And so I sit here, preparing physically and mentally for the journey that is about to begin. I have packed, double and triple checked my bags and what I have packed, knowing that even though I tried, I still over packed; it always seems to happen that way when I travel.

Today at noon, myself and twelve others from Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe will leave for Pittsburgh airport to head to Rome for ten days. In that time, I will have the opportunity to visit Sant’Anselmo where we will stay, the Vatican, Assisi, Monte Cassino, and numerous other places in Rome.

Traveling is not my forte. I personally never liked traveling far from home. This trip is really daunting to me. Everyone I speak to about this cannot believe me. They are baffled that I would rather not go to Rome and just stay here for the Spring Break. Yet here we go! Off to Rome for ten days!

In some ways I’m excited to travel to Rome. I’ve never really travelled outside of the United States. The furthest I’ve ever travelled has been Hawaii, and that was back in 2004. This will be an experience like no other. I will have the opportunity to visit the hub of the Roman Catholic Church, the Church that I am striving to become a member of her clergy. I will have the opportunity to experience a new culture. I will have the opportunity to visit with friends who I haven’t seen in a long time. In a way, I am excited.

So here we go! The bags are packed, the bus is booked, and we are off to Rome! Join me this week as I travel and experience a new place. I will do my best to post daily of the fun and the sights.

Pray for us as we pray for you!

Pax,

Andy