Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 302 West 11th Street, Elgin, TX 78621 US - Sacred Heart Trip to Rome
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Sacred Heart Trip to Rome |
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On June 17, 2009, twenty three Altar Servers from Elgin Sacred Heart had a once in lifetime field trip to Rome, Italy. Joining the Altar Servers were forty four parishioners and friends. The one week pilgrimage to Majestic Rome will forever remain in the hearts and memories of all who attended.
The Rome pilgrimage all started with a youth’s simple question at an opportunistic time. In July 2006, the Elgin Sacred Heart Altar Servers invited Bishop Gregory Aymond to a Altar Server Appreciation Dinner. The Altar Servers were at awe when they were given the news, Bishop Aymond would be joining them. As the youth entered the Parish Hall for the appreciation dinner, all were stunned with the seating arrangement. They would all be sitting together with Bishop Aymond. The nervous youth quickly surround Father George asking “how do we act”, “what do we say to him” “what if I forget my manners”. Father George quickly calmed the youth ensuring them, all would be fine. As the group waited for Bishop Aymond’s arrival, Father George was approached by Jeremiah Rivas, then 13 years old; “Father George, could the Altar Servers someday take a field trip to Rome? “I don’t see why not”, replied Father George. It will take alot of hard work and dedication for such a trip. if you willing to work hard to raise the funds, I will support the trip. Lets talk to Bishop Aymond and asks how he feels about such a trip for youth”. During the appreciation dinner, the Rome trip was mentioned to Bishop Aymond. “What a wonderful, lasting and learning trip that would be” responded Bishop Aymond. “You have my blessing and your group will be in my thoughts and prayers as you prepare for your pilgrimage”. The next day, Father George Joseph announced the trip at all the Masses, and the Rome trip was grounded.
Nothing about the trip was easy. It took three years of intense fund raising to make the trip a reality. There were meal benefits, bake sales, a raffle of a vehicle, donated by a parishioner, bingo nights, dances, garage sales, a church festival, teddy bear sales, candle sales, home interior sales, pie sales, arts & craft show, poinsettia sales, and Christmas card sales.
The Sunday Youth Mass on June 14, 2009 was dedicated to the intention of the pilgrimage. A letter from Bishop Aymond, was read to the Altar Servers, congratulating them and letting them know they would be in his thoughts and prayers always, especially during their pilgrimage. A rosary was also held in the afternoon followed by a dessert reception. The Altar Servers and pilgrims are grateful to all those who donated, prayed for them or helped in any way to make the trip possible. Elgin Sacred Heart is blessed to have 60 Altar Servers at their parish.
On Wednesday, June 17, 2009, Rome attendees met at Elgin Sacred Heart to depart on the 11, 000 mile journey. A bus ride to the San Antonio International airport then off via air to Charlotte North Carolina, Newark New Jersey and Munich Germany. Two groups on separate flight schedules arrived in Rome 18 hours later. The weather was moderately warm.
On the five days to follow, the group visited all the major Basilicas – St Mary Major, St John Lateran, St. Paul outside the Walls and St. Peter’s Basilicas. Each one breathtaking. The group began to anticipate the massiveness of each building and paid close attention to details in the preservation of the centuries old structures.
The group visited the Pantheon, Palace of the Holy Steps, The Trevi Fountain, Arch of Constantine, the Coliseum, Ancient Catacombs, Palatine Hill, Spanish Steps, the tombs of the Popes which were below the ground level of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome of the Basilica where one could see the Vatican grounds that could not be visited. Every half hour, the bells in the tower could be heard around the city.
The group also saw first hand the beauty contained in the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. They remembered the death and burial of Pope John Paul II as they saw the Pope’s apartment window and the enormous plaza of St. Peter’s.
A full day trip to Assisi with much cooler weather and surprise showers did not dampen spirits. Ancient walls surrounded Assisi and colorful houses of pink stone with flower-decked balconies and hills of Olive trees could be seen while walking the village streets. While at Assisi, the group visited the churches of St. Clare and St Francis.
