Arrival in Rome!

Part of the delegation of friars headed to the 8th Centenary celebration of the founding of the Franciscan movement from the Immaculate Conception Province of the Franciscans, TOR, arrived in Rome this morning at 8:30 am. After proceeding through passport and customs contral stations at mach speed (relative to the US system), myself, Tello Vu, David Kaczmarek, and Robert Juroszek then proceeded to Sts. Cosmas and Damian (an ancient Basilica dating from the 1st century) and were greeted warmly by Br. Mark McBride and the rest of the friars (Amando, Bernard, John, and our Father General, Michael Higgins). Br. Mark took us on a marvelous tour of the upper and lower church. When I found out that the lower church dates from 77 a.d., I had to bend down to touch the ancient stone that would have supported the footsteps of some of the earliest Church Fathers and Mothers - it was truly awe-inspiring and beyond words. At the moment the street right in front of Sts. Cosmas and Damian is closed in honor of ¨little Easter¨, a day after Easter celebration. There are many persons walking the street, festive music playing, and a great deal of energy! After not having slept for well over 24 hours, it´s this energy and buzz that is keeping us going (along with the offer of dinner out with the friars). Our visit is off to a great start! Stay posted for more entries and hopefully some pics! Pat, TOR