This Tomb Rocks...

Pax Christi vobiscum! Come Holy Spirit!

Wow, okay, things have been a real rush lately, and I haven't done the best job keeping up with it all. I don't really have a lot of pictures for this segment here, and I'll have to catch you up on the end of the Verbania Trip.

So...Verbania ended on Wednesday the 22nd with a train ride back to Rome (everything between Monday of the last post and this Wednesday I will update you on subsequently; for now, I'm going to hit the last few days). Altogether, the trip was about 6 hours long; not too bad. And it was made better by what I call my final exam. After 4 weeks of Italian, I now had the chance to test my ability to say more in Italian than "How are you?" or "More gelato, please" or "Why is the train delayed again?"

I would have to say I passed. I had a discussion with 4 native Italians on the train, and I told them, in Italian, that I was a seminarian from Texas studying in Rome. I also found out that one of them lived in Rome while the other three lived just south of Rome in the equivalent of a suburb of Rome (senza SUV's, however). As we got further along in conversation, however, they asked me to pray for them, and we agreed to pray Hail Mary's or Ave o Maria's for each other. It was really something else. I also got to tell them a little of my vocation story (again, all in Italian...with help from them on many words). They seemed moved by the whole encounter, and so was I. The whole thing made me realize how much good we can do if we simply start a conversation with people and share with them our journey in the Faith. And people are aching to hear it.

After arriving back at the Seminary, I was privileged to serve at Mass. We then prepared for the first day of orientation...with vino....

Thursday, August 23rd: I awoke a bit startled that I was not back in Texas. Never before have I come back from a month long trip somewhere and not awoken at home. That being the case, I realized that this would continue to be an adjustment. I went downstairs as we prepared to welcome the other men just arriving for the first time from the States and Australia. As we waited we all caught up; as not all of us studied Italian in the same place, there were many stories to tell: some studied in Siena, others in Assisi, and the rest of us in Paradis...uh, Verbania, all with their own accounts of gelato, piaza concerts, and hiking expeditions...and learning Italian, yes.

Once they arrived, we all lined up and processed around to the "front" of the seminary, or at least what is properly the front, and would be if the Italians had finished building the main road to the seminary. As we processed around, we found the seminary faculty waiting on the main steps, applauding as we entered. We prayed daytime prayer together as a class in the Assumption Chapel (Chapel: Italian for "small basilica"). It was really an amazing way to start off our time here together, and we finished it with an American style brunch in the courtyard.

The afternoon allowed us the chance to walk around the city and view the Trevi Fountain, the Gregorian University (where I will be studying), the Roman Forum, and the gelateria (heaven in a cup...or cone). While walking, Fr. Tomasek mentioned that "Rome" used to mean "Civilization." It conquered most of the known world at the height of its power, civilizing the lands under it in the process. It is interesting to note God's ability to tell a story: the Church, the civilization par excellence, has superceded Rome, quite literally being built on Rome's ruins; however, what Rome conquered with the sword, the Church has conquered through the love of Christ, extending herself throughout the entire world. Che incredibile!

Oh, and I guess I should mention today's events...since they provide us with the title. You know, I guess it's worth talking about....

This morning, August 24th, in the year of our Lord 2007, I awoke early, and dressed quickly into clerics. That's right: I wore clerics for the first time today, and it was something else. All 52 of us New Men, in clerics, ventured over to St. Peter's Basilica this morning, where Msgr. Checcio, the Rector, celebrated Mass directly in front of St. Peter's Tomb. What a blessing!!! And his homilee was very moving: in 3 short years, we seminarians will be lying on the floor that was directly above us, in St. Peter's, laying down our lives to be ordained Deacons in the Church of our Lord. We will not be there saying, "I'm ready," or, "I'm worthy," but only, "Present." And that is all God needs, for His grace can do the rest.

