My Rome Journey: Part Three

I began blogging about my recent journey to Rome for the Church Up Close conference for Catholic journalists. Part one is here and part two is here in case you haven't had a chance to read them.

I left off where I was taking a little rest in the homeless shelter, graciously allowed by the MC sisters in Rome.

 I got up from a very short rest, straightened up the bedspread on the bed and made my way over to the chapel to prepare for Mass.

The chapel was beautifully decorated for Mother's feast day. How comforting it felt to be there in that holy and loving place. Time stood still for me at Mass. God was blessing me, I had no doubt. I spoke to Him about all of His blessings for me and asked for a place to stay that night until I could get the keys the following day to where I was supposed to be staying.

The Mother Superior told me that a family she knew (who didn't speak English) would take me right after this Mass over to the other convent across town where the 7:00 PM Mass would be held. I had previously got word to my friend Mary while still in the U. S. (who was going to the Church Up Close conference as well) about the 7:00 PM Mass and hoped that she may be able to attend too.

After the Mass, another sister whom I met last year gave me a big hug outside the chapel. Feeling so filled with grace after the Mass, it was extraordinary to hear her words to me. She said something like,

"Donna-Marie! Mother Teresa brought you here to us this day - her feast day! She wanted you to be in our shelter and feel these feelings!"

It was as if she read my mind and heard my heart! I felt that her words to me were such an amazing confirmation about my earlier conversation with our Lord! God is so good. I was extremely thankful for His loving care and was so happy and humbled that He allowed me to experience all of this on dear Mother's feast day.

I talked a bit with sister there outside the chapel and then went to get my luggage and give more of my books to the Mother Superior. Then, it was off with the generous family who drove me across town to the other convent. It was there in the monastery next door that I was told I'd stay for the night.

Upon arriving to the big church next to the convent, I had to get my HUGE suitcase up the many stairs that led to the church. The kind gentleman who drove me assisted me. I felt that I needed to constantly apologize for my heavy suitcase. When you're an author, you bring your books to give away, and books are heavy! They didn't understand a word I said which made it all the more embarrassing.

I went over to the convent to see if I could let Sister S. know I had arrived. But, I was told that she wasn't there yet. She was over at Mother Teresa's exhibit. As I headed over for Mass, I turned a corner and there was the Cardinal coming towards me, reaching out his hand. I took it and kissed his ring. God was blessing me again!

I made my way into the huge crowd to find a seat for Mass. Droves of MC sisters filled the church along with the laity. Many of the sisters humbly sat in the back over to the side and on the floor. I squeezed through some people with my lap top computer case hanging on one shoulder and my purse on the other and managed to get a seat a couple of rows from the back of the packed church.

"Wow, two Masses on Mother's feast day - God is good!" I thought. The music started and Mass was beginning. I bowed my head in prayer and then just moments later felt someone tapping on my shoulder from behind. I turned to face a MC nun.

"Donna, it's me, Sister S., please come with me." She took me by the hand and led me through the crowd standing in the back of the church because she wanted to speak with me outside.

"Donna, where will you be staying tonight? We can't put you up here. It's a men's shelter," she explained. My heart sank and I felt that little tear well up in my eye again (exhaustion can do that to you).

"Oh, that's okay, Sister, I thought I was staying here but my friend Mary may be at this Mass and I'll see if I can arrange something or find a hotel." Sister said she'd be praying that Mary would be there. And I knew that it was getting later by the moment (and this would be a long holy Mass) and I wasn't sure where I would end up - would any hotels have vacancies?

I went back to my seat, set down my things and prayed. "Oh, Lord, what am I to do? But, thank you for bringing me to this holy place, I know You have a plan. I surrender everything over to You."

I felt our Lord tell me "I had no place to lay my head." I thanked Him profusely for allowing me to feel these feelings and to have the grace and really no other choice than to depend on Him.

To be continued...

Arriving in Rome on Mother Teresa's feast day: Part Two

Last night I began to recount my journey in a blog post regarding my recent trip to Rome where I attended the "Church Up Close" conference for Catholic journalists. I "happened" to arrive in Rome, Italy on Mother Teresa's feast day. Those of you who know me I'm sure realize that Mother's feast day is a big deal to me. Here's the first post in case you didn't read it.

So, there I was at the Missionaries of Charity convent, feeling quite exhausted as well as a bit awkward because of the way I showed up at the convent unannounced and with baggage, inquiring about a place to stay. I wasn't supposed to be there until later that evening to accompany the sisters to the feast day Mass at the other convent's church.

Earlier, the Mother Superior told me that the plans had changed and the sisters would not be going to the 7:00 PM Mass. She explained that there would be a 5:00 PM Mass for Mother Teresa's feast day right there at the convent's chapel and I was welcome to come.

"Great!" I thought. "I'll not only be able to get to Mass for my Sunday obligation, but I'll also be with the MC sisters on this beautiful feast day. God is so good to me!" Sister showed me where we'd store my suitcase for the time being and then ushered me to the the women's shelter and showed me a bed that wasn't being used. "You can rest on this bed," she told me.

