couple of good articles in it (no surprise there)...one is a photo essay of soccer's global appeal (SRD and Conor take note), and the other is a contributed essay of the author's recent visit to Rome...more specifically, the Basilica of "Santa Sabina". I mention this because of the memories that story immediately evokes.
First off, as many of you know, Rome is a fabulous vacation destination with so much history, sights, food and welcoming people...for me, it's been a repetitive treat dating back to 1959 when my Dad took me on my first visit (he was then flying Boeing 707s instead of B-17s over Europe)...on our last trip (my wife and I, nearly four years ago), we were taken to Santa Sabina by our long time dear Roman friends for the first time...if you haven't been there yet, you won't regret adding it to your itinerary...very interesting history...beautiful gardens...and outstanding views of the city.
But Santa Sabina wasn't the only recollection that came to mind...along with it were the memories of so many visits to the ND Club of Rome...and again, more specifically, the "Ristorante Scoglio di Frisio" at 256 Via Merulana, just a few doors down from Santa Maria Maggiore, and the resident "President" of that club, 'Professore' Vince McAloon (ND '34). Vince ended up in Rome after a personal pilgrimage...taught at the Notre Dame International School there and subsequently taking the reins of the ND Club in a loft of the Scoglio di Frisio...you can read Vince's fuller and inspiring bio in the linked article (well worth the read)...
http://village.hcc-nd.edu/hodonnell/HCHA/2002-2.pdf
But my recollections are much more personal...like the time my wife and I took our first long vacation together (pre-kids) and Vince picked us up at Fiumicino Airport very late at night...on our way into the city, there was very little traffic, but several stop lights that he simply ran through, making my wife and I more than a bit nervous...sensing those emotions, Vince calmly advised us that in Rome, traffic signals are "Mere Suggestions!"...somehow, we made it in one piece to the hotel ;-). I could and would go on with many other stories, but I'll leave you with one final remembrance...Father Ted Hesburgh officiated at Vince's funeral and he's laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery...a great, great man and alum...fond memories.
So, along with Santa Sabina, take a moment when in Rome to stop by the Scoglio di Frisio and see if the ND Club is still represented there...Buon Viaggio!
Link: http://und.test-imodules.com/s/-12101/clubs-classes/2col-grid4.aspx?sid=-12101&gid=394&pgid=21816
One thing we did on our last trip in 2016 was to catch a Roma game at Olympic Stadium. Since it was the holy year we also, of course visited the 4 major basilicas. I am putting Santa Sabina on the list for the next trip. Ciao.
as one of the incredibly fortunate students who was chosen for n.d.'s first ever studies abroad program (innsbruck back then), i, along with another guy, decided to go to rome over the christmas break. my travelling companion and i found ourselves at midnight mass at Santa Maria Maggiore. somehow among the throngs of paisani worshipers, i happened across an exquisite american vision. after some conversation, the four of us (she was also with a travelling companion) walked to the n.d. club of rome where we continued the christmas celebration. we saw each other several more times before leaving that magnificent city.
we've now been married over 53 years.
i love rome, too.
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Thanks for sharing what is undoubtedly a priceless memory for you both.