As we left St. Peter's I spent some time in prayer in front of the tomb of Peter, the first Pope and Rock of the Church, and then I moved about 15 feet to the right to pray in front of the tomb of John Paul II, the most recent Pope. A great historical distance spanned in a few feet. We then walked out in front of St. Peter's, not altogether but in small groups. As we passed the Swiss guard, each group received a salute. That is correct, I was saluted! I guess I'm sort of a ranking officer as it were.... I'm going to wear clerics around here more often! We then posed for a group picture, and returned for colazione (breakfast).

The rest of the day was fairly relaxed after that; just some time for meeting the guys and getting to know the area. Oh, and I did Whoop as I introduced myself and bragged about the greatness that is Texas. Got to know your roots.

I am so thankful for my first days back in Rome and for the start to this journey. And just so you all know, I am continually humbled as I continue to get to know these men. All of them are gifted and have wonderful experiences, and, most importantly, they love God and want to serve Him in His Church. These are prayerful men, and the future of the Priesthood is a future full of hope! Praise the Lord!

Please keep me in prayer, and know that you are in mine! God bless!!!

Holy Rusted Metal, Batman!

Pax Christi vobiscum!!! Come Holy Spirit!

Well, here is another post, and I hope you enjoy it all. It's got a few more pictures than the others. I always did love pictures. Another post is on the way in the near future.

Wednesday, the 8th of August, il Museo di Pallanza. Venturing out into the nearby town of Pallanza, Corey, Matthew, our three teachers, and I all visited the the Museum of Art there. This region is known for its art...though I did not know that. The art especially covers the history of this region, depicting Pallanza and Intra in their earlier, less-developed stages. There were also several sculptures, and we discussed all of the art in Italian. That was no work of art, however.

I also wondered what Matthew had in his hands....
A portrait of the life of San Rocco, a Saint from this region. He was infected during the plague, and an Angel appeared to him, presenting a fountain (see picture); he washed in it, and, after being healed, went and preached to those affected by the pestilence.

It was an enjoyable trip all in all. Matt said he learned more Italian that day, because he spoke a lot of Italian (which really does help). He actually made some good observations about some of the pictures; I just can't remember them...come on, it's a new language.

Thursday, the sun rose and set. I used this day as a day to relax and study somewhat. Miracles do happen. (Despite my use of humor in this situation, this statement is true in real life.)

Friday, the 10th of August, siamo andati (we went) a Isola Bella! And this locale is true to its name: Isola Bella is Italian for "Island Beautiful, And Therefore Expensive to Tourists." One of the three Islands on Lago Maggiore, this Island holds the Majestic Palace of the Borromeo family (from whence comes Saint Carlo Borromeo).

There's a room in the Borromeo Palace where many people go to reflect....

The group that went to Isola Bella: From Left to Right: The back 6: Nick, Matt, Adam, James, Jason, Ray. Front: Brian, Bill, and myself.

Saturday, the 11th, began with morning Mass, a Holy Hour, and a trip with Bill (from Green Bay) to Moka Sirs, a local coffee shop. While at the Coffee shop, it hit me that we have a great need for leisure in our society back in the States. Yes, I have complained about the slower pace of life over here in Italia at times (especially when it results in a delayed train), but I am coming to see more and more the benefits of working to live, versus living to work. And true living flows from having leisure. This means not simply time to rest so that we can work again, but truly resting and reflecting on the abundance of blessings God has given us. ...I think all deep philosophical ponderings revolve around coffee.

Later that day, Mike (from New York, complete with accent), Bill, and I made a trip to Arona to see the Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo - standing 95 meters tall (over 100 feet) and placed on the top of a "hill" (Italian for mountain) this statue overlooks Arona and much of the lake, reminding the people nearby of St. Borromeo's roots in Arona and of their roots in the faith.

After getting off the bus, we began walking in the direction of the Statue, supposed to be in Arona. We asked for directions to what we thought would be an obvious landmark but was nowhere to be seen. A young woman at a cafe told Mike that we were heading the right direction and told us where it was. Everything sounded great.

