ROME JUNE 23, 1981 TUESDAY Take-off from Logan Airport at 9:30 p.m. Passed time zone, it was dark on one side of the plane and daylight-on the other (Quit~ fascinating). We went by Hamburg, German-Swiss Alps-Zurich, over to Turin-Milan, Florence and on to Rome. BUONA MATTINA ROMA. Landed at Campion Airport at 11:46 a.m. (The Popes plane generally goes in and out of this airport). Leonardo Di Vinci is the largest airport in Rome. It was nearly two hours before our luggage vas in our possession and we boarded a bus to our hotel (The Ergife Palace Hotel). His Eminence, Cardinal Giuseppe Caprio, was at the Ergife Hotel at 1:00 p.m. to greet all His cousins. We arrived a little late. Finally, we all met at 6:00 p.m. in the hospitality room. Everyone gathered around the table, and: His Eminence helped to plan the itinerary. Sister Marguerita (Cousin) arrived and greeted all, it vas a beautiful reunion. JUNE 24, 1981 WEDNESDAY Welcome to Rome tour: Ate breakfast, then on the bus to tour Rome. Pantheon-Old Gods Temple-Spanish Square-which is called Peoples Square, to St. Peter's crossed. the Tiber River-Old Rome (Renaissance) Argentina Square Republic area-Piazza Di Spagna-Spanish Embassy in Spanish Square (Spanish Steps) Circus Maximus Square-The Victor Emmanuel Monument (A tribute to the 3rdKing of Italy)- Basilica at St. Peter's-Justice Palace-Castle of St. Angelo-Bridge of St .. Angelo. JUNE 25, 1981 THURSDAY Toured St~ Peter's into the Catacombs (this is where all the Popes are buried) Forum (All the ruins in Nero's time--German's used one of the buildings during World War II)--St. Alphonsus Parish on Via Merulana (Mother of Perpetual Help) Of course, this is the Redemptonist Fathers that I am employed with. I vent to visit Father Hoegerl, C.SS.R.--There are four Cathedrals on Via Merulana. These Cathedrals face one another-St. John, St. Paul, St. Peter etc. The Pope opened the street so that it would run to each Cathedral. We visited Sister Marguerita at the Convent which is on Via Merulana. We were treated with cold drinks by Sister Marguerita and the other Sisters. Naturally~ we enjoyed our visit with the other Sisters and Sister Marguerita. Antonio took Theresa-Ceil up to St. Alphonsus*to visit Father Hoegerl, C.SS.R., then back in time to meet His Eminence. ENTREE: (con't) ROM E page 2 JUNE 25, 1981 THURSDAY All got into cars and on to the Ristorante L'Orso '80. The Ristorante was on a very narrow street and the food was elegante. MENU: 'Wine-Italian bread-bread sticks-white pizzia bread Salami-prosciutto-Mozarella (goat cheese) Marinated fish salad-squid-shrimp-olives-celery-mussels Rice balls-eggplant with tomato sauce-eggplant with mushrooms-onions Kidney (meat)-kidney beans-lima beans-string beans (marinated)-zucchini. Egg fratate-roasted peppers with oil-cantaloupe. Zita with sausage-whiting fish (fried)-Italian bass with lemon sauce Sliced tomatoes with oil London broil (marinated) Dessert-fresh cherries, apricots, peaches, plums Cappuccino (coffee) We have to mention that the waiters removed our plates and replaced them with clean plates and silver (five times). Then back to the Ergite Palace Hotel in taxi's. Our cab driver was a real cowboy. JUNE 26, 1981 FRIDAY FLORENCE: 7:00 a.m. boarded buses for Florence. Simone (tour guide) Lancio- Appinize Mountains,--through Perugia--Michelangelo Square--Academy of Fine Arts-Sainte Croce Square-Piazzale Michelangelo-A monument to Michelangelo, it had a statue of David on the very top, with four other statues representing night, day, dawn and dusk. A beautiful view and naturally, we all took pictures. At one time Turin was the first Capital of Italy. Lunch at Falciani (Florence Baptistery of St. John Cathedral (Largest in the world) third longest church in the world, after St. Peter's in Italy and St. Paul's in London. It is 15th * Century and the highest building in Florence" 1000 years old. Visited the leather factory in Florence-Museum of the Academy-St. Mark's Square. Michelangelo's perfect human anatomy (David)-Moses and Michelangelo's prisoners (these are the unfinished works). Michelangelo sculptured four Pi etas-the first being in the Vatican... Old St. Michael's Church-Cemetery in Florence where 4400 American servicemen are buried. Had dinner a~ Falicini's Ristorante and back to Roma. All had a good time. (con't) ROME page 3 JUNE 27, 1981 SATURDAY DAY AT .THE VATICAN WITH HIS ~1INENCE On the bus at 8:00 a.m. His Eminence met us at 8:30 a.m. His Eminence celebrated mass in memory of Paul Giordano in the Budapest Chapel. Before mass, we were introduced to the Archbishop. ', After mass, His Eminence introduced us to the Count which was our Tour Guide. Then on into the Catacombs where all the Popes are buried--St. Peter's tomb and relics. The Cardinal then toured the cousins on to the Sistine Chapel, the beautiful works of Michelangelo--through the Pauline Chapel(The Pope celebrates mass in this chapel)--up stairs to the top where the Cardinal's old quarters were-The Old Testament and the New Testament were painted on the ceiling (works of Michelangelo, just beautifully-Pope Leo's coat of arms on the' ceiling .. We were pretty high up. Came down on the Pope's elevator (pretty exciting)out into the courtyard, pass the Swiss Guards (which was nice to see) took pictures of all the Cousin's and His Eminence. Into cabs and back to the Ergife Hotel EVENING: On the road again at 5:00 p.m for a private concert at the Pontifice Institute ~f Sacred Music--This Was given by Father Gallagher (New Englander, Boston)--The organ was new in the 1800 and restored in 1933. This organ is much different from the organs of today~ Notes etc. are reversed from the modern organ Father Gallagher played well and all enjoyed the concert. We have to give Celia" Rocco credit, she did well turning pages.