This morning was a beautiful way to spend our final hours in Rome before departing for Assisi. Our first stop was the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, where students had the opportunity to pray near several relics of Christ’s Passion. We then visited the Scala Sancta, where students ascended the Holy Stairs. These stairs are the very steps Jesus climbed before receiving His judgment from Pontius Pilate!
Finally, we toured the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome, and the seat of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope!). This Cathedral is the mother and head of the Universal Church. It was here, at the Chair of Peter, that we had the privilege of celebrating Mass today!
Our students are really having an amazing experience. But don’t take it from me! Here is a quote from Saint Mary’s own, Emilia Garcia.
I’ve realized that Bismarck is a very small town compared to Rome, and I have experienced the universality of the Church in a completely new way during this pilgrimage. Today, as I climbed the Holy Stairs, I was struck by the realization that I matter—that Jesus ascended those stairs and ultimately gave His life for me personally.
At the same time, I realized that I have a role to play in the Church today: to share the Gospel and help pass on our faith to future generations.
Emilia and some of her friends are pictured below in the basilica of St. John Lateran.
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