Our Family Trip to Rome!

We had the great privilege and blessing to be able to go on a family trip to Rome this month! I thought I’ll share the text portion of my travel diary for this blogpost.

(As we took a lot of pictures during this trip, I made another ‘digital scrapbook model’ travel diary using Goodnotes.)

Planning and Jubilee year of Hope 2025! 

As Anita was doing a semester in Rome from the University of Dallas, Anup felt it would be a good time to visit Rome together as a family while she was there. We prayed about it and the doors seemed to open from different angles. As an added bonus, it was the Catholic Jubilee Year of Hope 2025; so we decided to go. We started preparations months ahead, with booking tickets and Airbnb and other ticketed events. As we learned about nearby cities, we decided to include day trips to several cities north, south and east of Rome, that it turned out to be more of an Italy tour, than an exclusive Rome trip, although we were based in Rome for the whole 2 weeks. 

Most nights we would gather together to watch videos about navigating Rome, Roman culture and food, places to visit, and other things we need to know before going. We also got a lot of tips and contact information from several friends and acquaintances. Thus started our journey! 

We also had the kids do a lot of ‘Rome learning’ in our homeschool, understanding ancient Roman culture and monuments, history of the Middle Ages in Rome, major Catholic events and sacred sites and relics in Rome and Vatican City, saints who lived and died in Rome and surrounding cities, art and architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Rome, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and major artists and sculptors of those eras. 

The kids kept small Rome journals, including some fun facts and pictures  and other things that they learned. We also tried to learn Italian as much as we could. 

We really wished to see the Pope and had secured tickets for the Papal Audience, but the days preceding our trip, the Holy Father was sick and several events were canceled. So we accepted that we may not be in much luck. 

April 9, 2025 

We left home around 10:45 AM CST for our 2:30pm flight from IAH on the Turkish airlines. The first flight was 11 hours to Istanbul. We had a 2.5 hour layover before our second flight to the Flumicino-Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome, which was about 2.75 hours. We reached Rome on April 10, 2025 pm at 2:30pm. 

April 10, 2015 

We had rented an Airbnb in Cornelia for the whole stay. We also had booked 2 drivers for rides some of the days. Rest of the days we mostly took the Metro and walked to places. The drivers picked us from the airport and dropped us at the Airbnb. Today, we mostly stayed in the Airbnb and got settled in. Anita joined us in the evening. Slept little early to overcome jet lag. 

April 11, 2025 – The Four Major Basilicas Pilgrimage

We decided it would be great to do a pilgrimage through the Holy Doors of the 4 major Papal Basilicas, right the first day itself; and we were not disappointed! 

St. Peter’s Basilica

We began our pilgrimage through the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica at noon. This was a very powerful way to mark the Jubilee Year! The basilica’s vast interior was overwhelming in its beauty!  Beneath the altar lies the tomb of St. Peter, the very first Pope. The dome, designed by Michelangelo, made us truly feel like heaven was reaching down to touch earth. The heavens, the Holy Spirit, the keys, the altar, the tomb of St Peter, all perfectly aligned- this was truly perfectly planned and executed! We also went around to the small chapels around the main church area.  It was humbling to be standing where millions of pilgrims have stood before us.

San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St. Paul Outside the Walls)

Before heading to the next basilica, we first stopped at San Paula Tre Fontane where St Paul was under house arrest, and later beheaded. It was so inspiring to know that we were standing in the same place that St Paul was detained, 2000 years ago! The upper level has the site where he was beheaded, and the 3 spots where his head bounced thrice, where fountains of water emerged afterwards! 

Next we traveled to the immense basilica built over the tomb of St. Paul, San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St. Paul Outside the Walls). We were especially awed by the medallions of every pope in history, lining the walls! Entering through the Holy Door, we felt the peace and solemnity of this sacred site. It was an awesome experience to pray over the sarcophagus of the great Apostle to the Gentiles.

St. John Lateran

Known as the “Mother Church” of the world, this is actually the cathedral of the Pope. The ornate interior and massive statues of the apostles left a lasting impression on us. This was the very first Christian basilica built in Rome. Inside, we saw the reliquary said to contain the skulls of Sts. Peter and Paul. It was amazing to walk through another Holy Door here, linking us spiritually to centuries of Christians.