On Sunday, June 21, 2009, Father George celebrated Mass at St Joseph’s Altar in St Peter’s Basilica, assisted by Deacon Channing Fell, with Pat Reyes, Altar Server/Trip coordinator and Altar Server, Samuel Owens, as lectors. The group was in awe as their voices filled the Basilica as they sang the familiar responses and hymns. Foreigners attending the mass with the group responded in one of the many languages heard among the visitors and residents of the diversified modern-day Roman culture.
Far to soon, it was time to depart. The group celebrated one last meal together serenaded by musicians who encouraged the group to sing the Italian songs faintly remembered from the many movies made. Father George was filled with emotion when the twenty three Altar Servers presented him an autographed tapestry of Pope John Paul II. A small token of their appreciation for the time of their lives.
The memories of the pilgrimage trip will forever be a part of the perception of the church and its many heroes, a permanent recording of a great fellowship for which the group thanks God, Bishop Aymond, Father George Joseph and Pat Reyes. One day, those who took part of the pilgrimage will realize the glory they gave to their Father in Heaven by this Holy Pilgrimage, but for now, their gratitude will live on….
Time has passed since the Rome trip and a follow up with three youth was conducted about their journey. They were asked:
“What was the most memorable part of the trip and what did you learn from this trip”? They respond…
Jeremiah Rivas, Altar Server, age 16, son of Patricia Ledesma-Reyes and Alejandro Rivas
The most memorable part of the trip for me was being able to walk thru the Sistine Chapel. It was pretty neat to see Michael Angelo's work and to know that the Sistine chapel is also where the Papal conclave is held. I also can't forget about having to hear a recording of shhhh....silencio....no pictures....no cameras, when entering the Basilicas. Also, seeing family and friends go up the 32 Holy steps on their knees was very touching. These were the actual steps that Christ is believed to have climbed when brought before Pilate.
It's a weird feeling for me to know I was only 13 when I planted a seed for such a trip. Too most, this is a dream trip, but for our group at Elgin Sacred Heart, patience and perseverance paid off. This pilgrimage was definitely everything I expected it to be and more.” It was a learning experience of faith, hope and love”. Faith, believing God would get us to Rome. Hope, trusting we would have a safe journey throughout the trip (it's a bit scary flying over the Atlantic ocean for 9 hours). Love, seeing all the hard work and dedication of so many to make this trip possible for us.
Abel Zapata, Head Altar Server, age 15, son of Cecil & Mary Rico, and Robert Zapata
The most memorable parts of the trip for me were the way my legs felt when going up a little more than 500 steps and having to come back down (very weak and wobbly). I will always remember Assisi, that is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen; it looks like a place where you could take a dream picture or see it as a wallpaper on your desktop background. I also remember the Vatican, when I walked through the entrance of the church I was lost with words and could only think of how much God was touching me inside. The flight was pretty smooth and relaxing, but getting used to the time zones was pretty hard (ha-ha). The food there was a bit different in some places but good. “I wish I could eat like that every day”
What I learned from this trip, was just how blessed I was to have been a part of such a journey. Being surrounded by family and friends was very special to me. It was great to always see the smiles and hear the laughter of all those at attendance. My visit to Rome was “Awesome” and I wouldn’t mind going back again one day.
Samantha Mason, Altar Server, age 17, daughter of Craig and Kim Mason
The most memorable part of the Rome trip was our tour of the Vatican. Words cannot adequately describe how beautiful and captivating it was. Along with the architecture and layout, the huge marble statues and heavily crafted ceilings were like nothing I have ever witnessed. Then having mass at St. Peters Basilica with Father George truly opened my eyes to the love and joy that our Lord has for us. And at that moment I realized that every one of us were there, because we all shared a common passion, our Catholic faith.
I learned from this trip the meaning of family. We began as a group of 67 people, but as time progressed I viewed everyone more than just people, but as family. As a group we bonded in ways that is indescribable. We managed to have fun when times were grey, and laughed until the sun went down. The days were filled with ice cream and pizza eating, souvenir shopping, and hours of site seeing wonders. This Rome trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I myself am blessed to have been apart of. For the rest of my life this memory will undeniably remain close to my heart, along with the lasting friendships that were formed.
- Article written by Pat Reyes
- Article written by Pat Reyes