Then, off to the dining room where I was given a plate of food. As I ate my meal, a young woman from the shelter came quietly into the room and sat right across from me at the table. She seemed very interested in watching me eat. I asked her if she'd like some of my food and she said, "Si."

So, I cut her pieces of my nectarine and handed her one at a time. She ate them right up and thanked me by nodding and smiling. I couldn't help but see Jesus in the young woman as she took each piece of fruit and asked me for more with her eyes. I was so thankful for God's grace on Mother's feast day - He was allowing me to experience this encounter of what Mother would describe as encountering "Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor."

I then felt inspired to take out a Miraculous medal from my purse and asked the woman if she'd like it. "Si," she replied. I helped her to put it onto her plastic heart necklace that adorned her neck. She seemed so happy to be wearing it. I asked her if I could snap her photo. She was delighted. After a while, she left the room to sit out in the courtyard with the other women who lived in the shelter.

My dinner "guest" wearing her new Miraculous medal

I didn't plan to nap or rest even though I was really very tired and sore. I knew I'd probably feel worse from the jet-lag after a nap and Mass would be coming up soon as well. I wanted to make a visit to the chapel and have a little time to be with Jesus to express my thanks for all of His blessings. So, after I cleaned up my dishes, I made my way over to the Blessed Sacrament. On the way, I passed the huge bronze statue of Mother Teresa that I had seen last year while in Rome, only this time she was adorned with a necklace of flowers for her feast day.




In the MC courtyard near the chapel






In the M C chapel on Mother's feast day


Later, Sister came and found me in the chapel and suggested that I rest. I did what I was told and laid down on the bed for about fifteen minutes or so, because it was already almost time for Mass to begin. I felt tremendous grace again, being given a unique experience to once again be in a women's shelter, lying on one of the beds.





My bed


I had once stayed in Harlem, NY at the MC's women's shelter when I was there for a long week end to help with the soup kitchen and participate in the prayer life of the sisters while also being guided by a retreat at the convent given by my spiritual director, Fr. John A. Hardon S. J. I recounted that Harlem shelter experience in my book: Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship.

That Sunday in Rome, I was feeling a great gift from God, allowing me to be at the shelter and MC convent, all the while still feeling a bit "homeless." This part of my experience is very difficult for me to articulate. The combination of being allowed to feel "homeless" and cared for at the same time is a grace that filled me with joy and gratitude.

"Trust and surrrender" echoed in my heart...

To be continued...

Arriving in Rome for the Church Up Close conference.

I left for Rome, Italy to attend the "Church Up Close" conference on Saturday, September 4th. I knew it wasn't a coincidence that I would arrive in Rome on my dear friend Mother Teresa's feast day (the 5th). I loved the fact that I would be staying close by to the MC sisters whom I had visited and spent some time with the year prior while I was in Rome. I'd for sure be visiting them. I pass their convent every time I walk to St. Peter's.

I had spoken with the Mother Teresa archivist who is an MC sister (located in Rome) a couple of days prior to my departure from the U. S. because I wanted to know if any special festivities were planned and if there was a Mass that I could possibly attend. She told me that there was a 7:00 PM Mass at the convent where she lives which is quite a distance away from where the MC sisters live near the Vatican which is close by to where I would be staying. The Mass sounded great. I would have plenty of time to get there and would be able to celebrate the special day with the sisters. God is so good, I thought and told  Sister S. during our phone conversation that I truly felt the hand of God in all of the details.

I didn't sleep on the night flight to Rome which was no surprise to me. I rarely catch even a few winks on those flights. I'll be the first to admit that I am not good at sleeping in a confined tight space with people all around, coupled with the aches and pains that come so easily to me from sitting much too long and because of injuries I sustained in a car accident a couple of years ago. I prayed I'd receive the grace to deal with the after affects.

I retrieved my luggage after I landed in Italy and headed out to find my driver who would be holding a sign "DONNA COOPER O'BOYLE." "Great, there he is!" I thought. Everything was going smoothly - just need a shower and something to eat eventually. Rest would be very welcome too! Off we went to head to my friend's apartment. I'd get the keys from the doorman because my friend was actually visiting the U. S. at the time that I would be in Rome. I'd settle in and a couple hours later would walk the 4 blocks or so to the MC sisters to let them know I had arrived. We'd  then hop the bus together to go over to the special feast day Mass for Mother Teresa. The sister who is the archivist had called ahead to the Mother Superior to arrange the details.

The only problem was that when I arrived at the apartment, I couldn't find the door man. Where was he? I had wondered about the fact that it was Sunday and maybe it was his day off. And, sure enough, it was! So, instead of going in to my friend's home, I was standing on the sidewalk with my large suitcase, which was beginning to appear larger by the moment, holding my laptop carrying case over one shoulder and my purse over the other and wracking my brain about how to get in touch with the doorman. I was exhausted. This wasn't supposed to happen. I called my friend by cell phone and left her a message, but didn't have a number to leave her since the driver whose cell phone I used to call her would be leaving me momentarily and I didn't have a European cell phone.

