An Apostolic Faith | Postcards from Rome 2021

July 7, 2021
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The Rome Experience arrived safely back to the USA this weekend, but we still have some great memories to share!

Five Highlights of the Week (June 21 – 26)

Saint Anna Maria Taigi
During our tour at the different churches in Trastevere, we had the honor to pray before the tomb of Saint Anna Maria Taigi, a mother of seven children. Her holiness of life is a powerful example of how mothers can live their call to motherhood heroically.

Lunch with His Eminence Cardinal Harvey
After a faith filled tour of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, we were invited to have lunch in the backyard of Cardinal Harvey’s residence. This hospitable gesture made all of us very happy because it provides us with the opportunity to learn about the work of His Eminence at this Major Basilica.

Saint Paul’s Last Earthly Night
We were blessed with the opportunity to meditate on Saint Paul’s last words to Timothy (2 Tim 4:7-8) at the jail where the Prince of the Gentiles spent his last night on earth. It was a powerful moment, which allows us to deepen our love for Saint Paul and for the treasure of our Catholic Faith.

Caroline and Juan’s Birthday
This day was filled with three amazing celebrations: a delicious lunch at Santa Croce, an amazing time with appetizers at John and Ashley’s apartment, and an amazing meal at Casa di Santa Brigida with the presence of the Mother General of the Bridgittine Sisters.

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
We ended the week with a visit to the CDF hosted by one of the members of the Apostolic Penitentiary. This is the oldest congregation of the Roman Curia, and it was an honor to learn about its service to the Church.

This was a powerful week, which provides us with the grace to grow closer to the Apostle Paul and, therefore, to deepen our understanding of one of the marks of our Church: her apostolicity. As a future diocesan priest, I want to foster a greater love for the Magisterium, especially by being faithful to their teaching and respectful to their office. Love to the Church means humble communion with the successor of Peter and the Magisterium. Just as Saint Paul finished the race and kept the faith, I also want to finish my earthly journey with filial dedication and devotion to our Holy Mother Church.

Juan Altamirano Herrera
Diocese of Green Bay