A Heart Burning with Love: Praying in Rome

Program Description
The prayer of the Christian Church has been shaped by the places, cultures and historical eras in which the baptized have gathered.  Each city, each century has provided the context in which forms of Christian prayer have developed.  No place has had a greater impact on this development than Rome.

The various saints and church leaders of every age who lived here left their own particular imprint on the spiritual tradition of the Church.  Spend a week in Rome coming to know the evolution of spiritual traditions in the Eternal City through the precious witness left of the women and men who contributed to this transformation.  See the traces of different eras, discover the places where saints lived and prayed.  Each day of the program will feature the celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours.

Daily Schedule
Welcome to the Eternal City. Participants will be welcomed in the afternoon with an introductory presentation and orientation, followed by an opening dinner at the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas.

The Prayer of the Apostolic Community
The first day will be dedicated to learning more about the impact and significance of the Apostle Paul in the early Church.  In the morning participants will experience guided visits to the places of Paul’s martyrdom and burial: the Abbey of Tre Fontane and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The afternoon will feature a lecture on the impact of Paul’s theology and spirituality on the nascent Church of Rome.

Martyrdom and Virginity in the Early Church
The morning will begin with the weekly Papal Audience to hear Pope Benedict XVI and pray with pilgrims from around the world.  If the Holy Father is not in Rome, an alternative program will be offered. After a period of free time for people to have lunch near the Vatican and perhaps do some shopping on the famous Borgo Pio, the afternoon will feature a guided visit to the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls or the Catacombs of St. Sebastian.

The Mysticism of the Middle Ages
The day will feature guided visits to churches important for understanding the spirituality of the Middle Ages: Santa Maria sopra Minerva and St. Frances of Rome.  In the afternoon a lecture and discussion on medieval women mystics such as Catherine of Siena and Bridget of Sweden will be held at the Lay Centre.

Day of Reflection: Subiaco
This day will afford the group a chance to enjoy a day outside of Rome for prayer and  reflection on Benedictine prayer and spirituality.  An experienced spiritual director will lead the group in guided reflections on the prospects for developing insights into prayer today in the midst of the world and there will be opportunities for personal and liturgical prayer.  Lunch is included.

Ignatian Prayer and Oratorian Spirituality
The final day will begin with a guided visit to Santa Maria Novella (Chiesa Nuova) to better understand the significance of Saint Philip Neri and his Oratory, followed by guided visits to the churches of Saint Ignatius and the Gesù to discover the impact of St. Ignatius of Loyola on modern spirituality.  The week will draw to a close with a dinner at the Lay Centre.

Arrivederci Roma!
Departure from Rome.

Organizing this Program for your Group
To schedule this program for your group or organization you must have a minimum of 15 participants.  Please contact Robert White at info@laycentre.org to help you organize this study program.

The cost of this program is $775.00 per person. The cost includes all lectures, guided site visits, private coach transportation to and from site visits, and three meals during the course of the week.

Airfare to and from Rome, lodging, all other meals and all other expenses are not included. Program participants are responsible for making travel and lodging arrangements.  

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