St. Mary Major

Our final stop of the day—this basilica is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and holds relics of Jesus’ manger. We were fascinated to see the wooden pieces believed to be from the manger of Jesus. The gold ceiling was made with the first shipment of gold from the New World. This basilica holds relics of Jesus’ manger and is the oldest church in the West dedicated to Our Lady. The artwork tells the story of Mary’s role in salvation history.

Today was an immensely grace-filled day—visiting all four major basilicas in one day truly felt like a pilgrimage of a lifetime.

April 12, 2025 – Milan and Venice on Anup’s 50th Birthday

Today was a special day, Anup’s 50th birthday! It was probably the most hectically planned day of our trip. We were to leave from Rome early morning to Venice, then Padua,  and reach Venice, all in the same day!

Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan – The Last Supper

We took the high-speed Italo train to Milan.   Our first stop was Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Seeing the mural in person was a surreal experience—its faded colors still so powerful. We had a tour guide who put everything in perspective in terms of showing us how the picture was meant to feel like Jesus and the apostles were actually dining with the friars in the room, when the evening light shone through. The silence in the room, the solemnity, reminded us we were in the presence of something not just artistic, but spiritual.

Duomo di Milano

Next, we climbed the rooftop of Milan’s magnificent Gothic cathedral—over 2,000 statues and 135 spires reaching skyward! The view from the top was breathtaking, and the kids loved spotting gargoyles and saints perched in marble. The cathedral is the largest in Italy (after St. Peter’s), and inside, we paused at the tombs of saints and the golden statue of the Madonnina atop the spire.

We headed to the train station. We had a sweet little celebration at a McDonald’s in the train station for Anup’s birthday, with a small ‘cake’ that Anita managed to get without him noticing;  a sweet and unforgettable memory!

Venice Arrival

As we took longer than expected at the Duomo, we missed our train to Padua, so we set straight to Venice. We took a train connection and arrived exhausted after a long day. We had rented an Airbnb at Maestro, Venice. We went to sleep as early as possible, to explore the wonders of Venice the next day. 

April 13, 2025 – Mass at St. Mark’s & Venetian Wonders

St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice

We woke early to make it in time for 8 AM Palm Sunday Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica. We had to take a bus and a water bus from Maestro. St Mark’s Square was literally empty when we reached there at 7:30am, which turned out to be a blessing as later in the day, it was flooded with people! Entering the golden Byzantine-style basilica, filled with glittering mosaics, felt like stepping into a heavenly palace. This church holds the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, smuggled from Alexandria by Venetian merchants in the 9th century. Attending Mass there—while the city was still waking up—was a gift. 

Murano Island – Glassmaking

Later, we took the Vaporetto (waterbus) to Murano, famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. We looked through the windows of stores that sold products  with molten glass shaped into flowers and animals. Lunch at Trattoria Ai Vetra gave us a taste of local flavors—simple, rustic, and so delicious.

When we reached back mainstream Venice from Murano, we walked around, crossed bridges, window shopped, and just soaked in the beauty of Venice. The small pathways that were deserted in the morning when we arrived, were now filled with people, and life. 

Doge’s Palace & Rialto Bridge

Back in Venice, we said goodbye to Anita as she returned to her campus. We wandered through Venice, saw the famous Rialto Bridge, and indulged in treats at Captain Candy. The Doge’s Palace was also a unique experience. There is a staircase where the whole roof is made of pure gold. We learned about the Venetian Republic, its leaders (the Doges), saw beautiful painting and architecture, and walked across the Bridge of Sighs, which was where the prisoners saw their last view of Venice before being executed. We could almost hear the echoes of history in the halls.

Return to Rome

The journey back to Rome by train was quiet and reflective. Everyone was tired but content, full of the beauty and wonder we’d absorbed in Milan and Venice. We arrived back at our Airbnb close to 10 PM—ready for the next chapter of our pilgrimage.

April 14, 2025 – A Day with Anita, the Pope’s Summer Home & A Special Mass

University of Dallas Rome Campus

We began the day by visiting Anita at her University of Dallas campus, just outside of Rome. The campus was peaceful, with olive trees, quiet stone paths, and beautiful views of the Roman countryside. It was meaningful to see where she’s been studying—and living for the past few months. There is a well within her campus, which according to history, is believed that it is the well where St Peter and St Paul first met, in Rome. 

