AMU Students Studying in Rome Witnessing History
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Published on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 17:27
About a dozen Ave Maria University students spending this semester studying in Rome had no idea just how momentous events would be while they were in the Eternal City. They attended Pope Benedict's last public Mass, and now are spending much of the time in St. Peter's Square awaiting the announcement and presentation of a new pope. The Ave Herald has asked some of the students to write about their experience, and send pictures. The first article is by Kim Scharfenberger (pictured at right), a senior majoring in literature.
By Kim Scharfenberger
When I first arrived at Rome for my study abroad semester, I fully anticipated a life-changing experience—but that was because I knew simply experiencing a new culture would be thrilling for me. I didn't foresee just how life-changing this semester would be. It still stuns me that I was blessed enough to be here in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, during this momentous time in Church history. The world has its eyes pinned on Rome, and those of us here to witness this are so blessed to be a part of it.
Tuesday was the first round of voting for the new papacy. It was gloomy and rainy, but that didn't stop hundreds of people from gathering in St. Peter's Square and eagerly awaiting the merest sign of smoke from the Sistine Chapel. In a lot of ways, this is the perfect situation for young people and students. Many students aren't batting an eye at the prospect of sleeping in the square to ensure that they're present for the new pope's election. My fellow classmates and I have mapped out the quickest routes to the city, in case we're not there when the white smoke appears. It's exciting, it's unbelievable—and it's deeply unitive. Moments like this make you fully appreciate the Catholic Church and its presence in modern society. Last night, I shared breathless moments of anticipation with complete strangers. When smoke started pouring from the chimney, the entire congregation inhaled sharply and simultaneously. It was an audible expression of suspense. Yet despite any differences we might have, we are all connected in our shared interest in the future of the Church. What a blessing to experience this!
What I've found interesting about Catholicism in Rome is just that it is so deeply rooted in the Roman culture here. Regardless of anyone's individual religious beliefs, Catholicism is firmly ingrained in the people here, so the Conclave is on everyone's minds.
Alexandra Clark writes about the crowds in St. Peter's Square and the media circus that has erupted.
By Alexandra Clark
Ever since Pope Benedict left St. Peter's on Feb. 28 there has been a lot of hustle and bustle in St. Peter's Square as many anxious people wait for for the new pope to be elected.
Just days before the conclave started one could sit in St. Peter's Square watching all the cardinals follow the summons of St. Peter's bells to their pre-conclave meetings. You could walk up to any cardinal you wanted and try talking to them as they walked through the square. Some of them would just keep walking thinking that you are part of the media. However, one night as the cardinals were leaving their meeting we were able to talk to Cardinal Burke and receive his blessing kneeling in St. Peter's Square. He asked us to pray for him and all the cardinals, but he couldn't talk that much, because he had to get away from the media.
The media are simply crazy! They think this is some celebrity show and clobber the cardinals every second they get. There are media tents set up every where, even on the roof tops of nearby buildings. They campout at the Square day and night waiting for something to happen. It is a good thing that the media are not allowed in St. Peter's Square, but sometimes they sneak in and lie in wait for the next cardinal that chances to walk by. One time there was a cardinal driving away from St. Peter's in a car that in less then two seconds completely disappeared under hundreds of media cameras! Police ran from every direction to unbury the car and get the media off. Those poor cardinals probably feel a lot safer now that they are locked up in the Sistine Chapel.
Besides all the media that are gathered at St. Peter's there also are many faithful Catholics who gather to pray and patiently wait for the decision of the cardinals. At 8 p.m. every night a group gathers in St. Peter's Square to pray the Rosary, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin and other prayers to St. Joseph and the saints. There are 100 people or more there every night without fail, even if it is pouring rain, which it has been for about a week now.
For the last decade or the Rosary, everyone, including priests in their cassocks, kneel down on the wet stones to beg for the mercy of God upon the Church. The media are enthralled by this great witness of faith and flash their cameras all around us. Yes, the media does not just go after the cardinals, but after whomever can speak their language and will talk to them. It is nigh impossible for one to walk in St. Peter's Square without being asked for an interview. Besides that, the faithful have been gathering in the many Churches in Rome to pray for this conclave, in Mass, Rosary and other prayers.
A great anticipation fills the air about St. Peter's while the whole world waits for the white smoke to come from the chimney the Chair of St. Peter to be filled once more.
Below, pictures from Miss Clark of Pope Benedict's final public Mass and of cardinals arriving for the conclave Tuesday.
