The last fortnight at ESM Rome has passed so quickly, it is amazing to think we are almost at the start of Advent and a new liturgical year in the Church. I really enjoy this time of year and am especially looking forward to celebrating this Christmas in Rome. I have learnt so much these past few months and desire to experience so much more and grow in the authentic freedom and love that only Christ offers. I have learnt that training to be a missionary demands following a busy schedule of formation while also committing to live out concretely the the graces of Adoration, Compassion and Evangelisation in my community life. As missionaries we are truly called to a life of serviing our brothers and sisters in community, as well as those we meet on weekly Compassion Service & Evangelisation, so as “to build a civilisation of love”.
At the Centro San Lorenzo where we help organise the Liturgy twice weekly we are priviliged to encounter many of the collaborators of the Pope. Recently I recited a prayer of intercession in Irish at the International Youth Mass celebrated by Cardinal Monterisi (Administrator of Saint Paul’s Basilica), déanaim gach iarracht an Gaeilge a usáid chomh minic agus is féidir! Cardinal Monterisi shared very encouraging words with us on the importance of mission, both during this Mass and our recent visit to the Basilica as part of the Seven Churches Pilgrimage. We have continued our weekly Evangelisation with the World Youth Day Cross, most recently in St. Peter’s Square. We meet many tourists and pilgrims from around the world and it is wonderful to share our faith and further experience the universality of the Church. Last Friday evening we brought the cross to Campo di Fiori, a nightlife hub in the city centre and the evening of praise, adoration and street outreach which followed was very blessed.
We also visited the Basilica of San Clemente which belongs to the Irish Dominicans, where we were able to explore the history of the Church going back to the fourth century. I made a few very enjoyable visits to the Irish College for Sunday Mass where is great to meet with the Community of the College, local parishioners from Rome, and those priests and lay faithful visiting from Ireland including some last Sunday from my home parish of Mullingar. There is a real sense of community there and it is a fantastic way for me to feel connected to the Church in Ireland during my time in Rome.
Back at the school we are busy continuing with our study. The formation for a deep foundation in the Catholic faith is resolutely focused towards mission and is teaching me so much. It is my desire to put this into practice on Mission and hopefully I can! Community life at the school is also teaching me alot and I am receiving so much through giving and sharing with the others. It is also great to receive so much support from Ireland and I appreciate so much the fantastic support I have received from my sponsors and all those who are praying me. I am offering prayers of thanksgiving in return for your intentions.
All of us in the School have been very busy preparing our upcoming City Mission in Dublin which is now almost upon us. It is being organised in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Dublin and the Emmanuel Commmunity in Ireland. We are eagerly looking forward to the Mission which begins on the eve of the first Sunday of Advent (Saturday November 26th) and runs until the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Thursday 8th December). The Mission will be based at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in the heart of the city centre but there will be outreach throughout the city with many events for young people as well. For further details of what’s happening during the Mission visit the Dublin Diocese website.
But before then there is an opportunity to learn more about ESM Rome in a live webcast this Wednesday 23rd November. Meet the class of 2011/12: 20 students, 13 nationalities, 9 months and 1 mission: to spread the message of God’s love to the whole universe! Tune in on Wednesday evening at 8pm Irish time or catch up later on the Youth on Mission website! Ciao for now and looking forward to being on Mission in Dublin very soon!
