We’ve all heard the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” but did you know it comes from a Catholic saint and was tied to a fasting controversy?
St. Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, is credited with uttering the expression to his friend St. Augustine in the fourth century. In Milan, the Catholics didn’t fast on Saturday’s like the Romans did. St. Ambrose’s phrase was written down as a pastoral explanation.
Today, it means being polite about local customs. One custom in Rome is to appreciate its beauty which has made strong impressions on many famous people who were not even Catholic.
The writer, Mark Twain said: “From the dome of St. Peter’s one can see every notable object in Rome… He can see a panorama that is varied, extensive, beautiful to the eye, and more illustrious in history than any other in Europe.”
That beauty was seen by Fr. Jerry Byrd and some of our seminarians with their recent pilgrimage to Rome this summer. The poet Robert Browning states: “Everyone soon or late comes round by Rome.” So let’s go round by Rome just a bit with the sharing of photos from Seminarians Aidan Hauersperger and Nathan Thompson to showcase the beauty of the Eternal City.
It’s important because Rome is central to Catholics and the home of all Catholics, starting with St. Peter and extending to our current pope in apostolic succession. It is part of what identifies us as Catholics and our center of authority.
Here’s the beauty of Rome in some curated photos for you. Click on the images below or get the printable PDF VERSION HERE!
Also, In Case You Missed It: Our CCJC Memo!
