This year’s Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) Youth Work retreat took leaders to Rome. With representatives from nearly all dioceses across the island, we took flight from Dublin Airport on a typical misty Irish morning, setting off with our sights firmly fixed on the “Eternal City.” After landing safely following a bit of turbulence on the way over, we arrived at our accommodation, the Monastery of San Gregorio al Celio. Talk about staying in a piece of history! This was the very spot where Pope Gregory the Great commissioned St Augustine’s mission to England in 597 AD—essentially the original “mission control” for relations with the Anglican Communion. After climbing the many steps to the front door and the rooms, we had an opportunity to settle in before setting out on a short tour with Canon Daniel. We took in sights including the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Altare della Patria, the Pantheon, and the Anglican Centre in Rome. The day concluded with a group dinner where we caught up and experienced the relaxed nature of Italian service before an evening stroll back for some well-earned rest.

As the sun rose on day two, the group met for a short morning devotion led by Canon Daniel before bundling into taxis for the Vatican. For many, it was a first experience of Italian traffic; we were all very quick to find our seatbelts, sit in the back, and try not to look at the road! Unfortunately, those in the front seat were pressing “imaginary brakes” every five seconds, but their prayer lives were certainly strengthened by the experience. Upon reaching the Vatican walls, we were greeted by the Irish Ambassador to the Holy See, Frances Collins, and her deputy, Erin Swan. However, before our tour of St Peter’s Basilica could begin, a quick wardrobe crisis struck. In a true act of diplomatic grace, Ambassador Collins saved the day—let’s just say someone got to wear the Ambassador’s own dress for the day! This ensured we were all ready for our private entry, bypassing the huge crowds to enter through a separate door where our guide took us through the Basilica’s immense history.

Afterwards, we headed to the Ambassador’s residence for a fascinating ecumenical roundtable. We had the unique opportunity to learn from those at the heart of Christian dialogue in Rome, including Bishop Anthony Ball (Anglican Centre), Martin Browne (Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity), Rev. Tara Curlewis (WCRC), Chris Trott (British Ambassador), Rev. Matthew A. Laferty (Methodist Ecumenical Office), and Eoin McCormack (Pontifical Irish College). We heard about the vital inter-Christian dialogue happening between denominations, followed by a lunch where we chatted informally over amazing food and water that “may or may not have turned into wine.” The afternoon brought a sudden shift from blue skies to a torrential downpour, leading to a “mad dash” for cover through the Roman shops. Once we dried off and rested, the group headed out for dinner, detouring to see the Irish Pontifical College and the beautiful illumination of the historical buildings by night.

Our final full day started with devotions led by Luke Hawkins, Youth Ministry Development Officer. We took the Metro south to visit the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, which offered a reflective contrast to the previous day with its simple grandeur. We then returned to the Anglican Centre in Rome for a roundtable discussion with Bishop Anthony Ball on his ministry and the Centre’s significance. Those making sure to hit over their 20,000 steps count visited the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore—the third out of four basilicas in Rome, though unfortunately, we didn’t quite get the full set on our “bingo card” this time! We also visited the famous Trevi Fountain to recreate Ed’s Facebook photo from his last visit. As we gathered for the “Last Supper,” the group reflected on the friendships and memories made before returning to our parishes inspired to share the experience with our young people.

Our gratitude to Barbara Swann, Simon Henry, and Luke Hawkins (CIYD) for their seamless organisation; Canon Daniel Nuzum (United Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross) for his expert guidance; Hilda Connolly (United Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocesan Youth Officer) for her instrumental connections; Ambassador Frances Collins for her hospitality and “wardrobe rescue”; and Bishop Anthony Ball for the warm welcome to the Anglican Centre.

By Andrew O’Brien