by Father Mark Goldasich
Well, my dogs are barking! I’m not talking about any furry canines; I’m referring to my poor feet.
I just returned from eight days in Rome with four of my friends from the class of 1981 at the North American College. We decided to revisit our old stomping grounds in the Eternal City to celebrate what will be 45 years of priesthood this year. Although we were a close class, we don’t see one another often because we’re spread across the United States.
Joining me were Fathers George Baker from the Archdiocese of New York; Dave Hulshof from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and Bruce Orsborn from the Diocese of San Diego. Prolific Scripture writer, world tour guide and classmate Steve Binz from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, rounded out our merry band. We stayed at our alma mater and were overwhelmed by the welcome and hospitality extended to us.
While things are still fresh in my mind, here are some random impressions from my recent visit:
• Security checkpoints are everywhere as is a police/military presence. Gone are the days when you could just stroll into St. Peter’s Basilica on a whim. I got weary of emptying my pockets into plastic bins when heading to the papal audience, before going to celebrate Mass in one of the crypt chapels in St. Peter’s, prior to entering St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus blessing and even going to visit the grave of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica.
• Even with the end of the Jubilee, Rome remains quite “people-y.” Everyone, it seemed, had a “telephonino” (cellphone) that they insisted on staring into while walking (into you) or chatting into while on speaker.
• Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere including buses, cabs, restaurants and shops. One day, while traveling from the train station to St. Peter’s on the No. 64 bus, three inspectors boarded at a stop — one at each door — to check that everyone had paid. I don’t know how it’s done, but the inspector tapped my credit card into a machine she was carrying and verified I was “OK.” About a half dozen people on that bus were not as fortunate. Apparently, a big fine awaits the freeloaders. The inspectors took the passports or driver’s licenses of the offenders and wouldn’t return them until the fine was settled.
• We were able to attend a papal audience on Jan. 28 at the Paul VI Audience Hall with about 6000 of our closest friends. Not only did I not meet the pope, I wasn’t even close. It’s moving, though, to experience the worldwide reach of the Catholic Church and the enthusiasm of the groups gathered at the audience.
• Since the temperatures were in the upper 50s/lower 60s, I went without a coat several days. The Italians, many bundled in parkas, scarves and gloves, looked at me like I was from outer space and no doubt mumbled, “Pazzo Americano!” (“Crazy American”) under their breaths. Hey, it was 4 degrees when I left Kansas City, so Rome felt tropical.
• I got my fill of my favorite pasta dish — carbonara — crispy Italian breads and gelato. Everything tastes fresher in Italy.
• I continue to be amazed at all that Rome had to offer on this visit: the beauty and size of St. Peter’s; the poignancy of the Pietà; the ancient scavi (graveyard beneath the basilica); the history and spookiness of the Catacombs of St. Priscilla; and the simple, yet moving, tomb of Pope Francis.
And now, back to that walking I mentioned. Yes, I walked and walked . . . and most of it on uneven “sampietrini” (cobblestones). My total steps taken were 83,354 — or over 40 miles. Wow, I think I need to step back for a while!
