Day 30
Dear Friends,
Well, today was our last full day “on site” as it were. I think technically we’ll still be on pilgrimage tomorrow, (Friday, June 4) but it will consist of plane rides and layovers in airports. An integral part of pilgrimage, perhaps, but none too exciting … at least when reading it on a blog. In any case, as it was our last day in Rome, the day was completely open; guys could go out and do whatever they felt drawn to and or had yet to visit.
For me, the morning started by climbing the cupola, the climb to the top of the dome on St. Peter’s Basilica. Far and away the best view of the city. Plus, it’s always neat to be able to see into the gardens and other things that are not available to the public. You really feel as though you’re on top of the world from up there; everything is dwarfed by that dome. It was wonderful.
I spent the afternoon poking around the city, waiting for the main event: Mass with the Holy Father followed by a Eucharistic procession in honor of Corpus Christi. We were informed that it would be taking place in the piazza outside St. John Lateran at 5 p.m., so most of us got there around 4 p.m. in order to get a decent view. Unfortunately, we learned that the Mass wasn’t scheduled until 7 p.m. Then, on top of that, it started raining.
A few of us, therefore, sought refuge in the nearby church of Santa Croce, which houses a relic of the True Cross as well as the tomb of Antonietta Mea, or :Nennolina,” the youngest mystic recognized by the Church as a Servant of God. It was a great spot to pray, especially since Nennolina has a rather interesting tie to the Diocese of Lansing. A girl in the diocese was healed by interceding to Nennolina, one of the miracles that opened her cause for canonization. I’m not sure what the Vatican officially decided, but it’s a great story and it puts in her a little touch of home for me.
As we noticed the rain picking up, we decided to stay in Santa Croce for Mass and maybe meet the procession somewhere down the line. This turned out to be a good idea, as when we left the church, we saw a mob trying to get into St. John’s. Apparently they moved the Mass inside and cancelled the procession due to the excessive amount of rain. It looked like an absolute madhouse trying to get in for Mass with the Holy Father; we were happy to avoid that crowd. After a nice long dinner, it’s now time to pack up everything, as Msgr. Monforton will be saying Mass for us at 6 a.m. so that we can get to the airport on time.
With these last words now, I want to express gratitude to all those to whom gratitude is due. First, to Fr. Byrnes, Fr. Trapp, and Msgr. Monforton for being our “fearless leaders.” I really appreciated your knowledge and insight regarding the holy sites and situations that we encountered along the way … plus you had to put up with 14 1st theologians for a month — that’s some time off purgatory I’d bet. I would also like to thank all of you back home for all your support. Without you, this pilgrimage would literally be impossible; thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and encouragements. It always means a lot to have those strong ties to home. Thanks to Marylynn Hewitt for posting these entries that we’ve been sending out. With the various technical difficulties, especially in this last leg, it was much appreciated to need as little computer prowess as possible. Lastly, I’d like to thank my brothers and fellow pilgrims. You’re a great group of men and I’m honored to have spent such a sacred time with you. The future of the Church looks bright indeed.
God Bless,
– Paul Erickson
(Editor’s note: Paul Erickson is from the Diocese of Lansing. His hometown is Saline.)
Thanks for taking us along on your fantastic journey.