Presiding in Charity: The Papacy at the Service of Christian Unity

Program Description
Examine the high points in the development of the current structure of the papacy and study various important historical moments that have shaped the petrine ministry over the centuries.

Explore some of the unique resources found in Rome in order to understand more deeply the rich and complex history of the ministry of the Bishop of Rome at the service of unity and communion in the Church.  Visits to important sites and presentations will offer an historical context for reflecting on what the papacy means in the context of contemporary issues of ecumenism, interreligious dialogue and globalization.

Program participants will also dialogue with members of various councils and congregations of the Holy See in order to witness first-hand the office and ministry of the papacy today.  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. The program begins in the afternoon with an introductory presentation and orientation, followed by a an opening dinner at the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas.

The Papacy in the Early Church
The first day will be dedicated to learning more about the role of the papacy in the early Church.  There will be guided visits to two important Roman churches: the Basilica of St. Clement, which is built over one of the oldest places of Christian worship in Rome, and the Church of St. Gregory the Great, built over the home of the sixth century pope. The afternoon will include a lecture and discussion on the papacy in the early church held at the Lay Centre.

The Papacy in the Middle Ages
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 offer guided visits to some of the places important during the medieval period such as the Papal Chapel at the Basilica of Ss. Quattro Coronati and the Lateran Baptistery and Basilica or a guided visit to Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

The Papacy in the Counter Reformation
The day will begin at the Lay Centre with a lecture on the papacy in the period of the reformation.  The afternoon will focus on persons who helped shape the Roman Catholic understanding of the papacy during the modern period: Ignatius of Loyola and Philip Neri.  Guided visits to the Church of Santa Maria Novella (Chiesa Nuova), Sant’ Ignazio and the Gesù will be featured.

Day of Reflection: Castel Gondolfo or Anagni
Today affords the group a chance to enjoy a day outside of Rome for prayer and  reflection.  An experienced spiritual director will lead the group in guided reflections on the prospects for developing an authentic and vibrant spirituality of ecclesial communion and there will be opportunities for personal and liturgical prayer.  Lunch is included.
            
The Papacy Today
The morning of the final day will begin with an early celebration of the Eucharist at the Basilica of St. Peter, followed by a guided visit.  The afternoon will find the group back at the Lay Centre for a roundtable discussion on the papacy today.  The evening will include a closing dinner.

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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