Vit adjusts to life in Rome
By Renee Webb, Globe diocesan news editor
Posted January 10, 2002

When William Vit Jr., a seminarian of the Diocese of Sioux City, was asked to study at the North American College in Rome, he realized it would be difficult to be away from familiar surroundings for an extensive period of time and was unsure of what the demands of a different culture would be.

"I realized that if God was calling me to be a priest and was calling me to live in Rome then I would be willing to work hard to answer that call," said the native of Fort Dodge, who moved to Rome in August of 2001 after completing philosophy studies at Conception Seminary College in Missouri. Vit graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1999 with studies in MIS before attending Conception.

He acknowledged that he had been surprised when Father Brian Hughes, vocation director of the Diocese of Sioux City, told him that Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo sent seminarians to study in Rome. Growing up in this rural diocese, Vit never thought he would have the opportunity to study and live in Rome.

"My family was very supportive and excited about all of the opportunities that I would encounter in Rome," said the son of Bill and Becky Vit, parishioners of Holy Rosary Church.

He pointed out that he initially found the seminary and the city of Rome to be large, overwhelming and very different from what he was used. In time, he has become more familiar with his surroundings and has begun to feel comfortable in his new home.

"My greatest struggle has been learning the Italian language. All of my classes are taught in Italian, thus requiring a working knowledge of the language," he said. "Fortunately, I was able to spend seven weeks last summer in Middlebury, Vermont taking an intensive Italian course which prepared me sufficiently for my arrival in Italy."

The seminarian soon discovered that by taking the initiative to speak with the Italians in their own language greatly helped him improve his speaking and comprehension of the language.

"It is easy to spend time with English speakers, but it has been more beneficial to me to be out in the city, speaking the language, and learning more along the way," said Vit.

He noted that his studies have been going well and he has learned much. Vit attends classes with students from all over the world. His classmates come from throughout Europe, Africa, South America, as well as the United States.

Having other men there from the Diocese of Sioux City helped him not only get his feet on the ground but also feel comfortable in his new home. Other diocesan seminarians studying in Rome are Brad Pelzel, who was ordained a transitional deacon in the fall; and Matt Hewitt. Msgr. Kevin McCoy, a priest of the diocese, serves as rector of the North American College.

"The most interesting thing I have discovered in Rome has been the ability to see and understand the universal church as it exists throughout the world," said Vit. "Growing up in the United States, it is easy to look at our church with blinders on without paying much attend to the rest of the world. There are many interesting and exciting things about our church throughout the world that are helpful to anyone who wants to grow deeper in their faith, and Rome is like a window that allows me to see what this life is really all about."

Studying in Rome, he noted, enables seminarians to see the Catholic Church from a worldwide perspective and develop a better understanding of the beliefs.

"Living and studying in Rome causes a person to understand that there is much more to our church than what we perceive through our cultured eyes. There is a wealth of knowledge and insight available to each and every one of us if we are willing to look for it," said Vit.

While it may be possible to see this anywhere in the world, he noted that Rome has a certain ability to bring this insight to the forefront of their minds. He called Rome the spiritual center of the faith.

"To see the land where the martyrs were killed and the faith came alive is a crucial element to any seminarian who desires to teach the faith as a priest," said Vit.

The seminarian will soon be given an apostolic assignment to help him prepare for the life of a priest. These assignments range from giving tours of Saint Peter's Basilica to working at a nearby military base.

Vit will study in Rome for about five years. He will have an opportunity for a visit in Iowa during the summer of 2003.