Skip to main content

Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News

From Assisi to Rome, a Class Culmination

By John LeComte

"We've arrived in Italy!" exclaimed junior education major Taylor Tovey.

Tovey is one of twelve UD students on this journey from Assisi to Rome. She expects to learn more about her Catholic faith through historic settings and sacred people in these holy cities as well as inspirational, face to face discussions with Franciscan Friars.

I will be blogging this trip with photos. I think the pictures delivered to me from these spectacular ancient locations will be far more compelling than my actual writing. (Be sure to check out each blog's gallery at the bottom of the page.)  Nevertheless, there needs to be some context about the actual pilgrimage.  

First, who are the Chaminade Scholars?  We will refer to them as CS in this blog. They are honors students who have taken the opportunity to deeply explore their faith, reason and vocation in an interdisciplinary community.  The course sequence earns CS honors credits toward a University honors program diploma. Beginning in January, this particular CS course known as "Vocation and Arts" explored how an understanding of, and engagement with art (including literary works, photography, archeology, architecture and other creative expressions) may deepen one's exploration of vocational discernment.  

The CS course culminates with this 12 day pilgrimage from Assisi to Rome. Pope Francis even references the importance of "being a pilgrim" or "on pilgrimage" in our life.

"This idea from the Pope offers profound insights for how we, in higher education, are to mentor young men and women toward a life of holiness and leadership in the Christian and global communities," said Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, the instructor and leader of the pilgrimage. "Going on a pilgrimage is a way of dramatizing what life is all about, a constant moving from the known to the unknown." 

Accompanying Sister Angela Ann on the journey is Elizabeth Montgomery, from Campus Ministry. 

So what did day one include? Views from Casa Papa Giovanni overlooking Assisi, dinner and conversation with the Franciscan Friars and a stroll around the historic city. 

"Thousands of holy people have walked the very same cobblestones we will walk," says Zukowski.   

Twelve students, twelve days, one pilgrimage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Post

The Forum for Young Catechetical Leaders

Why do some UD students wake up early Saturday morning to go to class? For six flyers, you could say it's God calling them to do so.
Read More
Next Post

Flyers and Friars Unite

University of Dayton students know the importance of community on campus, but when in Assisi, the word community is taken to another level, especially when you're living with, and interacting with Friars.
Read More