On 15 February at the end of a Pilgrimage to Rome a group of fifty students and staff from All Saints School in Sheffield managed to brave the crowds and the security in St Peter’s square to join Pope Leo in praying the Angelus. At the end of the prayer, standing directly under his window, they were extremely surprised to hear Pope Leo greet them with the words “Saluti ai professori e student di All Saints School di Sheffield”. Earlier that same day they had celebrated Mass in the Vatican Grottoes and received greetings from fellow Yorkshireman, Cardinal Arthur Roche. Dakota Flint shares some of her experiences of the visit…
Arrivederci per ora Roma! I had the pleasure of spending four days in the beautiful city of Roma. The Vatican is something quite out of the ordinary, the kind of place where your heart forgets to beat for a second, as you’re enthralled by its grace. The luscious architecture and art make you stop and stare, unable to fully focus because each vision is more beautiful than the last. Although small, the Vatican is very impressive, a must see for anyone to visit. No matter who you are, or what you believe, the Vatican is a vision of faith and beauty colliding. There are, however, some things that catch your eye for the wrong reasons. Beggars, scammers and the homeless in the most holy place doesn’t feel right. But if we put half our energy into following Jesus’s teachings of helping the poor, then we do judging people, then maybe there would be less suffering in the world. The walk-up St Peters Dome takes your breath away figuratively and literally. But although the climb is worse than the stair-master at the gym, it’s worth it for a once in a lifetime view of the Vatican. However, what really made my trip was knowing that the Pope knows me, okay I am embellishing it, he knows my school. Still, witnessing the Pope above me, saying my school’s name, is a feeling I won’t forget. During our stay we explored other parts of the city. Seeing the colosseum warmed my history-nerd heart. Sadly, although no Gladiator called Maximus Decimus Meridius gave a speech some tour guides tried to. The trip was enhanced by chocolate ice cream, pasta, and an aubundance of pizza. It had its funny moments too like when I desperately tried wishing for love on Valentine’s day by throwing a coin in the Trevi fountain but only ended up hitting an unassuming bystander instead. At least that makes for a very good story. Overall, I’ve been blessed to visit this wonderful city and would recommend it to anyone. Dakota Flint