Castel Gandolfo – The Pope’s Summer Residence

Next, we traveled to Castel Gandolfo, a small hilltop town with stunning views of Lake Albano. The Apostolic Palace here served as the Pope’s summer home for centuries. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI spent his first months of retirement here. We were able to tour the Palace and see the exact cars and rooms our previous popes used! This place has given rest to popes since the 17th century. Lunch at a local fast food place was simple but satisfying—Italian fast food hits different!

Coming back to the city, we were able to see some parts of Ancient Rome, including the Aurelian wall, Appian way, and Circus Maximus. 

The Pantheon – Temple Turned Church

We made our way through the cobbled Roman streets to the Pantheon. Once a Roman temple to all the gods, it’s now a Catholic church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. We listened to the audio tour as we walked under the grand dome—still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome! It was amazing to learn it’s stood strong since around 126 AD. Inside, we pointed out the tombs of the artist Raphael and Italian kings. The oculus at the top of the dome fascinated the kids—light streaming in from above, open to the sky. The little ones had recently learned about it at their museum science class, and were delighted to see it first hand. 

First Taste of Gelato

Somewhere between the Pantheon and our return to St. Peter’s, we stopped for our very first gelato in Italy! Cold, creamy, and bursting with flavor—it was every bit as good as we hoped.

Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica – A Privilege

That evening, we returned to St. Peter’s Basilica for a special guided tour, which ended in the most incredible way: attending Mass at the main chapel of St. Peter’s itself! The sacred atmosphere, the music, and the sheer scale of the basilica made it an unforgettable spiritual experience. We felt truly blessed.

That night, after stopping for groceries and dinner, we headed back to our Airbnb with hearts full.

April 15, 2025 – Catacombs, Holy Relics, and Sacred Steps

Catacombs of San Callisto and St. Sebastian

We started the day by exploring the early Christian catacombs on the Appian Way. At San Callisto, we descended into the quiet, cool tunnels where early Christians buried their dead and worshipped in secret. We were fascinated by the maze-like passages and ancient inscriptions. We had a tour guide lead us, and we learned how the persecuted Church found hope underground. At St. Sebastian’s, we prayed near the tomb of St Sebastian. 

Church of Domine Quo Vadis

Near the catacombs, we visited the little Church of Domine Quo Vadis. According to tradition, this is where St. Peter had a vision of Christ while fleeing persecution in Rome. When Peter asked, “Domine, quo vadis?” (“Lord, where are you going?”), Jesus replied, “To Rome, to be crucified again.” Inspired, Peter returned—and faced his martyrdom. A powerful lesson in courage and faith.

Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme – Relics of the Passion

Next, we visited this basilica built to house relics from Jesus’ Passion, brought to Rome by St. Helena, the mother of Constantine. Among the relics we saw were a nail from the Crucifixion, thorns from the Crown, and a piece of the True Cross. We also saw the finger of St. Thomas, the apostle who doubted. We used this opportunity to touch our rosaries and religious items to the relics—making them third-class relics. It was a deeply moving and reverent experience for all of us.

Scala Sancta – The Holy Stairs

Then, we made our way to the Scala Sancta, the stairs Jesus climbed before Pontius Pilate, brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena. We ascended the 28 marble steps on our knees, praying quietly. It was a powerful and emotional act of penance. 

Return to St. John Lateran & Vatican Museums

We returned once more to St. John Lateran, walking through the Holy Door again—such a grace during the Jubilee Year! In the afternoon, we visited the Vatican Museums. We wandered through galleries of Roman sculpture, Renaissance tapestries, and finally reached the Sistine Chapel. We were in awe at Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam and Last Judgment—images we had studied back home now surrounding us. 

Meeting Sr. Thresa & Pizza Night

At the end of the day, we met Daddy’s second cousin, Sr. Thresa, who warmly guided us to the metro. It was our first time seeing her, but it felt really nice to be seeing one of our distant relatives right here in Rome! Dinner that night was a fun, relaxed affair: big slices from Alice Pizza Al Taglio. After such a deep and meaningful day, it was just the comfort we needed.

April 16, 2025 – A Journey to Assisi on Daddy’s 2nd Death Anniversary

Though we had secured tickets for the Papal Audience, it was canceled as the Holy Father was still sick and on rest. So we left for our pre-planned trips in the morning itself. 

