Travel Diary – Rome Pilgrimage
with St. Michael’s Confirmand Group

July 15 to 25, 2001

Departure St: Michaels Parish

Departure Time 12:00 PM June 15 2001

Route: Trelleborg → Rostock → Rome.Today marks the beginning of our long awaited journey to Rome.

The bus was packed with excited chatter and backpacks stuffed with snacks, journals, and maybe a few nerves. As we rolled out of town, the sun was high and spirits even higher.Our destination: *Le Figlie della Chiesa*, a peaceful retreat just outside the bustling heart of Rome.

t’s a place we’ve heard so much about—quiet, spiritual, and perfect for reflection. Father Daniel, our fearless leader and travel guide, kicked things off by popping in the first movie. Laughter echoed through the bus as we settled in for the ride.

The plan? Sleep while our drivers take shifts through the night. Easier said than done with all the excitement buzzing around. We’re expected to arrive around 10 PM tomorrow.

Rome awaits—and with it, a week of faith, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Through the Clouds in the Brenner Pass

Friday began with a journey southward from Sweden, cutting through the heart of the Alps via the Brenner Pass. High among the clouds, magnificent views unfolded through the bus windows — towering mountains and deep valleys stretching beyond the horizon. Along the way, buildings appeared to cling to cliff edges, seemingly defying gravity.

A church emerged, perched high above, offering a view that must be breathtaking. How one even reaches it is a mystery — perhaps a winding mountain road or an old path known only to locals. The same church appeared again, this time from a different angle, revealing a fortress wall that hinted at the site's historical significance. In front of the small church village, cultivated fields spread out — likely vineyards, a common sight throughout the Brenner Pass.

More churches appeared, nestled in greenery on the slopes, like silent guardians of the valleys.

A rest stop along the E45 on the Italian side offered a moment to breathe in the crisp alpine air. The road sloped in the right direction — southward toward Italy, toward warmth, culture, and new experiences.

Saturday – Arrival at Casa Emmaus Saturday

Arrival at Casa Emmaus in Rome On Saturday morning, we arrived at Figli Della Chiesa – Casa Emmaus, our accommodation for the week in Rome. After a long journey, it was a relief to step off the bus and feel the warm Italian air. Casa Emmaus was peacefully located, just outside the bustling heart of the city — a place for rest and reflection. We were greeted by kind sisters and a calm atmosphere. The rooms were simple but welcoming, and the garden offered a quiet space to gather our thoughts. This would be the base for our pilgrimage — a place where faith, fellowship, and new experiences would unfold throughout the week.

Sunday in Rome

Sunday morning dawns in Italy. We begin the day with a visit to Santa Maria in Trastevere, where we attend the Sunday Mass. The church is richly decorated, and after the service we stroll around, admiring its magnificent interior. In the afternoon, we visit the Pantheon, originally built by Marcus Vespasianius Agrippa around 27–25 BC. However, the current structure was entirely rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 100 AD.

The Pantheon is a dome-covered rotunda with a columned portico bearing Agrippa’s original inscription. In 609, the building was consecrated as a church, and several famous men are buried here — since 1878, also members of the Italian royal family.

After the Pantheon, we continue to Piazza Navona, originally laid out by Emperor Domitian as a circus for festive games. Until the mid-1800s, the square was hollowed out and could be filled with water during celebrations — even hosting full regattas with small boats.

Another person is easy to photograph — he or she doesn’t move at all, despite the blazing sun at 30–35°C. We also see the second fountain in the square, and some of our young travelers take the opportunity to get a shoulder tattoo, supervised by one of the accompanying parents.

The day ends with a visit to the Trevi Fountain — one of Italy’s most famous fountains, built between 1732 and 1762 in splendid Baroque style. According to tradition, anyone wishing to return to Rome should toss a coin into the fountain as an offering to Neptune. The area is also home to countless gelato bars offering up to 30 different flavors. We notice a strong police presence, ensuring no one bathes in the fountain — as the famous Swedish actress Anita Ekberg once did.

