Genesis 12:1 says, “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land I will show you.”
In the months leading up to the administrator pilgrimage to Rome, I felt excitement and gratitude but did not know exactly what to expect. I had never been to Europe before, let alone Vatican City with the opportunity to see the Pope. I knew I was in for a treat, but truly did not know the extent of the gifts God had in store for me.
We had a whirlwind week, starting with walking through the Holy Doors and Mass celebrated by Bishop Earl Fernandes in a small chapel at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls; checking into our quaint but beautiful hotel; enjoying a welcome dinner and, a highlight for me, a private tour of the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel. Imagining all of the Cardinals convening in that historic place to pray together, discern and vote for our Pope is a gift I will never forget.
The following days included a surprise visit to the Santa Marta house, Mass in front of the tomb of St. Peter in the Vatican Grottoes, walking through the Holy Doors at the Basilica of St. Peter, and a Papal audience in St. Peter’s Square where Pope Leo XVI met with educators for the Jubilee of Education. We also celebrated Mass at a beautiful, old basilica called San Clemente that is currently being restored to its original, charming beauty. We ended that day with a fun, pasta-making class. Who knew Bishop Fernandes was exceptional at making gnocchi?
We were fortunate enough to spend All Saints Day in St. Peter’s Square, taking part in Mass, where Pope Leo named St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church. We then visited the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which had the third of the four Holy Doors we would be walking through during this pilgrimage. Bishop Fernandes led some of us a little way down the road to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, where we were able to see relics of the Holy Cross, thorns from the crown Jesus wore during his crucifixion, as well as St. Thomas’ finger. A small group of us ended our night on a rooftop terrace overlooking St. Peter’s, which was a view too exceptional to even describe.
My entire trip was spent experiencing these incredible, once-in-a-lifetime moments, but it was not until our last day when I could see how God was pouring out his love, goodness and beauty. After some time in Vatican City, we drove to a special church, the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This was the church that Pope Francis used to celebrate Mass and now rests. After some time exploring this beautiful basilica, Bishop Fernandes celebrated Mass for us in the Sforza Chapel, which was designed by Michaelangelo and directly next to the tomb of Pope Francis. Bishop’s homily spoke volumes to me and filled me with overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity to be on this pilgrimage. I felt God very near and knew in that moment He desired for me to be in Rome, enjoying the history and beauty before me.
I feel like a bottle about to bubble over with joy in sharing my experiences. I have started to share with the students in my building. One highlight I was so excited to share was getting to see original Raphael paintings, like the School of Athens and the Disputation of the Holy Sacrament in the Vatican museums. We have large prints of these in our upper hallway for hundreds of students and staff to walk by each day. I can only hope and pray they will someday have the joyful opportunity to see them in person as well. This was truly a trip of a lifetime and one that I could not be more grateful to have shared with not just my colleagues but fellow pilgrims.
Carli Saliba is the vice principal at Newark St. Francis de Sales School.