Celebrations and Adventures 

Campus Life Update

As students round out the third week of classes, they are still finding moments for joy, peace, and community. While campus begins to bloom, both with the beauty of new life and the struggle of our seasonal allergies, there has been no shortage of things to enjoy. 

This past weekend one of our students celebrated his birthday, and to mark the occasion all students went on a day trip to Rome. After sharing brunch together on campus, they hopped on the train and made their way to Santa Anna, a charming church within the walls of the Vatican that celebrates a Sunday Mass in English. After being spiritually fed, they explored some of the treasures of St. Peter’s Square. For example, there are certain marks along the cobblestones where, if you stand just right, the pillars of the colonnade present an optical illusion.

After a bit of exploring, they made their way to Jollibee, a fast-food chain from the Philippines, and enjoyed some fried chicken. This was washed down with some delicious gelato and from the famous gelateria Old Bridge. Some students lingered around Rome for the day and concluded with a pizza dinner along the beach of Lake Albano back in Castel Gandolfo. It was a refreshing experience to enjoy the beautiful weather, amazing food, and great company. 

This weekend students have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Clementine Chapel of the Vatican, which is directly above the tomb of St. Peter. Be sure to check out next week’s newsletter to hear what adventures await them in Rome!