Diocesan seminarians make Rome pilgrimage, meet Holy Father
By Renee Webb, Globe diocesan news editor
Posted February 28, 2002

Two seminarians of the Diocese of Sioux City recently participated in a pilgrimage to Rome.

Brent Lingle and Bao Vo, students at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minn., made the trip to Rome with seven other seminarians. The rector of the seminary, Father David Kunz, and house spiritual director, Father Jim Steffes, coordinated the trip and served as guides.

"It was a great joy and blessed privilege to be able to go to Rome," said Vo.

Lingle, a native of Sioux City, said he wanted to go to Rome to visit the tombs of the apostles, especially Peter's, whose strong faith and dedication to the people of God has served as an inspiration for his studies.

Vo marveled at sight of the Tomb of Peter along with the Basilica of St. Peter, the Basilica of St. Paul, and the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.

"No picture can compare to the beauty of the art itself," said Vo. "I was touched deeply not only by the art but also by the burning hearts of the apostles for Jesus Christ. The apostles sacrificed their lives for the church through Christ, and they shed their martyr blood in order to keep the seed of our faith growing in the Catholic faith."

He described that when he stood in front of the Saint Peter's Square, he felt something burning within his whole being. Vo could have cried out, "Lord, now I can go in peace with your marvelous deeds and the many blessings that you have poured out upon me."

For Lingle, the most inspiring site was St. Peter's Basilica.

"The sheer size and artistic mastery are amazing. On Ash Wednesday, another seminarian and I went down to St. Peter's at 7 a.m. and were some of the first people inside," he noted. "It was inspiring to be able to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the quiet of the morning, in the mother church of Catholicism."

They had the opportunity to go on the Scavi Tour which brought them several stories below the basilica, to see where the bones of St. Peter are located. Only about 100 people per day are allowed to do this.

Lingle pointed out that their schedule was fairly relaxed. They had Mass everyday as a group and usually ate together. They toured the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Mamertine Prison, Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel and more. They also had the chance to spend time with three other seminarians of the diocese who are studying there and with Msgr. Kevin McCoy who is presently rector of the North American College in Rome.

On Wednesday, they attended the Holy Father's General Audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall.

"Our group was one of the groups officially recognized by the pope. It was neat to be announced and then to stand up in front of everyone to be greeted," said Lingle.

The next day the group also had the privilege to attend the Holy Father's private Mass in his chapel in the Apostolic Palace. After Mass they had an audience with the pope in which they individually greeted him, told him their name and diocese and then kissed the Holy Father's ring. The pope in turn blessed them and gave them a rosary.

"The private Mass with the pope was powerful because he is the one who dedicates his whole life to live the Pastoral Mystery," said Vo.

Lingle referred to it as an amazing experience. "It is hard to describe how profound and amazing of an experience it really was. It almost doesn't seem real; I have to look at my pictures to convince myself that it happened. To be in the presence of such as holy and loving man was an inspiration to my own vocation." He added, "I hope and pray that I can only be half the priest that John Paul is."

He said he left Rome, the Eternal City, with a broader view and appreciation of the universal church and her ministry to the world. His love and respect has also grown for the Holy Father, whom has been Lingle's vocation inspiration and guide.

Experiences of the pilgrimage helped Vo grow in his call to the priesthood.

"I came home full of joys and blessings that I will share with those living around me," said Vo. "My faith is growing deeply through the apostles who shed their blood for the sake of Christ. The pope is a great lesson for my faith by dedicating his entire mind, heart and energy to the church."

Vo, too, said he plans to give all of his energy, talents and his entire being to the church in order to bring Christ to others. He desires to be a holy, good priest.