By Thomas Houghton, Kathryn Healy, Sean O’Leary, Laura Armellino
What does the country’s largest Catholic high school and a famous rapper have in common?
Both just so happened to be in Italy at the same time! From June 28 to July 5, we travelled to Italy with St. Francis Prep H.S., Fresh Meadows. This trip was extremely special because it was the first of its kind. Never before had a group of St. Francis Prep students travelled abroad with the mission of earning academic credit.
From the very moment Dr. Marino approached me about the trip, I knew I had to seize this opportunity. I had no idea that learning about the faith in America would be completely different from actually seeing it in Italy.
In Assisi, we saw many churches and religious sites. What surprised me the most was seeing the San Damiano Crucifix in real life. Replicas of it are in each of the classrooms in Prep, so students see it every day. But seeing the real one, which all the others were based off of, was shocking. It was so much bigger than I expected and it had an aura of holiness.
This study abroad trip was certainly one of a kind. It was also worth mentioning that during our time in Rome, we met a famous rapper named Post Malone. Each of us were very excited to see him because we listen to his songs.
(Thomas Houghton, rising senior)
In Assisi, we saw many things, the most notable of which was seeing the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare. These places were very significant because of how much we had learned about them in school. However, both places were way more interesting and beautiful than I expected. This was probably because instead of hearing from a religion teacher, we had the privilege of hearing from a local guide the inspiring stories of both of the saints. Additionally, we were able to see the original San Damiano crucifix (which was huge), the tomb of St. Francis and a molded mask of St. Clare’s face.
On our last full day in Assisi, we saw the San Damiano Church and the Rocca Maggiore, both of which required quite a bit of walking. The San Damiano Church, or the place where St. Clare lived as a nun, was also the place where St. Francis found his cross, so naturally it was filled with history and therefore filled me with interest. The Rocca Maggiore, however, was not a religious site, but rather a medieval castle with a good story and a great view at the top. We saw the sunset at the Basilica of St. Francis after dinner and attended a beautiful Mass (in English!) at the Basilica before leaving for Rome.
(Kathryn Healy, rising senior)
I had a very fun time on the study abroad trip to Assisi and Rome. Every day was a little adventure on its own. We always had a fun activity planned or an interesting tour planned out for the day.
I learned many new things on the trip in both cities. I learned that many of the Roman temples and places of worship were kept by the people and changed into Catholic churches. It was overwhelming as a student of St. Francis Prep to be in Assisi where St. Francis and St. Clare started their missions. It was remarkable seeing the tomb of St. Francis and the body of St. Clare.
I would recommend this trip to everyone because you make bonds that will last for a long time.
(Sean O’Leary, rising senior)
Rome was much more of a crowded city than the peaceful Assisi, but it was still such a nice sight to see. We got to visit so many tourist attractions including the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain has a legend that says if you throw a coin in, you will one day return to Rome so, of course, I threw a coin in.
On our last day in Rome, we went the beautiful Vatican City. We toured the gardens, the gallery, the museum and even the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. I must admit my favorite thing there was climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Dome and getting such a heart-stopping view of all of Rome.
I had such an amazing time in Italy that I hope the Trevi Fountain’s legend is true because I would love to go back, especially to get another chance to eat their delicious foods and desserts.
(Laura Armellino, rising junior)
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