From the Desk of the President

Summer 2006 President's Message

June 18, 2006

Feast of Corpus Christi

Dear Friends,

   As I have just returned from one month in Italy leading the second annual junior class trip to Rome and Norcia, I am pleased to correspond to you the immense blessing this new addition to the program provides for the College community.  The month spent together in Italy enables the students, faculty, and staff to live the Program of Studies in a culture outside the experience of the Warner campus.

   The first full week of the trip was spent touring ancient and early Christian Rome: the Forum, the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and the Arch of Constantine.  Then we visited some of the major churches and basilicas in Rome with a whole day set aside to tour St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel.  Our remaining time in Rome was spent touring numerous museums and historical sites including the catacombs, Monte Casino, and the tomb of St. Maria Gorretti on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea.  The highlight of our time there was a papal audience with Pope Benedict XVI.  Everyone erupted with shouts of joy when the Holy Father welcomed Magdalen College students and faculty.  The papal audience concluded our stay in Rome before we departed for Norcia.

   Norcia, an ancient walled city located in the beautiful Sibillini Mountains, provided a tranquil reflective atmosphere after the hustle and bustle of Rome.  Soon after we arrived in Norcia the locals recognized many of us from last year’s visit.  They were friendly and welcoming and would go out of their way to communicate with us. 

   Daily we attended Mass with the monks at the Basilica of St. Benedict in the center of Norcia.  Mornings were spent enjoying a cappuccino in one of the many sidewalk cafes.  After a cappuccino with a pastry, it was time for Italian lessons taught by alumnus Sean O’Keefe ’02 who now resides in Norcia.  The next tutorial studied was the Rule of St. Benedict and St. Bernard of Clairvaux, taught by Father Cassian Folsom, prior of the Monastery of St. Benedict and long time friend of the College.

   The afternoons provided leisure time for a siesta, walks in the countryside, and reading.  Before cena (supper) we joined the monks for Vespers in the crypt of the Monastery; the monks’ chant was rich and deeply prayerful.  After cena it was time for conversation, singing, or playing games on the back porch of our residence.  This leisure time allowed for many wonderful conversations reflecting upon the beauty that we experienced in nature, art, the liturgy, and in our friendships.  We prayed the rosary together most evenings watching the sunset and the stars appearing over the mountain tops.

   Everyone agreed the month in Italy exceeded our expectations.  It was an experience of a life time - a true blessing for the participants and the whole of the College program.  My thanks to Father Cassian, Father Andrew, Father Clement ’98, Sean O’Keefe ’02, the faculty, and students for a wonderful pilgrimage.  I am looking forward to next year already.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey J. Karls

President