Since I had mentioned the sisters to the driver on the way from the airport, he decided he'd drop me off there because he had to leave to do another route. At least I wasn't being left on the sidewalk in Rome with all my stuff, feeling too exhausted to lug it all around in search of a bed for the night and without a phone to make any arrangements. I had been hoping for a shower, maybe some breakfast too. Even though I'd be dropped off at the sisters, it was much earlier than planned and I'd be showing up with all of this STUFF! It was embarrassing just thinking about how to explain my predicament to them. Probably because I was just so tired.

The driver dropped me off at the MC door and I got out and knocked. A woman opened the door and I tried to explain my dilemma. She was eyeing my HUGE suitcase (looked like I planned to stay for 10 days) and was telling me I couldn't stay.

"Oh, well, actually, Sister knows I'll be here to go to the Mass later on with a group of sisters. I have my stuff with me because I couldn't get the keys to where I am staying." My words seemed so feeble, and very poorly described my predicament. the woman called for the Mother Superior. I waited just inside the door, leaning up against the wall for support.

Sister Agnes came up to the door and saw my things and me. She proceeded to tell me that plans had changed and they wouldn't be going over to the 7:00 PM Mass. They would have already gone to Mass. Another blow - first, no key, now, no Mass. I felt a tiny tear well  up in my eye very quickly followed by a couple more. I hoped it wasn't visible to anyone. I was exhausted and felt a bit homeless - in a country where I didn't know the language and I wasn't sure what I was going to do at that point. Prayer, for sure, that was a given, I had been praying mightily. I'd hopefully be able to find a Mass at St. Peter's or some other church. I had been looking forward to Mass with the sisters for Mother Teresa's feast day though. And, please God a hotel with a vacancy. God had a plan. I had no doubt. I just had all that STUFF to worry about, a weary brain, and a very sore neck and back while figuring out what to do.

As tough as the situation seemed, I couldn't miss the beautiful picture of Mother Teresa hanging on the wall nearby that made me feel that she was almost laughing at me, or rather laughing with me - even asking me to laugh with her. She was reassuring me that all would be well - "trust in God, surrender your will" she seemed to be reminding me. "It doesn't seem convenient to be homeless, but here you are, not on the street - with my sisters on my feast day, at least for this moment..."

To be continued tomorrow, God willing. I am exhausted (jet-lag).

In ROMA!

In case you didn't know, I am in Rome! I have been here since Sunday, Mother Teresa's feast day. I have so much to write to you about - all of the wonderful experiences here, but every night I get back to my apartment very late and in desperate need of sleep! We have packed to the brim days here at the Church Up Close Program held at the University of the Holy Cross. This is my feeble (but loving) attempt to at least write a short "Ciao!" with a promise for more news soon. :) How's that? I am taking lots of photos but don't have a way to upload them from my camera right now. I'll post the few I have on my IPhone soon. You'll have to wait until I get back home to see the others.

One highlight of today was going to Mass tonight at a church of St. Monica. Her relics are under the altar! I have a few photos. You can bet I prayed for all mothers and grandmothers out there who are praying for their children's and grandchildren's return to the Church. I asked for her intercession for everyone!

I was also interviewed by Rome Reports about my book Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship and my relationship with her. It was filmed up on the rooftop of the University of the Holy Cross here in Rome where the conference is being held. The backdrop up there on the roof is unbelievably magnificent! The piece may be on the website of Rome Reports.Com on Tuesday and then at some point it will be aired through EWTN TV.

I'll write again when I can. You are in my prayers! Please pray for me and all of the participants here. Thank you!

Ciao!

Rome Bound!

It's been so busy around here I haven't had a chance to tell you all about my upcoming trip to Rome! I can't believe that I'll be leaving on Saturday! Please pray for my travels and all of the journalists traveling to gather with me at a Catholic journalist's conference. Thank you very much for your prayers! I'll fill you in a bit more very soon.

Sweet dreams!

Donna-Marie

The Church Up Close!

I'll be "up close" to the heart of the Church, which as we know is at the Vatican in Rome, Italy. I am very honored that I was recently chosen to participate in the "Church Up Close Program" for Catholic journalists which will cover "the Church in the age of Pope Benedict XVI."

From the program description: Combining class-room seminars, personal meetings, and on-site visits, the Seminar gives journalists an array of tools to strengthen their coverage: a basic sense of the lay of the land at the Vatican; a serious, in-depth analysis of specific hot-button issues confronting today’s Church; a personal introduction to some knowledgeable insiders and key players in Rome; a taste of the rich history and culture behind contemporary Church affairs; a chance to dialogue, in an ideal setting, with journalists from around the world, on the complex relationships between religion and the media.

With God's grace and my participation in this program, I'll be keeping you posted on what's happening in the Church! Pray for me please!

God bless!

Donna-Marie