SAINTS PILGRIMAGE TO ROME
St. Anthony College Preparatory send 60 Alums, Students, and Staff to honor Levada and 14 other new Cardinals in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City.
March, 2006 – Rome, Italy: President Gina Rushing (Class of ’67) with student Sergio Gonzales, Principal Lori Barr, and student Leslie Greiti (left to right) wait in St. Peter’s Square for ceremonies to begin honoring appointment of Cardinal William J. Levada, St. Anthony College Preparatory High School Class of ‘54.
In March, the press announced that Archbishop William J. Levada, St. Anthony College Preparatory High School Class of 1954, would soon receive the red hat of a cardinal from Pope Benedict XVI. The Archbishop had already been appointed Prefect of Doctrine of the Faith for the Roman Curia several months ago, which meant that he now held the position Pope Benedict himself held before becoming Pope, and was the highest ranking American Catholic. The “consistory” which would mark Levada’s appointment as a Cardinal was set for March 24th in Rome.
It would be a memorable occasion in the history of St. Anthony College Preparatory High School, as well as the Catholic Church in America.
Imagine how excited we were to learn, in the days following the announcement, that a large group of St. Anthony grads and friends were forming, with the intent of traveling to Rome to be a part of this amazing celebration. And imagine how blessed we felt when we discovered that two of our students, along with President Gina Rushing and Principal Lori Barr, would be joining this pilgrimage, thanks to the generosity of two community donors.
Quickly, a committee was formed to identify candidates for this honor. Student delegates were selected based on character, spiritual development, commitment to Christian service and academic performance at St. Anthony College Preparatory High School. Two outstanding students were named: Leslie Greitl, Class of ’07 Junior; and Sergio Gonzales, Class of ’09 Freshman. Airline tickets were purchased, passports obtained and plans finalized to enable these students to travel to Rome.
Journeying along with 56 other members of the greater “Community of Saints”, your four pilgrims witnessed ceremonies honoring the new Cardinal Levada and 14 other new cardinals from around the world in St. Peter’s Square. Beyond that though, we experienced the universality of the Roman Catholic Church and the immense faith of its people. And we experienced more than any of us dreamed possible, packed into six days that will live in our memories forever.
Now, that familiar saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” has new meaning for us. And, what do the Romans do? They get up every day and live their lives surrounded by a busy, crowded city that is layered with centuries of evidence of man’s creativity, industry, faith and commitment to preserving the past, in the midst of building for the future. The Romans have an amazing energy and generosity of spirit, and everywhere we looked, be beheld a feast. And that wasn’t just great food (and gelato to die for); it was a feast for the eye and the soul.
Those of us who stayed through Monday were in the presence of the Pope four days straight. And it was a very special, holy presence that filled us with wonder and pride. His gentle, caring message rang out in a variety of languages, to include as many listeners as possible, and each country present displayed their nationalism, as well as great reverence for the Catholic faith. Mass in St. Peter’s square was particularly moving – and we were impressed by how efficiently an army of priests managed to distribute communion to thousands, within minutes!
So many images and experiences are stored within me, from this remarkable journey, that it is difficult to choose any one as “the best”. But if forced to choose, I would say that I felt the most amazing rush of pride and gratitude as I watched our two students, Leslie and Sergio, meet and mingle with new friends of all ages and backgrounds with an uncommon grace and openness to the experience. St. Anthony’s spirit was alive and well in Rome that week through these two students, as well as our Principal and the incredible group of alums who show their “Saints Pride” for all to see.
The new Cardinal Levada, our fellow “Saint”, welcomed our little delegation, Ms Barr, Sergio, Leslie and I with these words following the consistory ceremony: “I knew you were coming. I’ve been waiting to meet you!”. GO SAINTS!
