Fillmore residents Katie Ramirez and her son Jason in Rome. They were with a group of 300 who went to Rome for the Official Pallium Pilgrimage.

On June 25, my mother, Katie Ramirez and I journeyed with a group of three hundred to Rome for the Official Pallium Pilgrimage to witness Archbishop Jose H. Gomez receive the Pallium from Pope Benedict XVI. Also, those from Fillmore who attended the pilgrimage were Vern and Joann Arnold, Ray Talley, Geraldine Lee, and Kathy Otis.

During our week there, we visited Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran and Santi Quattro Coronati and celebrated mass with Archbishop Gomez and Cardinal Mahoney, along with Auxiliary Bishops from Los Angeles and several Monsignors, and Priest. Also in attendance were Monsignor Joseph Hernandez and Father John Garnica. We were fortunate to have charismatic and knowledgeable tour guides who shared a wealth of information regarding the history of Rome as well as inside the Balilicas and the beautiful architecture, mosaics, and sculptures inside these spiritual and gorgeous buildings.

Some of the highlights were an afternoon tour of Rome including Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and Piazza Navona. We also attended a full-day excursion to Assisi, where we celebrated Mass of Thanksgiving at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Getting up early in the morning, jogging through the streets of Rome and observing the beauty that is the city of Rome were also among the many memorable experiences.

The highlight of the trip was three days of touring the Vatican City. We were able to have a walking tour of the Basilica of St. Peter. The size and beauty of this Basilica is truly indescribable. The mosaics and sculptures are breathtaking. My personal favorite was La Pieta by Michelangelo. This sculpture is so powerful. On Tuesday, we celebrated mass within St. Peter with all in attendance from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. On Wednesday, we were blessed to attend the Pallium Mass at St. Peter’s on the Feast of St. Peter and Paul, where Archbishop Gomez received the Pallium from Pope Benedict XVI. This was such an honor and privilege to be in attendance and celebrate mass given by the Holy Father. On Thursday, we attended a Special Audience with his Eminence. To be in his presence was a once in a lifetime experience.

This trip was amazing on multiple levels; to visit the Basilicas and celebrate mass, attend a mass given by the Holy Father, witness the beauty that is Rome, and go on this journey with my mother was a blessing. Also, as a 6th grade teacher in which Ancient Rome is part of our curriculum, to share photos and stories of Rome will only bring this ancient civilization more to life for my students.