Nicholas Tarini is a sophomore from Little Rock, AR studying psychology and philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. The Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion is pleased to have been able to provide a grant to support his fellowship experience in Germany in Rome.
This past summer, I had the blessing to experience a small glimpse of Heaven through a program called the Catholic Worldview Fellowship (CWF). Founded by the organization Regnum Christi, the CWF strives to connect Catholic college students to a network of young Catholic individuals as well as to the worldwide Church. I was one of 28 students in the CWF’s sixth fellowship class, and we had the opportunity to spend three weeks in northwest Germany and a week in Rome. Combining a three-credit class, cultural trips around Germany, a Catholic leadership course, and daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, the CWF’s main focus was teaching how to form a Catholic worldview and evangelize to cultures.
We spent our time in Germany at an old family castle near a small town called Kevelaer. From there, we were within driving distance of numerous historic Catholic sites, especially those in the towns of Xanten, Aachen, Cologne, and Trier. These places housed historic artifacts, including the tunic of Christ, the tomb of the Apostle St. Matthias, the ruling capitals of Constantine and Charlemagne, and world-famous cathedrals. Supplementing all these visits was the academic portion of the Fellowship, which consisted of a combination of lectures, readings, and group discussions focused on the history and growth of Catholicism in Europe over the millennia. We were able to use our time in these historic sites to get a good look at how our class material applied to the real world. While learning about German culture and exploring the towns was incredibly insightful, the heart of the entire Fellowship and what held it all together was the Eucharist. Each day provided an opportunity for great spiritual growth with daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, spiritual direction, and ample opportunities to reflect on the wonders of the Catholic faith.
During our time in Rome, I was able to visit many of the iconic Catholic sites, including the four major Basilicas (St. Peter’s in the Vatican, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls), the Vatican Museum, the Santa Scala, and many others. The academic portion of the Fellowship shifted to covering more Roman history, the architecture of Bernini, and the Catholic culture of Rome.
This experience had a profound impact on me—particularly on my spiritual life. As a sophomore in Old College Undergraduate Seminary, I am in formation for the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious congregation that founded the University of Notre Dame. While discerning the call to be a religious priest or brother within Holy Cross, I am a student here at Notre Dame. I have been blessed with excellent formation and many opportunities, but the CWF provided a completely different experience of the Catholic spiritual life. Being in Rome in particular, at the very heart of Catholicism, was powerful and offered some unique insights. In the shadow of the Holy See stand countless churches that house the bodies of some of the holiest saints to have ever lived. Particularly in St. Peter’s Basilica, the sheer number of saints, from child martyrs to great popes spanning two thousand years, created a unique atmosphere. There was a sense of holiness that pervaded the space as the bodies of these saints held up the Eucharist, which Catholics believe lies at the heart of our very existence as humans.
Seeing the extent of the Church in Rome was both stunning and humbling. Having the opportunity to pray before the tombs of Apostles who lived two thousand years ago helped me to better understand my place in life and where I am being called. These saints gave everything they had to the Lord, and they are now rejoicing with Him in Heaven. Here at Notre Dame, I am blessed in many ways, and I have many gifts and talents. This experience in Europe helped me to see the importance of using all these opportunities and talents in the service of the Lord. He gave me all that I have, and nothing I have is truly my own. The saints gave what they had, and they gave their very lives back to the Lord. This is the example I am being called to follow. My life will look different from theirs, but nothing done in service of the Lord will be in vain. Throughout the summer, I was able to discern my current place in formation for the Congregation of Holy Cross and how I will be able to use all I have been given to give back to the Lord fully. I am called to use these incredible opportunities, including this past summer at the Catholic Worldview Fellowship, which the Ansari Institute generously helped to make possible. I would like to thank the Ansari Institute for its help in funding this incredible opportunity for me to grow closer to the Lord and His Church here on Earth.
Nicholas Tarini's research was also supported by the Glynn Family Honors Program and the Sorin Fellows.