By Zoe Dutchik
Regina students left early on the morning of Saturday, March 13 for Rome. After being separated onto two charter buses, the students arrived at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago around noon. After countless hours of card games, movies, in-flight meals and sleep, the students landed in Dusseldorf, Germany. From there, the students took a two-hour flight to their final destination: Rome!
Once on the ground, there was not a moment to spare. The students’ schedule was packed with tours of various churches, monuments, basilicas and cities. An average day included waking up early; grabbing a quick bite to eat; driving to a monument, church, basilica, etc.; eating lunch; having free time to shop and see the sights; another visit to a church, monument, basilica, etc; and then lights out!
The day of the papal audience was memorable. The students woke up extra early to ensure good seats. The efforts were rewarded. The students sat in the third row at the papal appearance. At the papal audience, a Bible passage was read and the pope reflected on the passage for the many visitors. The pope’s talk was given in seven different languages.
Some other high points of the trip: seeing the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi, the Coliseum and the gelato!
