Landing at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, I knew that my study abroad experience would be transformative and unforgettable. Walking on the cobblestone streets with the sites of the trattorias, gelaterias, and shops initiated by welcome into the eternal city.
I started my journey visiting the papal basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls. The unbelievable architecture, design, and space of this basilica truly captured the heart of the Catholic imagination in the city. Additionally, seeing the burial spot of St. Paul in the church and pilgrims paying their respects reflected the scared and holy place that I found myself in. On the trip, I also toured the arch-basilica of St. John Lateran, which is the home cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, who is also the Pope. The impressive art, facade, and design of the cathedral was a testament to the oldest church in not just in Rome, but in all of Europe.
The next papal basilica was St. Mary Major. This church was special because it is the final resting place of Pope Francis. Being able to pass by his tomb and pay my respects was an honor and a privilege. And of course, who can forget the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Walking into the largest church in the world could be described as heaven on earth, with the gold ceilings and the approximately 448 feet dome creating a sense of reverence and wonder. It was also amazing to see the statue of St. John Baptist de La Salle in the basilica, demonstrating the excellence and relevance of the Lasallian Catholic tradition.
While in Rome, I also had the pleasure of visiting notable sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forums. The Forum also offered beautiful views of Rome from the balcony outlook, and it was impressive to explore the many ruins of ancient temples, buildings, and monuments. Furthermore, climbing the Spanish Steps and visiting the Trevi Fountain enhanced my experience as a Roman, taking in the beauty of the magnificent landmarks of the city. But what was perhaps one of the favorite sites of the trips was the Catacombs, which was the mass burial sites of popes, bishops, and Christians during the early days of Rome. The underground cemetery was massive, with over 13 miles and multiple levels of former burial graves!
Additionally, the food in Rome was out of this world! Pasta dishes such as Spaghetti Vongolle, Amatriciana, and Fettuccine Bolognese were crafted with the freshest ingredients and were truly representative of authentic Italian culinary cuisine. Furthermore, regular afternoon gelato trips satisfied my sweet tooth, and I found the Caffe and Dark Chocolate flavors to be my favorite!
As I depart Rome back home to New York City, I want to once again thank Mr. and Mrs. Mark for their kindness and generosity. The bestowment of the John H. Mark Memorial Scholarship was able to make this journey possible, and I am deeply grateful to report back on my experiences in Rome. It is my sincere hope that this scholarship, as well as my experiences, will continue to inspire current and future Jaspers to pursue a study abroad program!
Andrew Berg
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