Sabbatical Blessing

On January 20, 2019 I will fly to Rome for a sabbatical as part of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education.  I am grateful to Bishop Quinn and the Diocese for their support of this opportunity.  My last sabbatical was in 2008.  It was a time of great blessing and renewal and I am excited about this new opportunity.

The Institute (ICTE for short) is a program of the North American College in Rome which is my alma mater.  I am excited to be returning.  I'm sure things have changed in the 33 years since I graduated but am looking forward to being a part of that community again.

The program is three months and consists of classes, tours, a retreat, and Mass in beautiful churches. The former convent has been renovated into the Casa O'Toole and I hear it is a very nice place to stay. 

After the conclusion of the formal program I will be traveling to Salzburg, Austria for Holy Week and a music festival.  I'll conclude my time away with a pilgrimage on the Camino to Santiago de Campostela which is the burial place of St. James.  This has been on my bucket list for a number of years and am delighted that I can have this as a part of my sabbatical.  I am also going to Egypt for a tour with Catholic Theological Union out of Chicago.  I love history and I have always wanted to visit. 

I will post from time to time.  It will be somewhat dependent on wireless access.  Please enjoy my adventures.  The next post will probably be right before I leave and then after I arrive.

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