While in Rome, Heather and I decided to visit the convent of the Pallottine nuns. Heather was able to contact Sister Patrice, a friend of her family, who kindly showed us around. We couldn’t stay for very long, but the time we had there was unforgettable. She first took us to two different chapels in the convent that were small but so beautiful. The first was very simple but it had vibrant marble floors and housed a kneeler that had been used by Pope John Paul II (I knelt on it!). They have mass here every morning at 6:45 am. The second was a lot more modern, covered in white marble with abstract stained glass on the windows. She also showed us some of the living spaces, such as the kitchen where we were able to see some of the nuns cooking. Finally, she led us into a room where she had tea, cookies, and fruit prepared for us. We were not expecting this at all! We were able to sit and hear some of her life story (which was incredible!), more about daily life in the convent, and ask any questions we had. It was such a great experience and definitely improved my understanding of this unique lifestyle.
– Brittany Mathews
Italy 2012