Ryan Schmit in Rome with other Deacon Candidates January, 2010

Parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows, Portsmouth

Ryan Schmit had the privilege of visiting Rome in January, 2010 with four other men who will be ordained deacons this year from the Pontifical College Josephinum. The trip was led by priests from the seminary and was an opportunity for the deacon candidates to tour Rome, grow in friendship, and enjoy a spiritual pilgrimage.

“It was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” declared Ryan. “The trip made Church history come alive. Every cobble-stone in the street or piece of marble in the churches is saturated with prayers and history; not to mention in some places the churches are saturated with the blood of martyrs. In Rome, the Eternal City, it is impossible to escape the fact that you are walking in the same streets and praying in the same churches where so many popes and saints have also prayed at. It was an overwhelming experience.”

Ryan also appreciated spending time with his seminary brothers. “Being given the opportunity to share such incredible experiences together with my brothers strengthened the bond of our friendship and heightened the experience for me,” said Ryan.

One of the highlights for Ryan was the Epiphany Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI. “Obviously, any Papal Mass is going to be an incredible experience, however, when the Pope is celebrating at St. Peter’s, it is simply beyond words.”

On the Scavi Tour, which takes guests on a tour beneath St. Peter Basilica, Ryan and the group prayed at the tomb of St. Peter where he recounted that, “I asked St. Peter to pray for me on my ordination day and especially on my last day.”

Some of the other highlights for Ryan included visiting the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, the Catacombs, Santa Maria Della Vittorria, Santa Maria Maria Maggiore, Il Gesu, and Assisi.  However, one of most lasting memories came from, “sitting in choir at a Pontifical Solemn High Mass offered at St. John Lateran by Cardinal Canizares, accompanied by an orchestra and choir,” said Ryan.

During much of the trip, Ryan literally ran from church to church to pray and admire the beautiful art and architecture. “Everybody hears about the major Basilicas, however, incredible churches can be found everywhere in Rome. They are truly a testament to the glory of God. I could not justify passing a single church without going inside to pray before the Tabernacle, marvel at the art, and to ask for intercession from the patron saint of that church.”

“I was particularly amazed at the number of incorrupt saints and the major relics in Rome, especially the hand of St. Francis Xavier. I was in awe as I contemplated his missionary zeal and how he baptized tens of thousands through his preaching,” said Ryan.

In Assisi, the major highlights were visiting the tombs of St. Francis and St. Clare. 
Ryan noted that, “If you want to experience a prayerful silence and peace, Assisi is the place to go. If you’re looking for a place that inspires prayers of praise and thanksgiving, Rome is the place to go.”   

The group also visited the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith (CDF) and the Congregation of Divine Worship (CDW) where they had the opportunity to speak with Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia, O.P.  “It was surreal to sit down and talk with him casually about all of the front burner issues in the Church. At one point while in the CDF, I looked around and realized that this is where many Church decisions are made--if only the walls could talk,” thought Ryan.

Unlike many who visit Italy, Ryan found the food to be a bit of a disappointment, not so much because of the quality, but because, “the portions were so small, you could never get enough.” However, Ryan did note that the smaller portions did have some redeeming qualities as he reflected that, “In America, they say, ‘There’s always room for Jell-O.’ Well, in Rome, there’s always room for gelato!”

The most memorable meal of the trip for Ryan occurred when Abp. Di Noia made reservations for the group at La Vittoria, where Abp. just happened to stop by for lunch at the table across from them. “There were nothing but smiles, laughter, good stories, great wine, and of course, lots of great food at that meal,” Ryan declared. (His Excellency also picked up the tab.) 

Ryan concludes that, “The trip gave me a real sense of the universality of the Church. We ran into people that we knew from home as well as clergy and religious sisters from around the world. The entire trip was a great blessing.”