(Pictured: The group in Rome)

Provincial Secretary Fr Kieran Anderson writes about the recent SDB 'Roman Holiday'

From 11 - 15 June 2018, nine Salesians, accompanied by Mrs Marguerite Lydon, travelled to Villa Palazzola, Rocca di Papa, Italy. The summer house of the English College, Rome overlooking Lake Albano to the south of the city of Rome was the perfect setting for a few days holiday together.

During the holiday, we had a special tour of the Papal Apartments in the Apostolic Villa at Castel Gandolfo and made a visit to our Salesian parish there. In Rome, we were given a guided tour of the Basilica of The Sacred Heart, which was built by Don Bosco at the request of Pope Leo XIII. It was a very moving experience to make a pilgrimage to Don Bosco's rooms behind the Basilica, in which Mass was celebrated at the portable wooded altar which was used by Don Bosco during his last visit to Rome in May 1887. Fr Cereda, Vicar of the Rector Major, welcomed the group in the name of the Rector Major and members of the General Council and local community shared a festive lunch with us.

The last day of the holiday was spent at the Villa Sora, home of the Salesian community and a High School and Oratory. After a tour of the 16th century Villa, home to the Salesians since 1896, including Cardinal John Cagliero SDB and Blessed Zeferino Namuncura, followed by a celebration of Mass, we were very warmly welcomed by the community to a splendid lunch at which gifts were exchanged, including a case of the local Frascati wine. A wonderful tine was had by all and the only question that was asked at the end of the holiday was, 'Where are we going next time?'

Fr Kieran Anderson SDB
Provincial Secretary