Discovering Italy at CatholicTech

Last weekend, the CatholicTech community embarked on unforgettable adventures across Italy, exploring some of the country’s most iconic and inspiring destinations. With so much to see and experience, groups set off to various cities, including Rome, Florence, Siena, Naples, and Pompeii. 

One group of students ventured to Rome on Saturday afternoon, where they embraced the wonder of the Eternal City with an overnight stay. They marveled at the Vatican at night, glowing under newly installed lights for the Jubilee Year, on the traditional feast day of St. Peter’s Chair. Newman Fellow James McCann described the profound experience of being at the Holy See during such a great feast. Between moments of spiritual reflection, the group indulged in the vibrant charm of the city, exploring shops, strolling past the shimmering Trevi Foundation in the evening, and gathering together at Scholar’s Lounge for dinner. There, they shared laughter and stories from the past term, and discussed their hopes for this upcoming year. On Sunday, the group attended Mass at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the last remaining Gothic-style church in Rome, before enjoying a coffee nearby and heading home. 

Another group began their weekend in Rome, visiting Santa Maria Maggiore and walking their one of the Jubilee Holy Doors. They then hopped on a train to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, where they spent Sunday admiring the city. After having cappuccinos and cornetto at a local cafe, they went to Mass at the Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Then, they visited the Galleria dell’Accademia, where they stood in awe before Michelangelo’s David, some of Botticellli’s masterpieces, and a fascinating exhibit on the history of musical instruments. Their journey continued on Monday to the medieval city of Siena, a town that seems frozen in time. They venerated the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena and visited her family home there, admired the ornate beauty of the Duomo of Siena, and soaked in the timeless atmosphere of Piazza del Campo, known for its thrilling summer horse races. 

Our founders, Bill and Alexis Haughey, also embarked on an exciting journey last weekend to the vibrant cities of Naples and Pompeii. They first stopped at the US Navy base in Naples, where they stocked up on some American snacks to bring a taste of home to our on-campus convenience store. From there, they made their way to Pompeii, stepping back in time to explore the ancient city. Wandering through the well-preserved roads and ruins, they marveled at frescoes still vivid from their preservation under the volcanic ash, and stood in awe of the ancient forum of the city.

At CatholicTech, students receive not just a world-class education in STEM enriched by theology and philosophy, but they also have the chance to have extraordinary experiences like these weekend trips, which bring the richness of history and faith to life while fostering bonds that transform peers into lifelong friends. With every journey, students make memories that become an integral part of not only their academic experience but also of their spiritual growth, making adventures that they will treasure forever.