“Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, a blessing, the fruit of the womb. Indeed the sons of youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. O the happiness of the man who has filled his quiver with these arrows!”
– Psalm 127
Allen Hall gathered early in the morning to receive the Jubilee Cross and process towards St Peter’s Basilica as seminarians, formators, and more gathered for an address from Pope Leo XIV. Singing hymns along the way and praying together, the English-speaking seminarians, consisting mainly of Allen Hall and Maynooth, made their way to St Peter’s and entered through the Holy Door.
Pope Leo arrived to massive applause, chants, and anthems which persisted long before the Holy Father’s entrance. After silencing those gathered, Pope Leo gave a catechesis to all present and then went around greeting representatives from the seminaries.
After re-grouping at the hotel, Allen Hall seminarians served Mass that same day as Cardinal Roach celebrated Mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist.
Following the Mass, the seminarians from Allen Hall, Oscott, and the Venerable English College (VEC) gathered at the VEC for a buffet and drinks reception. Having been given a tour, the AH community departed and prepared themselves for their final day in Rome.
Mary, Consoler of the Church Suffering – pray for us
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