross. It was a moving experience to witness these relics and to see the students be so impacted by them. Many students were moved to tears through the realization that Jesus died for their sins. This will be a day to process and pray through for years to come.
 
Tomorrow we are off to Assisi! The students are excited for a new city and a change of pace. While spending some time in conversation with students, I often hear, “I actually don’t miss my phone”. This topic of discussion has been common throughout the trip, and it’s amazing to see them grow in freedom without their phones. This is incredible to hear and I hope it brings you all encouragement to hear this grace.
 

JUNE 23, 2023: Tombs of the Saints

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John Dinkel Jun 24, 2023 11:35:46 AM
JUNE 23, 2023: Tombs of the Saints
Ciao!
Today was a very full day. This morning, we saw many of the main attractions of Rome: the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the churches of St. Ignatius, St. Agnes, Dodici Apostoli, and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. We were able to pray by the tombs of several saints, including the apostles St. Philip and St. James, as well as St. Agnes. It was a wonderful day on pilgrimage, and all pilgrims continue to do well! Click “Read More” to see more photos from the day.
 

June 22, 2023: Student Testimony

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John Dinkel Jun 22, 2023 12:49:19 PM
June 22, 2023: Student Testimony

For the second post today, I thought it would be good to hear from a student. The following was shared by student Abby Bohl:

“I had everything planned out, I expected to see the bones of St. Peter and start crying. I soon found out that I needed to allow Jesus to give those experiences, and while in St. Peter’s, after seeing the bones, I was feeling bad that I didn’t have that experience. While sitting in prayer, I heard the Lord say, ‘be still my child’ and I knew I needed to let him provide for me on this pilgrimage.”

Thank you for your continued prayers!

June 22, 2023: The Scavi Tour

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John Dinkel Jun 22, 2023 7:47:36 AM
June 22, 2023: The Scavi Tour

Salve amici!

Today we are truly blessed. Today was the reason we came to Rome. Today we got to see the bones of St. Peter! We were able to take all 120 students down beneath St. Peter’s in the Necropolis, or the city of the dead. This is the place where pilgrims have been coming to venerate the first Pope for nearly 2,000 years. Our students were incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and the Lord continues to move hearts.

June 21, 2023: Buora Sera!

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John Dinkel Jun 21, 2023 7:46:27 PM
June 21, 2023: Buora Sera!
Buora sera!
 
Today we had a wonderful day touring churches, walking on cobble stone streets and we finished off the day with real Italian pizza! Although the Papal Audience was canceled, we were able to adapt and offer many beautiful sites to see and opportunities to bond with students from other schools. We were able to see the churches of St. Clement, St. Cecilia, Santa Maria in Trastevere, and St Paul’s Outside the Walls. 
 
The students’ are starting to be moved by what the Lord is doing on pilgrimage. They are starting to create more vulnerability in their hearts to be open to Jesus. Praise God! Keep the students in your prayers, specifically for openness to graces from witnessing the Beauty of the Church and the call to generosity and holiness.
 
In the picture is Cardinal Harvey, with our students. He was generous enough to give our tour of St. Paul Outside the Walls. It was a great privilege to be given a tour of a major basilica with an apostle of Christ!

June 20: Forum, Colosseum, and Mary Major

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John Dinkel Jun 20, 2023 1:18:12 PM
June 20: Forum, Colosseum, and Mary Major

Hello friends and family. Today began at the Mamertine Prison where Peter and Paul spent time together awaiting their death and baptizing other prisoners. Next, we toured through the Roman Forum and experienced the grandeur of Ancient Rome, saw the Senate building, and toured the infamous Colosseum. 

June 19, 2023: Buongiorno from Roma!

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John Dinkel Jun 19, 2023 5:49:18 PM
June 19, 2023: Buongiorno from Roma!

Buongiorno from Roma! We are happy to say that all students have arrived safely in Rome! Here is a picture of our last arrivals from Bishop Ryan and Sacred Heart. We had a brief scare for 5 Shanley students who lost their bags for a few hours. But, because of the hard work of Fr. Slattery, they were only missing for a few hours and we now have all the luggage. Praise the Lord! 

The early crew got out into the city to beat jet lag, and got to see some churches that are off the beaten path. We then finished our night with a wonderful dinner near campus which consisted of pasta alla gricia, pork, and plenty of water. The students are all in good spirits, and ready for bed. Click Read More to see the photo of the early arrival students. Thank you for your prayers!

June 18, 2023: On Our Way!

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John Dinkel Jun 19, 2023 8:06:44 AM
June 18, 2023: On Our Way!

Greetings good friends. We have had a super successful first day! After a 7 hour layover in Minneapolis, everything went smoothly and our students, although tired, are doing well. All students are accounted for, and have all their limbs. Pray for the last leg of our trip and that all our luggage arrives in one piece.