The sign told us we were on the right track, and we had found the stairs the young woman told us about.

After about 200 yards of stairs, we arrived at the base of a hill. There we began to pray the Rosary as we walked, and we turned what we thought would be a tourist stop into a pilgrimage.

I promise, it's just over the next hill....

Bill reaching to the heights of Sainthood!

At last, we arrived, finished the Rosary, and visited the Church and the Statue. Here are some pictures from our climb, yes climb, inside the Statue. The Italian word for the "stairs" inside the statue, la scala, actually translates more readily to "ladder," or, alternatively, "precipitous climb resulting in great view or unfortunate death." No it wasn't that bad. Just check the pictures.

You really get to see the world through the eyes of Saint Borromeo.

From the Terrace of the Statue. Yes... I think... yes, it is a New Yorker!

Sunday, the 12th, a day of rest. In the evening, however, I enjoyed a trip to O'Connors, an American-styled, Irish restaurant with some decent hamburgers. We New Men all went out with Don Cristoforo, the new Polish Priest (replacing Don Mariusz in a parish just North of us), and enjoyed an evening of fun, burgers, conversation in Italian, and gelato. These Polish Priests are great too. Praise God for their Priesthood!

And today, the 13th, a morning of difficult study with an afternoon to relax the ole noggin. Praise God for the time here, and thanks for checking up on the seminarians over seas. Ciao, and God bless!!!

A Series of Fortunate Events: Part Tre (Forgetting How to Speak English)

Pax Christi Vobiscum!

Here is the third in the three part installment of A Series of Fortunate Events. A more substantive update is coming, but I wanted to make sure we're all caught up. This part covers every major event from August 1st to today. Enjoy!

Thursday, the 2nd of August: Ate, learned Italian, prayed, ate, prayed, and slept...the essentials.

Friday, the 3rd of August, James, Bill, and I went to the Botanical Gardens, Villa Taranto. We thought we'd take a break from learning Italian to go see what this region is known for: it's flowers. Tourists flock from all over to see these flowers in the height of their season. ...Our first clue was that there were no tourists other than ourselves; ergo, there were no flowers. That's not entirely true: there were flowers, and we frolick...erhhm, I mean walked about amongst them. You can see the activity below:

Another Dallas DB picture (best Diocese in Texas...nay, the world...erhmm, other than Rome).


Hands down most beautiful Putt-Putt course I've ever seen....

As you can see, we really got a taste of the gardens.

Saturday, the 4th, Jason, Brian, Bill, and I went to Milano (a.k.a. Milan), which is just a quick one and a half hour train ride away...if you're not on an Italian train. Then it's a quick 2 hour becoming 2.5 hour train ride with the random stops for no reason. Luckily, that's not always the case...at least they're inconsistent. Uno scherzo (a joke). But seriously, Milan was gorgeous and the Cathedral grand. Apparently, it took over 400 years to build the Cathedral, from whence Italians derived their expression for something lasting forever: "like building a Cathedral." Seriously. At least, according to Rick Steves. We also got to see the remains of San Carlo Borromeo, kept in the Cathedral. See the view below:

Statue of St. Bartholomew - One of the original 12 Apostles, he was skinned alive because he would not renounce the faith. This statue shows the skinned Bartholomew with his own skin wrapped around him.

Before we left, we descended beneath the Cathedral to see the ruins of what was once the Baptistry where historians believe St. Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose. All-in-all an amazing trip. What a blessing to be able to pray at these places as well!

Sunday, the 5th, a group of us all went to Stresa by ferry to walk around and enjoy the shops and street performers and such. This was simply a nice way to unwind after a busy weekend, and week of class as well. The Church there was gorgeous (the same one we went to on August 1st with our teachers). And it was a good chance to continue to get to know my seminarian brethren.

Hotel Astoria, one of the many luxurious hotels on the lakefront in Stresa (this one's for you, Patrick).The view from Stresa.