Papal Audience and Vatican Highlights

The day began with Pope John Paul II’s general audience — a powerful experience to witness him speak before thousands of pilgrims from around the world.

After the audience, we were given a guided tour by a Catholic priest from Sweden. We visited Saint Peter’s crypt, where several popes are buried, gaining insight into the Church’s deep history. Then we climbed to the top of the dome. The view from above was absolutely breathtaking — Vatican City and Rome unfolded below us like a living tapestry of history, faith, and life.

Friday – Farewell to Rome, Hello Sammartin

Friday began with a bittersweet goodbye to Rome. The Eternal City had left its mark, but now we headed north toward Sammartin. The landscape changed – the hills softened, and the pace slowed. In Sammartini, we attended Mass in the small church. A quiet moment, with the scent of incense and the sound of church bells echoing across the fields.

There was something peaceful in the contrast to Rome’s bustle. The night was warm, so I chose to sleep under the stars – on the lawn behind the parish hall. There was a small shed nearby, possibly an old pump house, standing silently in the dark. Simple, yet beautiful in its stillness.

🕰️ **Historical note:** Sammartini is a small locality in the Emilia-Romagna region, and its name likely honors Saint Martin of Tours – a Roman soldier turned monk and later bishop. He is one of the most beloved saints in Europe, known for his compassion and the famous story of sharing his cloak with a freezing beggar. Many churches and towns in Italy bear his name, reflecting his influence during the Middle Ages.

Saturday & Sunday – Venice and the Journey Home

Saturday – Venice and the Adriatic Sea

We left Sammartin early and headed toward Venice. On the way, we took a swim in the Adriatic Sea – the water was pleasantly warm and gave us fresh energy for the day.

After parking the bus at Isola del Tronchetto, we walked to the harbor and boarded a boat to Molo. There was heavy traffic on the canal, and the slightly choppy waters made the ride lively. Along the way, we saw several churches, including the majestic S. Giorgio Maggiore.

From afar, we could already glimpse the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica. At Molo, we encountered a string of tourist traps – from the terminal up to St. Mark’s Square. Pigeons fluttered about, the basilica was under renovation, and the outdoor cafés were filled with tourists and live music.

After a long day in Venice, we returned to Sammartin to prepare for the long journey back to Sweden.

🕰️ **Historical note:** Venice was founded in the 5th century as a refuge from Germanic invasions. Built on wooden piles in the lagoon, it became a powerful trading empire during the Middle Ages. St. Mark’s Square has been the city’s heart for over a thousand years, and the basilica is a masterpiece with Byzantine influences.

Sunday – Journey Back to Sweden

After Mass, it was time to say goodbye to Italy. On the way to the bus, I noticed a tree at the far end of the parking lot – could it be an edible chestnut? Yes, indeed! The leaves were clearly different from our horse chestnuts back home.

The journey home included several short breaks – to stretch our legs, visit the WC, and switch drivers. One of our drivers, Stipo Pajic, steered the bus with a steady hand. Sadly, I don’t remember the name of the other.

After a long week filled with activities, we were all very tired. We returned to Sweden on Monday, June 25. I got off the bus in Älmhult, where the journey had begun, while the others continued toward Växjö.

It was a pleasant and educational trip, filled with both joyful and unfortunate memories. The sad part was injuring my leg in Sammartin – I walked straight into a marble bench in the middle of the night. It’s amazing how quickly darkness falls in Italy during summer.

🌰 **Nature note:** The edible chestnut (_Castanea sativa_) has narrow, serrated leaves and produces nuts used in cooking. It differs from the horse chestnut (_Aesculus hippocastanum_), whose fruits are toxic and leaves broader. In southern Europe, chestnuts are common in both parks and rural landscapes.

More photos in Rom 2001 Album