Visits to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul, Mass at some of Rome's historic basilicas a reminder of Church's universality
ROME — Pilgrims accompanying Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger in Rome have become immersed in the physical and spiritual presence of the holy men and women upon whom the Church is built.
Touring the city’s basilicas, witnessing the places where some of the Church’s earliest saints were martyred, and taking in the relics of St. Peter have all been part of the pilgrimage — highlighted, of course, by Pope Leo's imposition of the pallium upon Archbishop Weisenburger's shoulders June 29, the feast of SS. Peter and Paul.
Taken together, it's a reminder that the Church is both ancient and forever new.
Richard Genthe of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth, who, along with his wife, Kathy, is part of a small group accompanying the archbishop to Rome on a pilgrimage organized by Northville-based Corporate Travel Services, said it's been a whirlwind week.
“It’s been very good,” Genthe told Detroit Catholic. “It’s a very packed schedule, but we’re just learning so much, and above all, we’re very blessed to be here.”
The highlight of the pilgrimage has been the pallium Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Archbishop Weisenburger was one of 53 new metropolitan archbishops who received the pallium, a small woolen stole worn around the archbishop’s shoulders to signify his role as the principal shepherd in his ecclesiastical province.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience going to the pallium Mass,” Genthe said. “It was so beautiful.”
Msgr. Charles Kosanke, rector of the Basilica of Ste. Anne in Detroit, delivered the homily when Archbishop Weisenburger celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. Msgr. Kosanke said any trip to Rome is special because of the city’s history.
But being in Rome for such a historic moment for the local Church adds to the pilgrimage’s graces, he said.
“Any pilgrimage to Rome, to the sites of Peter and Paul, is inspiring because of what those two apostles and all the first apostles sacrificed for the advancement of the Gospel in the dangerous Roman world,” Msgr. Kosanke said. “But this time was even more special because our own archbishop was receiving his pallium, the sign of his office as archbishop. I felt very privileged to be there to witness that with him.”
Msgr. Kosanke has been to Rome more than 30 times, by his recollection, including from 1988-92, when he was obtaining his Doctorate in Biblical Studies before returning to Detroit to teach at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
But he’s never been in Rome for the Solemnity of St. Peter and Paul, which is commemorated in the city with a festive atmosphere that includes shooting off fireworks from the Castel Sant’Angelo.
Being in the city for the feast day made the trips to St. Peter’s Basilica for the pallium Mass and to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls the following day all the more special.
“The morning before going to St. Paul’s, we went to the Scavi, which are the excavations underneath St. Peter’s that brought people near the remains of St. Peter,” Msgr. Kosanke said. “So we had the chance to visit both places of burial. Only 20 to 50 or so people a day are able to go through that; it’s very difficult to get a tour, so we’re very happy our group was able to go. I think it’s both inspiring and encouraging; (SS. Peter and Paul) were faithful to what they were called to do, despite the difficulties they endured.
“Priestly ministry brings a lot of joy, but it also brings challenges,” Msgr. Kosanke added. “We are inspired by those saints who, despite at times the challenge or difficulties, really surrendered everything over to Jesus. That allows one to do the impossible, really, the unthinkable.”
Following the pallium Mass, the delegations from the eight American archbishops who received a pallium met at the Pontifical North American College.
The following day, the Detroit group visited the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where Cardinal James M. Harvey, the archpriest of the basilica, received them.
Between the Masses and visits to holy sites, the schedule has allowed the cohort to build a sense of camaraderie among one another, especially between Archbishop Weisenburger’s family and members of his new flock who are still getting to know their chief shepherd.
“The archbishop is an early riser, part of the early morning breakfast crew, of which I am also, so that’s been good,” Genthe said. “It’s been great to start the morning with a little review of the day before and just some good, regular, friendly talk. It’s been wonderful. The archbishop has a fantastic, engaging personality. He’s very comfortable with the sheep, so to speak, and wants to make sure that everybody is included and engages with everyone genuinely, which is wonderful.”
Msgr. Kosanke added he’s enjoyed learning more about the archbishop as he interacts with Detroit-area parishioners.
“It’s really been a time of great grace, but great fellowship with one another as we get to know our new archbishop better and what a wonderful person he is," Msgr. Kosanke said. "I’ve enjoyed seeing people learn more about him.”
Other highlights of the pilgrimage have included stops at places where significant moments in salvation and Church history took place, such as the circus where St. Agnes was martyred or the Scala Sancta — officially the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs — the very steps Christ walked to be sentenced by Pontius Pilate.
All throughout Rome, one is reminded of the history and the martyrdoms upon which the Church is built, Genthe said, a Church that continues on through today's archbishops and their flocks, symbolized by the pallium woven from sheep's wool.
It’s a reminder of the Church’s incredible past, and a prayer for the men who have been chosen to lead it into the future.
“Just being in those spots, being surrounded by the saints, it certainly brings home for me a greater appreciation for our faith,” Genthe said. “It makes it all so super real. It shows how our traditions don’t just come from nothing, but these are real places, these are real people. Our Church back home is connected to the Church here in Rome, connected to all the churches. It’s all so profound.”