Greccio – Where the First Nativity Was Born

We began our pilgrimage early, heading to Greccio, a quiet little town nestled in the hills of Umbria. This is where St. Francis of Assisi created the very first live Nativity scene in 1223, to help people understand the humility of Christ’s birth. We were welcomed by Sr. Mercy, who kindly gave us a mini tour of the sanctuary. Seeing nativity sets from around the world—crafted in so many cultures and styles—touched something deep in all of us. It was especially meaningful to be here on Daddy’s death anniversary, in a place that celebrates the Incarnation and God’s closeness to humanity.

Assisi – A Walk with the Saints

Arriving in Assisi felt like walking into a medieval painting. It is such a beautiful city!  The peaceful hills and winding paths guided us through a sacred journey. We started at the tiny Porziuncola, the humble chapel St. Francis rebuilt with his own hands. Here, the children were reminded of our studies back home: how Francis heard God say, “Rebuild my church.”

At the Basilica of St. Clare, we viewed her incorrupt body. Her simple life of prayer and poverty resonated with us. We touched our rosaries and items to her tomb, creating new third-class relics.

Then, we visited the church built around the home of St. Francis’ family—where he grew up before giving everything away for Christ.

Blessed Carlo Acutis

One of the most memorable moments for the kids was seeing the incorrupt body of Blessed Carlo Acutis—a modern saint and teenager who used technology to spread Eucharistic miracles. They were inspired by how someone so young and relatable had already left such a holy legacy. Again, we touched our rosaries and items to his tomb, creating new third-class relics.

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

We ended our time in Assisi at the grand basilica built in honor of St. Francis. Descending to his tomb was deeply moving; we prayed in silence, thinking of the simplicity and joy that marked his life. 

On the way out, we treated ourselves to gelato and picked up pastries from a cozy little café. It was the perfect end to a day that was both spiritual and tender—honoring Daddy by walking with the saints.

April 17, 2025 – Ancient Rome and an Unexpected Church

The Colosseum – History Comes Alive

We started the day with a Metro ride to the Colosseum. Despite the cold and rain, we were all eager to see this iconic monument. We had read about the gladiators and the early Christian martyrs, and walking through the ancient arena made it all real. We talked about how early Christians may have been martyred here, choosing faith over fear. The sheer scale of the structure is staggering—it could hold up to 50,000 spectators!

Roman Forum – The Heart of Ancient Rome

From there, we explored the Roman Forum. These ruins—columns, arches, and temples—once formed the center of Roman political and religious life. We saw the arch of Constantine. It was fascinating to connect the dots between Ancient Rome and early Church history, showing how the Church emerged right in the shadow of empire.

Lunch and Reflection

We grabbed lunch at a local frattoria—warm comfort food on a drizzly day. The kids were tired but happy, and we enjoyed just sitting, talking, and warming up with pasta and pizza. 

After these 2 tours, we were really cold and wet, so we took the metro back to the Airbnb to be ready for the Holy Thursday mass. 

St. Philip Neri Church – Evening Mass in Cornelia

We were little too tired to walk back to the metro for mass at one of the basilicas. Plus Anita was only able to join us by 6:15pm. So we walked to a local parish for evening Mass at St. Philip Neri in the local neighborhood in Cornelia, where we were staying. It was a quiet, welcoming church—and an unexpected grace. Being able to end the day in prayer, close to our temporary home in Rome, gave a sense of rootedness to our journey.

Dinner – Chinese Cuisine in Italy

Dinner was something different—a Chinese restaurant we had spotted earlier. It was surprisingly good and reminded us of the fun and flexibility that travel brings. Afterward, we settled into the Airbnb, recharging for another pilgrimage day ahead.

April 18, 2025 – Miracles, Saints, and Sacred Caves

Lanciano – The Eucharistic Miracle

We left early, embarking on a long drive to Lanciano, a small town where a profound Eucharistic miracle took place in the 8th century. A doubting priest witnessed the Host turn into flesh and the wine into blood during Mass—visible even today! Standing before the relics inside the Church of San Francesco was humbling. The children quietly observed the display, and we spoke about how science has confirmed that the flesh is heart tissue and the blood is of type AB—the same type found on the Shroud of Turin. To witness such a powerful affirmation of the Real Presence in the Eucharist was phenomenal! 

San Giovanni Rotondo – Home of Padre Pio

Our next stop was San Giovanni Rotondo, the beloved home of St. Padre Pio, the Capuchin friar known for his stigmata, miraculous healings, and deep spiritual wisdom. We saw his incorrupt body resting beneath the sanctuary—preserved and peaceful. His presence was palpable. We were able to again touch our sacred items to make third class relics. 

