Women at the Well: Missionaries, Mystics and Martyrs Through the Ages

Program Description
Throughout the centuries, women have made a particular contribution to the building up of the Church, especially during times of crisis. During this study week, we will dialogue with some of these women by learning who they were, how they served the Church of their time, and why they continue to challenge us as Christians 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 an opening dinner at the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas.

Virgins & Martyrs
Some of the earliest Christian women to build up the Church did so through shedding their blood as martyrs. In the morning there will be a lecture and discussion about these women at the Lay Centre. The afternoon will offer guided visits to the fourth-century Basilica of Saint Agnes Outside the Walls and the Mausoleum of Costanza.

Women at the Heart of the 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 include a walking tour of the center of the city to see some of the various early house church sites associated with wives, widows and mothers in the early Church.

Religious and Charitable Works
This day will focus on medieval women who dedicated their lives to the poor. One example is the widow Saint Frances of Rome, who was well-known for her generous service to those in need. The morning will include a lecture and discussion at the Lay Centre. The afternoon will feature a guided visit to the church dedicated to her. The day will conclude with a dinner in Trastevere and the celebration of Sung Evening Prayer with the St. Egidio Community, a contemporary example of laity committed to prayer and social justice issues.

Day of Reflection: Cascia or Montefalco
This day will afford the group a chance to enjoy a day outside of Rome for prayer and reflection on the spiritual experiences of women. An experienced spiritual director will lead the group in guided reflections on the prospects for developing an authentic and vibrant spirituality today and there will be opportunities for personal and liturgical prayer. Lunch is included.

Prophets and Reformers
The final day will focus on St. Catherine of Siena and the last days of her life which were spent in Rome. The morning will feature a guided visit to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. In the afternoon a lecture and discussion at the Lay Centre will be followed by 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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