New Italian Challenges

Ciao!

     It has only been four days since my first post, but a lot has happened since then.  First, the next morning I began my Italian studies.  We have several tutors who come to the college each morning and teach us in groups of about eight from 8:30am to 1:00pm with a thirty minute coffee break at 10:30am.  It was a little intimidating, since my tutor came in speaking about 85% Italian!  It is frustrating at times, but I know that being immersed in the language will pay off in the long run!  That being said, after only four days, I feel like I have made some progress.  I am not ready to go out on the city and strike up conversations, but I am able to make those sarcastic remarks to my tutor during class that you all know is a big part of me!  Today, to make sure that she knew I wasn't being mean to her, I told her, "Io sono sarcastico" - I am sarcastic.  She responded by basically saying that I didn't need to tell her that!  Monday afternoon we were privileged to be given a tour of the Swiss Guard Barracks and Armory.  This was amazing.  One of the actual Swiss Guards gave us the tour, telling us about how they got started and showing us the weapons and uniforms they have used throughout their history.

Our Swiss Guard tour guide in the uniform room.

Part of their extensive armory.  These are 99% retired weapons.

     Tuesday morning had more Italian classes in store (we will have them M-F for the next 3 weeks).  After class this week, we are having 1 hour conferences on different aspects of formation and how they are run hereat the North American College.  Then, Tuesday afternoon was probably the best thing since getting my fan...the Scavi Tour at St. Peter's Basilica.  For those of you who don't know, the Scavi tour requires a ticket which usually takes several months to secure.  The tour is of the excavations underneath St. Peter's Basilica where tradition tells us St. Peter was buried.  This point has been debated over the years, but Christians, and especially Catholics, hold this tradition very dear.  The tour was given by a 2nd year guy here at the NAC and along the way he gave us the entire story...basically, tradition + excavations lead to the discovery of St. Peter's bones directly under the altar at St. Peter's Basilica.  I knew the basics of the story before I went and though I was extremely excited, I didn't feel like I was amazed as I should have been.  When we got the the end of our journey this all changed.  I was standing literally 5 - 10 feet away from the bones of the Prince of the Apostles.  As we were there praying, our tour guide read this passage to us from Sacred Scripture:

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"  They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"  Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."  Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.  And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
                   Matthew 16:13-19

I really can't explain how I felt at that moment.  I have never felt so connected to and in love with the Church! I was literally starring at the rock upon which our Church was built, both spiritually and physically.  I took the opportunity to ask St. Peter for his prayers, that I may persevere in doing what God has called me to do, and also prayed for all of you who have supported me so much thus far.  I suggest that ANYONE who knows they will be going to Rome try to do everything in their power to go on the Scavi Tour!  It is well worth the money, time, and anything else it will take to do it!

This plaque marks the spot where the obelisk near the spot where St. Peter was martyred stood
until it was moved to its current place in St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica 

     The week has finished up on a somewhat quite note...just Italian classes, multo homework and little sleep. Tomorrow morning we leave for what seems to be a slow and relaxing weekend in Assisi.  Please pray for me and my classmates as we continue to grow together as a class, and for all those who will be making their way back to the college in the upcoming weeks.  I hope to post something about Assisi when I make it back either Sunday or Monday.  Until then, let us remain united in prayer.

In Christ,
Patrick