Today (Sunday, October 14th) I am heading to Rome for a week-long visit.  During the week I will visit with our seminarian Michael Hendershott studying at the Pontifical North American College and with the faculty at the seminary.  As Vocation Director, I visit each seminary our diocese uses at least once a year to check on our men.  I told Bishop Stika that this visit to Rome is a cross that I am willing to suffer.  Lol! 

Following the visit I will spend some days visiting with my friends in the Community of Sant’Egidio.  It will be good to catch up with them and join the community’s prayer. 

The day before my return I will be attending the canonization ceremony set for October 21st at St. Peter’s.  Six men and women are to be canonized, one of these being Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha who will be the first Native American saint proclaimed by the Church.  I was able to get a ticket that will allow me to participate in the ceremony by assisting with the distribution of communion.  I have never been to a canonization ceremony before and am excited for the opportunity!  Part of this being that my own family heritage is part Native American (Choctaw and Cherokee to be exact).

I am looking forward to a great visit!