Savoring beauty and blessings of peace

Dear Friends,

There is an old saying that “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” For the past three months I have been trying to be faithful to that saying. During the wonderful weeks of this sabbatical pro- gram I have had such terrific opportuni- ties. And I have tried to take you with me each step of the way. Whether it - was in celebrating the rich traditions of our faith and Church or just touching the excitement of the eternal city, you have been there.

One of the most powerful moments was in being so close to Pope John Paul as he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his election. As the sun set over the Vatican, 400 bishops and cardinals processed onto the altar set up on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica. Before a crowd of some 200,000 people from all over the world, the Pope appeared to the cheers of “Vive il papa” and “John Paul II, we love you.” As he began Mass a silence fell over the crowd and prayers i of thanksgiving were offered to God for the 25 years of responding to the call of Jesus to “tend my sheep.” The successor of Peter is frail now and as the memo- ries of these past years were recounted it was obvious that we were witnessing a very historic moment. Whether it was his election as the first non-Italian pope in centuries, or the assassination attempt, or his confronting of dictators around the globe, or his constant defense of the poor, the disenfranchised, the unborn, or his fearless preaching of the Gospel, there is no doubt that this man has affected millions. He is the most seen person in the history of the world and when close to him, as I was privileged to be that night, it was awesome. In giving communion to the thousands, so many hands reached out and voices cried, “Communion, Jesus - Padre.” Would that we yearned for the Lord, as so many did that evening! The view from that altar that night in a floodlit square was unforgettable.

Very early on October 19th I made my way back to the square. It was 7 a.m. and already 200,000 people had gathered for the beatification of Mother Theresa of Calcutta. By 10:30 a.m. when the ceremony began the crowd had swelled to some 300,000 spilling beyond the square, down the Via Conciliazione to the Tiber River. As Mass began the silence was evident again until the Pope declared Mother to be a “Blessed” of the Church. A deafening cheer went up and a huge portrait of that small, demure woman was unveiled hanging on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. Hundreds of Eucharistic min- isters assisted by servers carrying white umbrellas moved through the crowd. What a sight and sign of faith! That evening a gigantic fireworks display exploded over St. Peter’s. It was given by the government of Italy and the people of Rome. Again, God was praised as the Pope was carried outside to enjoy it.

It has been such events that have made these weeks so memorable. Whether at solemn concerts, investiture of 30 new car- dinals, trips to the tombs of Peter and Paul, offering Mass at sites made sacred by the blood of martyrs, touching the ruins of ancient Rome which witness the passing glory of this world, or viewing the works of the masters in art and culture, it becomes an overwhelming adventure that can only enrich one’s life. However,it is the people encountered that matter the most. The 36. priests in this sabbatical program have given hundreds of years in service of Jesus and his people. Listening to their journeys and sharing in their stories makes me so aware of how fortunate I have been in touching the lives of the people of St. Mary’s and in other assignments of the past 43 years. You have been with me throughout these weeks at prayer and play. I am so grateful for all who have made this experience possible through their generosity.

As each day ended I prayed the rosary on the rooftop of the North American College where I have resided. Looking directly over the magnificent dome of St. Peter’s on one side and the entire city of Rome on the other, I prayed that the mystery of Jesus and the love of God would be pow- erful in all our lives. Then I toasted each and everyone with the delightful wines of this country. After all, isn’t that what it means “when in Rome do as the Romans do?” God bless and ciao.

Rome

November 2003