What? I couldn't let that fountain show me up.

And yesterday, the 6th was pretty low-key. I was quite productive, however, with practicing guitar (I'm now able to play Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star, and the ABC Song...yes, they are the same tune), practicing Italian (I'm now able to sing, in Italian, Twinkle...), and with getting a nap and a run in. In all seriousness, I also had a good Holy Hour and have been able to turn more and more of my time here and myself over to God. It's not easy, but I am letting go a little more easily each day. But I don't know why it's so hard...I mean, He loves us perfectly.


Well, that's it for this update, but expect another good look into the lives of us seminarians soon (scary I know). God bless!!!

A Series of Fortunate Events, Part Due (Getting Lost in Adventure)

Pax Christi vobiscum!


Okay, so I've got a lot to catch you all up on. What is it, Tuesday already? I tell you, the days have just flown by after the first week. I've got to stop and continue to thank God for this opportunity, and not just let it disappear.

I'm going to be very methodical about this one, and I'll try to hit the highlights of the first part of the last week and a half. The next section will have the recent activity. So, here goes nothing.

Last Sunday, the 29th of July, Ray, James, Bill, Corey, and I went to Svizzera through Domodossola. It was a wonderful trip through the mountains and woods in a little train. When we arrived in Svizzera (Switzerland), we walked around a bit, and I saw a McDonalds (they are everywhere...do they use Swiss Cheese with their cheeseburgers?). We ended up taking a funicolare up the mountain to La Chiesa della Madonna del Sasso. Che bellisima! See the pics below:



Above and Below: Madonna del Sasso, and the view from Madonna del Sasso (they also have Stations of the Cross on the road up to the Chiesa. You can walk it if you don't take the funicolare.)Me and James, my DB (Diocesan Brother)...oh, and I promise we were happy to be there; I think we were caught off guard.

Monday, the 30th of July, I went on two trips: one up the mountain, and another to Malpensa Airport (Mal, Italian for "bad" and Pensa Italian for "thought"...it's not a popular airport). The first adventure was a journey up the mountain with Jimmy and Nick--to get to the top, one must jump into a the equivalent of a moving garbage can, seen below.


After getting to know Oscar the Grouch quite well, I got out of the funivia and beheld the majestic view at the top. It was quite amazing, for it was a windy day, which kept the air clean of smog, improving visibility. We climbed the rest of the way up the mountain to see the entire view of Lombardia and beyond. It was a spectacular view and an amazing place to do Daytime Prayer (from the Liturgy of the Hours, or, La Preghiera delle Ore). In all seriousness, I can see why Christ went up the mountain to pray--you get a God's-eye-view of the world: everything that seems big down below becomes miniscule from above, and it is easier to focus on God. If you ever get the chance to hike in the mountains, I highly encourage it. And pray while you're up there--no better way to hike.

Oh, and there was a ramp that launched off the side of the mountain...no rail guard, nothing. Just an all-access platform for hang-gliders...or 3 year-olds with no adult supervision; this kind of thing would never fly in the States (pardon the pun).

Later that evening, I went for a ride with Don Mariusz and Jimmy to the Malpensa Airport to pick up a friend of Don Mariusz', another Priest from Pologna (Italian for Poland). It was quite an adventure (meaning we got lost on the way back). But it was at that moment that the sense of adventure really hit me: 3 weeks ago, I would have never imagined that I would be in a car with a seminarian from Alabama, and two Priests from Poland, all of us speaking Italian about how we were lost. When does that ever happen??? I could never have expected it, and yet there it was. What a gift from God to be here right now!

Tuesday, the 31st of July, the big event was an evening out at the Costello Ristorante with our teachers. We ate well, spoke in Italian, and had a good time all around. I even joked around in Italian. Quite a good time.


And the post from Wednesday, August 1st, starts where this one ends. This catches us up to my last post. Check the next post for the major happenings of the last half-a-week or so. Thank you again for stopping in. I really appreciate all of the support, and I pray for all of you who read the blog. Dio ti benedica! Ciao!

