St John Rigby’s Religious Studies students enjoyed an inspiring and uplifting trip to Rome at the beginning of February.
The four-day pilgrimage included both historic and religious visits including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
Students particularly enjoyed their time at Tre Fontane, a historic Cistercian monastery, built on the site of St. Paul’s martyrdom. When the saint was beheaded, three springs or fountains are said to have sprung up in the three spots where his head bounced on the ground, and the religious foundation commemorates this miracle.
The students were able to celebrate Mass at St Paul’s Basilica. St Paul’s is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas. The group also visited St Peter’s Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
The highlight of the trip was the Papal audience on Wednesday 7th February. Students were granted tickets at the front of the auditorium, providing them with an excellent view of His Holiness.
Pope Francis spoke about sadness and invited us to take comfort in Jesus’ Resurrection, saying ‘He can comfort our despair and sense of loss if we respond with faith in God’s goodness.’
Michelle McGlown the Head of Religious Education at the college said, “The visit to Rome was a deeply spiritual experience that renewed the faith of both students and staff.”
