By Elena Dini
ROME — Transformation in the Christian life was the focus of Seton Hall University’s six-day program in Rome this July, organized by The Lay Centre.
“The Journey of Transformation Rome Seminar,” held July 16-21, focused on stories of great spiritual transformation, like St. Augustine’s, and the interplay between faith and culture here in Rome.
The seminar was inspired by the “Core Curriculum” that all Seton Hall undergraduate students are required to follow throughout their studies.
Msgr. Richard Liddy, who led the group comprised of faculty members who teach Core courses, said the seminar was conceived as a retreat experience and designed to connect the experiences in Rome to the Core Curriculum.
“The prayer dimension of the program is really a big part of it, with both formal and informal liturgy,” said Msgr. Liddy, director emeritus of Seton Hall's Center for Catholic Studies.
The program included “Mass in the morning and time to pray and to journal,” he said. “The meals together are another important moment and it’s good to have the chance of meeting also with the resident community here at The Lay Centre.”
Another goal of the seminar, organized in collaboration with Dr. Robert White at The Lay Centre, was to build community, while introducing some of the cultural and artistic treasures of Rome and the surrounding area.
Prior to the seminar, Msgr. Liddy shared some of the program highlights: “In Ostia, we will be reading part of ‘The Confessions,’ by St. Augustine, and it will be a particular way of interacting with Rome and its history. Another day we will go to (the Community of ) St. Egidio, and this will give us the chance to talk more about contemporary culture and Christian service.”
Nancy Enright, associate professor of English and director of the Core Curriculum, was also on the seminar.
“We are seeking to deepen our sense of the Core’s Catholic intellectual tradition, in both its spiritual and service aspects, particularly focusing on ministries toward refugees,” she said.
“We had a wonderful visit with the Missionaries of Charity, where one of the sisters told us about their work and the history of their order, started by St. Teresa of Calcutta. Also related to service and help for refugees is the work of Caritas Roma, where the speaker told us about how this Catholic organization helps refugees find support and eventually a home in the country in which they desire to live,” she continued.
The Rome Seminar also provided faculty the opportunity to learn about the historical context for Early Christian and New Testament texts, with visits to archeological sites, such as the Colosseum and the Forum. Participants also experienced the universality of the Church in particular ways.
Enright recalled the Mass Msgr. Liddy celebrated for the group in the Irish Chapel, near the tomb of St. Peter.
“Strains of songs from other pilgrim groups reminded us that we were not alone (as a group or as members of the church),” she said.
She said her “hope and prayer is that the Core (professors) will grow closer to each other and to God’s plan for us through this trip.”
Msgr. Liddy ended his reflection by sharing what he has observed over the years. Whenever a group comes to Rome to live such an experience, the greatest gifts participants receive are “prayer, community, sharing and openness to the miracles that God can do as we travel together on this journey of transformation,” he said.
The Lay Centre is grateful for its longstanding relationship with Seton Hall University and was pleased to offer the Rome Seminar once again this year.