The attached museum brought his life closer to us: his simple cell, blood-stained gloves, and personal letters revealed a man of humility, suffering, and profound faith. 

Monte Sant’Angelo – Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel

Next, we drove high into the mountains to reach the Grotto of St. Michael, a site where the Archangel is said to have appeared three times in the 5th century. The grotto, cool and quiet, holds centuries of prayer. 

The long day of sacred encounters ended with an overnight stay at an Airbnb in Pompeii. Tired but fulfilled, we all fell asleep, to be refreshed for the next day. 

April 19, 2025 – Pompeii’s Past and the Beauty of the Amalfi Coast

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii

We began the day with a visit to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii, founded by Blessed Bartolo Longo, a former Satanist who converted and dedicated his life to promoting the Rosary. The story of his conversion and devotion to Mary was a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and how deeply lives can be transformed.

The basilica was grand and welcoming, a place of healing and prayer. We paused to offer intentions and to thank Our Lady for protecting our journey.

Ruins of Pompeii – Frozen in Time

Then we walked over to the ancient Pompeii ruins, a city frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The streets, houses, and frescoes told stories of daily Roman life—suddenly stopped. It was eerie and awe-inspiring. The kids were fascinated by the plaster casts of the victims, preserved in their final moments. We talked about the power of nature, and how life can change in an instant.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t get tickets to hike Mount Vesuvius, which Anup really wanted to, but seeing the volcano looming in the background added gravity to the experience.

Amalfi Coast – A Glimpse of Heaven

After Pompeii, we drove to the Amalfi Coast. The winding roads opened to breathtaking views—cliffs, turquoise sea, and pastel-colored towns. We went to the Cathedral of St Andrew where relics of St Andrew were brought there in the 13th century, after the 4th crusade . We stopped for gelato (of course!) and let the kids stretch and soak in the beauty. It felt like a reward after a long few days.

Return to Rome

We reached Rome by 11:15 pm, tired but filled with gratitude. The drive was long, but the peace we carried back with us made it worthwhile. We went to bed knowing Easter was just around the corner—a perfect end to this leg of our pilgrimage.

April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday in Rome: A Day of Joy and Unexpected Blessings

Mass at St. Mary Major Basilica

Though we were physically tired with all the back to back trips and day trips, Anita insisted we go for Easter mass at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas of Rome. So we set out extra early at 8:15 am to catch the metro and reach in time to secure a spot for the 10am Holy Mass. We were so happy we did! It was a special feeling to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection in such a holy and historic place.  There was an added bonus that was Pope Francis’ favorite basilica where he would come to pray to Mother Mary, before and after any trip he takes outside Rome. So though we couldn’t attend Easter mass at St Peter’s basilica, we were at the Holy Fathers’s favorite basilica! 

Being there as a family, surrounded by pilgrims from all over the world, gave a new depth to our understanding of the universality of the Church.

(Inside Papal Basilica of St Mary Major after Easter Mass)

 

Spanish Steps and a Special Surprise

After Mass, we took the Metro to the Spanish Steps, one of the most iconic spots in Rome. Climbing to the top, we visited the church Trinità dei Monti—and were stunned to find the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux there! They were on loan from France for the Jubilee Year. We hadn’t planned for this, and it felt like a personal gift from God. We spent quiet time in prayer and awe before her reliquary.

A Peaceful Afternoon and St Peter’s Square

We grabbed lunch at a local Italian pizzeria. 

After lunch, we headed to St Peter’s Square one last time, to take a family picture, in our Easter clothes. 

The kids were starting to feel a bit under the weather, so we returned to the Airbnb for some rest. Anita left around 3:30 pm to return to her university campus, and we were grateful she had been able to join us for so much of the trip.

Dinner from Our Favorite Spot

We wrapped up the day with dinner from the same Chinese restaurant we had enjoyed earlier—comfort food after an emotionally rich day. Though quiet and restful, this Easter Sunday will stay in our hearts as one of the most spiritually full we’ve ever had.

April 21, 2025 – A Day of Beauty and Loss: Pisa and Florence

News of Pope Francis

This morning, we set off for a long day trip to Pisa and Florence.

On the drive, we received the sad news of the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. We were stunned and deeply moved. As pilgrims in Rome during the Jubilee Year, it felt especially personal. We also learned later that the Holy Father had made his last public appearance at St Peter’s Square few hours before we were there on Easter Sunday! And we felt all the more grateful that we could attend Easter mass at his favorite basilica that he also chose to be buried! This was the real highlight of our pilgrimage and made our whole trip all the more blessed! 

“Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, may perpetual light shine upon him, may the soul of Pope Francis, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen” 

Pisa – The Leaning Tower

Our first stop was Pisa, famous for its iconic Leaning Tower. We admired the grand Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cathedral. We couldn’t explore inside as there was a long wait for tickets. Despite the somber mood from the morning’s news, there was joy in experiencing this place we’d only seen in pictures before.

Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance

Next, we drove to Florence, the city of Michelangelo, the Medici, and the Renaissance. We visited the Duomo—with its breathtaking dome designed by Brunelleschi—and took in the art and beauty of the attached museum and Baptistry, known for its “Gates of Paradise” doors. The marble patterns and colored façades were beautiful. 

One highlight was seeing Michelangelo’s David—a sculpture that stunned us all with its sheer scale and lifelike beauty.

We walked along the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s famous golden bridge, full of jewelry shops and artists. The kids wanted to stop at Captain Candy again (a new tradition, perhaps?) and we browsed the leather market, picking up a few souvenirs.

Evening Return to Rome

We returned to our Airbnb around 10 pm, grabbing pizza along the way. The day had been long and full—of beauty, of history, of unexpected sorrow. Yet we felt grateful for the time together, the depth of the experience, and the powerful reminder of how life and eternity meet in the most sacred moments.

April 22, 2025 – The Last Walk: Ancient Towns and Farewell to Rome

Civita di Bagnoregio – The Dying City

On our last full day in Italy, we took a short day trip to Civita di Bagnoregio, known as “the dying city.” This ancient town, is founded by the Etruscans, 2500 years ago. It is perched on a crumbling hilltop, and slowly being reclaimed by nature due to erosion. Walking the long footbridge into the town felt like entering another world, suspended in time.

The cobbled streets, medieval arches, and quiet charm offered a reflective space to think back on our journey. We talked about the fragility of time and how some things survive centuries—like this town—and how others vanish like Pompeii. It was a peaceful, almost poetic farewell to Italy’s countryside.

Back in Rome – Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Wall

Returning to Rome in the afternoon, our first stop was the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Wall, which our 8th child, Agnes was super excited about, and was the main thing she wanted to visit ever since we started learning about the Saints here.  This church is built over the catacombs of St. Agnes and her remains  are below the high altar. We prayed near her remains and then headed over to the next stop. 

A Final Stroll Through Rome

We got off at the entrance of Piazza del Popolo, and walked through Rome one last time—soaking in every street corner, every church, every bit of history. We passed through Piazza del Popolo, surrounded by grand architecture and lively crowds, and visited several churches and basilicas along the way, savoring the peaceful hush that always seems to fall once you enter the doors of a sacred space. It is so fascinating how each church has a different theme, sacred art and architecture. We were able to pray for the soul of Pope Francis in the churches we visited today.

Trevi Fountain 

We made our way to the Trevi Fountain, which was very populated at that time of the day. So we stayed a bit, took pictures and moved on. 

We stopped in a few stores for some last-minute purchases and keepsakes, and made our way back to Cornelia by Metro.

Dinner and Packing

Dinner was at a cozy local pizzeria. We laughed, shared favorite moments from the trip, and then returned to our Airbnb to finish packing. Suitcases were heavier (with souvenirs and memories alike), and hearts were full. We slept around 10 pm to leave by 4am for our 7am flight. 

April 23, 2025– Returning home from Rome. Reflections on a Pilgrimage of Faith and Family

 We left early morning to catch our 7 am flight back to Houston, from the Flumicino-Leonardo da Vinci Airport. (We were not able to attend the public viewing for Pope Francis as our flight was early morning on Wednesday. Anita will be coming back after couple more weeks, and she will be attending the funeral mass.)

Although it felt like ‘Rome sweet home’ each time we come back to Rome after a day trip, we were looking forward to coming back to ‘home sweet home’, with all the sweet memories we made!

As we prepared to return home, we also realized this trip had been more than just a vacation. It was a journey through history, faith, and family—a pilgrimage that united our studies, prayers, and dreams. From the awe of standing before ancient ruins and relics to the joy of spontaneous gelato stops, every moment was touched by grace.

The Jubilee Year called us to pilgrimage, and we answered—returning with a deeper love for our faith, our Church, and each other!