Dear Friend,
As I prepare for finals and the bittersweet milestone of graduation, I find myself reflecting on some of the most meaningful experiences that have shaped my journey. Though I’m not traveling right now, my mind often drifts to the adventures I had and so I wanted to share a little bit about my trip to Rome last year.
When I stepped off the plane in Rome last April, I couldn’t help but feel like I was stepping straight into The Lizzie McGuire Movie (a classic Italian film lol). Sure, I wasn’t a pop star in disguise, but spending Easter weekend in Rome with my closest friends, celebrating our Catholic faith, and seeing the Pope? Let’s just say this trip was “What dreams are made of.”
Holy Thursday
Gelato
The adventure began on Thursday, April 6, when I reunited with friends from Belmont and Vanderbilt at the Catholic center. After a long day of travel, we dove straight into the Italian essentials: pasta, Aperol spritzes, and gelato from Frigidarium (seriously, the BEST gelato ever).
That evening, we celebrated Holy Thursday by visiting churches, a beautiful tradition that honors the night Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Throughout Rome, churches stayed open late, adorned like gardens, with Jesus present in adoration. Wandering the city at night, surrounded by ancient beauty and quiet prayer, was a special experience—one that set the tone for the sacred days ahead.
Good Friday
Scala Sancta
We started Good Friday early in the morning at the Scala Sancta—the Holy Stairs that Jesus walked during His Passion. Climbing those stairs on my knees, a tradition as a way of honoring Christs suffering and sacrifice, was an incredibly moving experience, even if my legs were screaming at me by the time I reached the top.
The rest of the day was spent exploring sacred churches. We saw the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the oldest public church in Rome and home to relics of St. Peter and St. Paul. At the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, I encountered relics of the Passion of Jesus Christ, brought to Rome from the Holy Land by the mother of the Romana Emperor Constantine I, Helena. These included fragments of the True Cross, a nail from the Crucifixion, a piece of the Crown of Thorns, and even the finger of St. Thomas the Apostle. It was a surreal experience and really brought my faith to life.
That evening, we attended Good Friday service at the Pontifical North American College, where our chaplain (Shoutout Father Bolster) studied. The service was so beautiful, and it reminded me how lucky I was to experience Good Friday in such a holy place.
Holy Saturday
Pope Francis at the Easter Vigil
Saturday was packed with excitement. We started with an early morning tour of the Vatican Museums, which felt like walking through history.
The real highlight came that evening: Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica with Pope Francis.Waiting in line with my friends was its own little adventure, but the Mass itself was beyond anything I could have imagined—it felt like heaven on earth.
When the Mass ended, the celebration spilled out into the streets. People hugged, danced, and shouted “Buona Pasqua!” It was pure joy. That night, we celebrated with homemade pasta, and honestly, it was the perfect way to end such a magical day.
Easter Sunday
Trevi Fountain
On Easter morning, we switched gears from sacred to sightseeing. We explored the Colosseum, tossed coins in the Trevi Fountain, and soaked in every bit of Roman charm. For lunch? Pizza, of course.
That evening, we wrapped up the weekend with a wine tasting led by my friend Mia, paired with—you guessed it—more pizza. It was the perfect balance of fun and relaxation after such a spiritually rich weekend.
As I look ahead to the next chapter of my life, I carry these memories as a source of inspiration and gratitude. Easter in Rome wasn’t just a trip; it was an experience that reminded me how alive and beautiful our faith is. Whether I was walking through ancient churches, celebrating Mass with the Pope, or laughing with friends over gelato, every moment felt like a gift. All I will end with is, if you ever get the chance to spend time in Rome, take it— it’s a place that will deepen your faith and leave you with memories to cherish forever!
With Love and Prayers,
A Catholic Girl Dreaming of Gelato
Aka Jillian
