“Rome was the best week of my life! Despite being of a different faith I was in awe of the true beauty of the various religious sites. I felt privileged to have walked along the same path as Mary Ward and connect with the city on a spiritual level.” Aishat, L6 student

The second retreat to Rome at the beginning of February, was organised by Loreto’s Chaplaincy. The retreat (which are usually UK based) gives students the opportunity to not only take time out of their busy lives to explore and contemplate the more important things in life, but to grow in faith too. The students stayed at Palazzola, a beautiful villa embedded in the hills outside the city of Rome, which treated them to incredible views of Lake Albano and the Pope’s summer house, Castel Gandolfo. Students had the chance to witness the heart of the Church first hand, when they visited the Vatican and experienced an audience with the Pope. They also visited key sites around Rome relating to Mary Ward and those who inspired her.

It was a fantastic trip evoking so many wonderful memories, that there are now plans to return to Rome next year.

“The retreat to Rome was spiritual, life-changing and an all-around brilliant trip. Being immersed into Italian life was amazing, and I hope that I can visit again soon. Every day was action-packed and I never had time to be bored! The retreat was an experience that I will never forget!” Siobhan, L6 student