Run with Perseverance | Gelato Cup 2023

The 2023 Circle the Vatican Race saw another exciting line-up with Luke Danis of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati outpacing his seminarian competitors and winning the title of 2023 champion.

Congratulations, Luke!

Danis missed breaking the race record by a hair’s breadth, and we look forward to a post-ordination reunion race between Luke and 2022 winner, race record holder, and recently ordained Deacon Augustine Reimers of the Diocese of Lincoln.

The Circle the Vatican Race was founded when Fr. Eric Nielsen, Program Director of The Rome Experience, challenged the seminarians to run the full-length of the arms of St. Peter’s Square. The seminarians gladly accepted the challenge and launched what has become an annual tradition.

The Directory for the Ministry and Life of Priests states that “it is necessary for the young cleric to grow in a spiritual environment of true fraternity and thoughtfulness, which becomes manifest in personal attention as well for physical health”; this race has become a fun way for the seminarians to stay physically active as well as to bond with their classmates.

Best of all — the winner of the race wins a gelato of his choice served in a special trophy. His name will be engraved on a plaque among the winners of past races.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2