After many good-byes, some rather emotional, and a long night of traveling over the Atlantic, around 50 seminarians, including myself, arrived in Rome to begin our journey of studying Sacred Theology. I was tired, anxious, nervous, and excited—emotions that I’m sure were shared among the group. After getting situated, we finally gathered in the Assumption chapel for evening prayer and Mass. I felt a certain level of anticipation within myself. I was excited to begin this new time in my life, and was anxious to get to know the people with whom I would be sharing these future experiences. Thus, we gathered attentively in the chapel, waiting for the Mass to start. The opening hymn was announced, the entire chapel stood up, and the first line of the song was sung with such a vibrant strength, as if the entire group of new men were letting out the emotions of the past days. The music was strong and beautiful—so much so that it literally gave me goosebumps. I knew I was on the brink of something extraordinary, something bigger than myself. I felt like I was embarking on a period of my life that would change me forever. 
The following day, the majority of us spent a good portion of the day touring the Basilica di San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence). Here is kept the remains of St. Stephen, and St. Lawrence, most notably. It was inspiring to be in the presence of some of the most noted martyrs in the Catholic Church. The story of St. Lawrence’s brutal martyrdom is worth researching. In addition, we were able to visit the tomb of Pope Pius IX, who founded the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where I will be spending the next 4 years of my formation. Despite the wretched Roman summer heat, it was a blessing to be able to experience this gift with my fellow classmates, my fellow brothers. The Church history in Rome seems to be endless, so I hope never to take for granted what I am able to experience on a daily basis.
