These past few days, we have been walking (it seems like climbing) the streets of Rome with the SOPHIA program students of Assumption College. We have visited various cultural and religious monuments and had a day at the beach as well. Despite these exhausting walks under the sun, there seems to be a good spirit of community in the group. There is so much to discover and Dr. Francesco Cesareo and his team of professors and guides  were very helpful in facilitating that among our students. Our group had the rare opportunity to visit the Secretariat of State near the Apostolic Palace. We also celebrated the Eucharist at the tomb of Saint Peter. We will have a few more activities in the coming days as the program winds up. On Wednesday, we are looking forward to see Pope Francis during the weekly Papal Audience.

This Sunday, Ron and I chose to stay behind at the General House to celebrate Father General's 60th birthday with the community. I gave Father Benoit an icon of Saint Augustine which I recently finished. In a few days, the General Council and some delegates will leave for Africa for the Plenary Council. Luc Martel and Matthew Mary also celebrated their birthdays. Ryan Carlsen was in Rome this weekend and it was good to have his company with us at the celebration.

I am attaching a photo of the icon of Saint Augustine and a photo with some students at the Vatican. The latter may be used for our upcoming calendar project.

This is all for now. Continue to keep us in your prayers.

Fraternally,
Blair