Fall Festivities

Campus Life Update

In central Italy, the weather is gradually gliding into late fall’s moody chill, but the shifting seasons didn’t deter our students and faculty from setting off on adventures around Italy! Some enjoyed the outdoors in the temperate weather, a cool switch from the commonly sweltering heat of the summer, while others indulged in the the treasure trove of Lazio’s seasonal festivals. Visitors included the likes of family, friends, seminarians from the NAC (Pontifical North American College), and professors from neighboring institutions. On campus this week, classes have become routine, but no less joyful and lively!

On Saturday, a group from CatholicTech ventured to Assisi for the feast day of the great Saint Francis of Assisi. The students joined other pilgrims at Mass in the Basilica of Saint Francis, surrounded by famous frescoes and praying in front of the tomb of Saint Francis for a profound and enriching spiritual experience.

On Sunday, a cadre of students pilgrimaged to Rome to partake in the ancient and beautiful Tridentine rite of mass at Ss. Trinità dei Pellegrini. This beautiful parish is the only active parish in the city that offers the Tridentine and sacraments, making the experience of the older liturgy uniquely mystical and moving. Students meandered back through Rome, enjoying the amenities and treats of the city, with many of the major museums being open to the public free of charge for the first Sunday of the month!

While the more intrepid flocked to the eternal city for the Lord’s day, other students and faculty enjoyed the traditional wine festival in Marino, closer to home. Crowded but lively, the festival draws nearly 100,000 people every year with 2 and a half days of partying, processions, and wine! Exhibitions include a parade of floats, wine tasting, and the so-called “miracle of fountains” where the town’s fountains are made to spout wine! Late that night, sleeping students were awakened by the traditional fireworks at midnight that signal the end of the festival. Historically, the festival was connected with the Holy League’s victory over the Turks at Lepanto, and this concurrence was no less timely than this year, with the great feast occurring on the Tuesday after the festivities’ termination.

Rome’s proximity and the rich cultural traditions of the surrounding regions continue to enrich CatholicTech’s community, and we look forward to continuing to explore Italy and engage positively with the locals and their culture.