P.S. - Here is a picture of my neighbor across from the hotel. Apparently "The Thing" of Marvel Comics fame lives in Verbania.

A Series of Fortunate Events: Part I

Pax Christi vobiscum!


Ciao-dy! This is your Texan Seminarian reporting from Verbania, Italy. I hope and pray that all of y'all are doing well and growing in your faith.


Well, there is a lot to catch up on...so much has happened, which is why I have titled the next string of posts A Series of Fortunate Events. I should have updated a little each night, but things get busy. So here is my alternative: I will post a little bit over the coming days concerning the last weeks adventures in the hopes of catching everyone up. So that I do not get too far behind, however, I will begin with the present.


Today, I awoke after a night of fun, food, conversation in Italian, and vino. After morning prayer, I went downstairs for Italian lessons, which went pretty well. We worked on the Simple Past Tense and the Imperfect, but the way I was speaking, it was all imperfect (wah wah). But in all truth, I had a couple of breakthroughs in Italian today. You’ll see them as they come up.


After lunch and a quick nap, Adam, Nick, and I all went over to our tutor’s home. She and one of our other tutors had invited us over in the afternoon to see her home and practice our Italian. You can see the home below:



As you can tell, it is a modest home with absolutely no view. It is difficult to study in such an environment. To make things easier for us, Giuse (Italian for Josey), whose home we were at made us a torta or cake and served it up with coffee and conversation. You can see our two teachers below (Giuse alla sinistra and Monica all destra…the right):


Here was where I had my first breakthrough. I was listening to a lot of the Italian, and we were all having a good time, and I commented on a funny situation in Italian. I actually made a joke (a feat in itself) in Italian! Giussi said that I must be getting pretty good at the language if I’m joking in it. Praise God!


Another wonderful situation occurred near the end of our torta. Giuse was testing our knowledge of Italian by asking what a washing machine was called. We replied, “Lavatrice,” (pronounced la-va-TREE-chay). She then asked what a dish-washer is called, to which Nick promptly responded, “Mom.” We all got a kick out of that, and Nick got a couple of punches too. Giuse and Monica both called us maschilisti (I.e. chauvinists) and lamented our sick sense of humor. The laughter died down a couple seconds later…. They then proceeded to pick up our dishes and take them to the kitchen to clean them for us.


We then ventured out into the town, Stresa (STRAY-zuh). It is a quaint old town with some beautiful old Churches, which I would like to helicopter back to the States. We saw the tomb of soon to be Blessed Antonio Rosimini (his beatification will be held in August). He was apparently quite the philosopher, comparable to JP II for his focus on the dignity of the human person. What a blessing to be able to pray in that Church!

In front of the Church where Rosmini rests (Dalla Sinistra alla Destra: Monica, Giuse, Adam, and Nick)

We hopped a ferry back to Intra, the town we stay in within the region of Verbania. I relaxed a bit and prayed a Divine Mercy Chaplet. It was such a wonderful way to wind down.

After La Santa Messa at 7:00 p.m., we all went to dinner, where I had another Italian breakthrough. For dessert, we have the option of frutta or gelato. I chose frutta, and the waitress brought out an apple, which in Italian is a mela, the plural being mele. Upon receiving the apple, I, being polite, wanted to “thank her a thousand” by saying grazie mille. Instead, I said, “Grazie mele.” as I received the apple. I got quite a kick out of that…let me emphasize: I got a kick out of that…and no one else. But it does show that I am learning Italian if I can make puns with it!

Well, that’s about it for the day. I had Holy Hour after dinner, and it is really a blessing to have a Tabernacle right here in the Hotel. Praise God! Now I’m just ready to get some sleep. Praise the Lord for a wonderful day. God bless, and please keep me in your prayers. Know that you all are in mine! Dio ti benedica!