The fifth dimension of formation: ROME

By ANTHONY VERA
Seminarian of the Diocese of Sioux City
 
From Roman Echoes: Msgr. Thomas W. Powers, rector of the college often refers to Rome as the “fifth dimension of formation.” Anthony Vera reflects on how Rome has shaped him during the past year.
 
Coming from the peaceful rural life of Le Mars, Iowa, I have found that Rome offers many new experiences, challenges and opportunities for growth. It is a city filled with characters – from charming store owners to confused tourists to those living in extreme poverty.
 The Pontifical North American College - from the PNAC websiteWalking to and from school has provided opportunities to serve others and to build meaningful relationships. Helping people on the streets and forming genuine connections with those in need has taught me to live the Catholic value of service to my neighbors.
 
The Pontifical North American College has a special relationship with the unique city of Rome. Our class was blessed to meet Pope Francis upon our arrival, and I was blessed to be able to ask personally for his advice on how best to engage our priestly formation.
 
Now approaching the end of my first year, I have been blessed to pray at Francis’s wake and funeral Mass, saying goodbye to a spiritual father. Now the house is buzzing with excitement at the election of the first pope from the United States, Leo XIV! Being present at such a significant event for our church is a joy.

 Seminarians welcome Pope Leo
Being in the heart of the church has allowed me to gain a greater understanding of and a genuine connection to the universal church. Our hospital seminary has provided a great location to host friends and classmates for lunch while giving them a magnificent view of the Eternal City.
 
Furthermore, it has been a joy to host parishioners and priests from my diocese who come to see us. They are a pleasant reminder of the love and support we have back home.
 
The greatest strength of Rome is the spiritual nourishment available from its abundance of beautiful churches and holy saints. It is a blessing to visit the resting place of saints on their feast days and ask for their intercession.
 
This Lent was particularly impactful for me as I participated in the church’s ancient tradition of going to the Station Churches throughout the holy season.
 
Not only did the penitential early rising provide a space for prayer in the beautiful sunrises, but exploring new churches and saints helped me learn the layout of central Rome, which every day feels more like a second home.

(Cover photo with Vera meeting Pope Francis, courtesy of Anthony Vera.)

(Reprinted with permission from Roman Echoes, magazine of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where Vera is enrolled.)