We attended Mass at
St. Anne’s church, which is very near the Vatican. Then we picked up a cup of cappuccino and
walked two blocks to the Congregation for Catholic Education. We were
privileged to meet once again with Fr. Bechina (and another official from the office, an intelligent
German woman who deals with international education affairs at the Congregation). Father
helped us to see the distinction between the Vatican and the Holy See, which
deals with the Church’s international affairs regarding Catholic education. Catholic Education reflects the diversity of
the Universal Church. Education is a
Community of Learners, and we need to approach each person with a merciful
heart. Every person has the right to be
educated in all aspects of life; therefore Catholic education cannot just be
catechesis. Father emphasized the
Principle of Subsidiarity, and that there is no ”one size fits all” regarding
Catholic education. We also watched a
video that included a talk by Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace prize winner
from Pakistan. She stated that “One
child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” We were inspired by how much Father and
Melanie are rooted in Christ in this important mission.
In the afternoon, we once again met Fr. Nicolas Steeves, S.
J., who treated us to a tour of the Gregorian Pontifical University. In a PowerPoint presentation, he gave us the
history of the University. We were
amazed to find out that the University’s alumni include 16 Popes, 21 Saints,
and 39 Blessed. One quarter of the
Bishops and half of the Cardinals are also graduates of the Gregorian. Father then took us on a tour of the Church
of St. Ignatius and the Gesu. At the end
of the tour, there was a special presentation of the sound and light at the
altar of St. Ignatius. The music and
prayers were peaceful and uplifting.
Today we celebrate the Vigil of the Feast of Saints Peter
and Paul, Apostles. The reading from
Evening Prayer I was just for us . . . “to all in Rome, beloved of God
and called to holiness, grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.” Romans 1:7
Entering the Congregation for Catholic Education
Father Bechina, his assistant, and Mother Regina Pacis
Group photo!
Father Steeves showing us The Church of St. Ignatius
The mortal remains of St. Robert Bellarmine
The high altar at the Church of the Gesu
The final scene of the Sound and Light show at the Gesu
