Holy Week Rome Trip

Ten Western 2020 graduates (and one ‘21 grad) were in Rome during Holy Week to attend events organized by the international UNIV Conference. They visited St Peter’s Basilica and other important historic sites and attended an audience with Pope Francis and a gathering with the Prelate of Opus Dei.

One high school junior, Joseph Nichols (’21), attended on special request to play the huge pipe organ at the Easter Vigil Mass at Santa Maria in Aracoeli Basilica, which he did wonderfully!

Luis Garcia (’20) said “we got to witness the origin of the Church see the beauty of churches on every block, especially St. Peter’s created with such perfection. It helped me in my prayer and to concentrate.”

“I was able to deepen friendships and make new ones with people from so many countries. We learned more about how to live with others with patience and prayer, and to seek God’s help for our problems. We got to see Pope Francis just fifteen-feet away. He is a very sweet and loving father and makes an effort to be out even though he is sick.”

Old Boys on the trip, sponsored by Westcott Center, were Paul Belton, JP Chincuanco, Taylor DeJarnette, Alessandro Directo, Luis Garcia, Jacob Hanel, Patrick McCarthy, Joseph Nichols, Patricio Parra, Robert Sellers and John Paul Webber.