Over the October half term a group of pupils went to Rome for a five-day visit filled with spiritual, cultural, and historical experiences.
On their first day, they prayed the Angelus with Pope Francis, admired Caravaggio paintings, and explored iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain, all while enjoying traditional Italian delights—pizza, pasta, coffee, and gelato. They were warmly welcomed to the Venerable English College, the oldest English institution outside England, where Fr Stephen Wang reminded them of Rome’s deep ties to English Catholicism and encouraged them to view this trip as a pilgrimage, meeting God and returning with renewed mission.
On their second day, they visited the Vatican Museums, perfecting the art of queuing with a 2.5-hour wait, rewarded by treasures spanning two millennia, including Raphael’s The School of Athens. The highlight was the Sistine Chapel, where they marveled at Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Creation of Adam. After a leisurely pizza lunch, they enjoyed shopping and a reflective visit to St Paul’s Outside the Walls.
Their final full day focused on Ancient Rome, beginning with Mass in the Catacombs of St Sebastian on the Memorial of St John Paul II, followed by a tour of the ancient Christian burial sites. At the Colosseum, they stood in the arena of early Christian martyrdom and Imperial Roman entertainment before enjoying lunch at an authentic Roman trattoria. The afternoon allowed for personal exploration of the Foro Romano, San Clemente, and San Stefano Rotondo. They ended the day back at Palazzola, soaking in yet another breathtaking sunset. This enriching trip has been a memorable journey of faith, history, and discovery.