--His Eminence introduced Sister Delores from Salerno (President of the University of Music)--Monsignor Misaracke (Director of Sainte Maria Maggiore (Composer)T-On to St. Monica Church (she is buried near the altar) 14th century. Piazza Navona--Fountain of Neptuna--Bridge of the Angels (Oldest bridge in Bame)--His Eminence toured the Cousins through the streets of Rome (It was very touching to think that such a brilliant man, with much personality, gracious man~ walked us twenty-five minutes)--The Cardinal explained so much to all of us. Where the Castle was years back, the Pope was kept prisoner and how he escaped--St. Catherine Statute--On to the Columbus Hotel. MENU: Cocktail hour--chips--olives Bread-breadsticks-White wine-red wine-champagne Cheese ravioli-veal scaloppini--small potatoes-string beans Desert-three flavor ice cream-espresso, coffee The Cardinal presented all with a gift (Vatican coins-rosary beads) and the Cousin: • club presented a gold engraved card to the Cardinal, for the Pope. , Uncle Alfred gave a speech concerning the Cardinal-saying what a great man the Cardinal is. Naturally, we all agreed. As usual, Uncle Alfred was a great person himself, he showed that age is no barrier and kept up with everyone on this trip. After dinner, we went to the fountain of Trevi. It was huge, tossed our coins into the fountain and back to the Ergife Hotel. John had a get-together for all that wanted to attend, then off to bed. (con't) ROME page 4 JUNE 28, 1981 SUNDAY Cousins went to Florindo's villa for the day and others vent on tour to Pompeii, Naples, and isle of Capri. Mass at St. Peter's Basilica--Feast of St. Peter--St. Peter's statue was dressed the the Popes clothing & ring (It's done once a year on the Feast day) Papal blessing at St. Peter's Square by Pope and off to the Cardinal's apartment. The Cardinal's apartment consist of fifteen rooms and two baths-Cocktails and Hors- d'Oeuvres--Waiting for Sister Marguerita, then on to cousin Florindo's summer villa: Beautiful fabulous meals, singing and vineyard tour. Also, a tour of their home, it was lovely and the people were just so hospitable which will never be forgotten. ' TOUR OF POMPEI, NAPLES AND ILE OF CAPRI--Mt. Vesuvius (erupted last in 1944)-Cameo and Coral famous in Naples--American Consulate--Royal Palace (3000 rooms) Public Gardens--St. Francis DePaulo--Aquarium--Fountain DeNuovo--Famous (or artichokes-- Pompeii--17th century--saw the ruins of Mt. Vesuvius, 20 feet of dust fell on the city. We saw two bodies encased in glass and on display. The archeologist inserted tubes with cement around the bodies, the teeth were still intact and the bones were showing at tips of fingers-Bay of Naples--Saw coast line of Sorrento. We boarded the big boat and crossed the Mediterranean on to the isle of Capri--Maria Grande (Crossing was a beautiful sight)--Got on the monorail and had lunch at the piazza. Menu: Bread-wine-spaghetti-salad-fruit-icecream Theresa and I went shopping, sat in the piazza and talked with a native from Rome (husband and wife), time to leave and ,on to the monorail (this was a little odd because it faced down hill and when you got on ~ it was flat. On to the hydrofoil and back to the bay of Naples. Dinner at Hotel San Germano Ristorante--Chicken-potato-salad-wine etc. Back to the Ergife Hotel at 11:00 p.m. JUNE 29, 1981 MONDAY His Eminence, Sister Marguerita, Florindo and family greeted us at the Ergife Hotel. We boarded the bus and on our way to Taurasi. Al Strada De Solo) Highway to Milan--Saw Castel Condolfo (summer home of the Pope) Chain of the Appinines-Italy, France, Austria, Germany-this goes straight to Sicily (of course, Sicily is Ninols territory)--Village of Balogna DelFino--St. Thomas Aquinas{Famous where all the documents of ' the Catholic Church are kept) Monte Casino (Monastery built by St. Benedict) 5th century. There are five seminaries there (French, Polish, German, Italian and American)--Kingdom of NaplesPestum~Greek temple)--Terra DeLavore-where they make that delicious Mozzarella cheese. Caserta (Famous city of~ Rocco family)-Royal Palace-Funicolari-Road to Avellino which is famous for walnut trees (Avalana nuts)--Marble quarries along the way (Italy is famous for its marble--Santa Philomena Temple--Potamia Mountain-Funicolari to Mt. Virgin--Monte Forte (noted for fuzilli-mushrooms)--Center of Avellino completely destroyed by the earthquake november,198l. Many lives were taken. Monastery of St. Benedict-Materdomini (this is where San Gerardo Church was destroyed from the earthquake and also the Redemptionist Fathers where Ceil Perry is employed). Caprilia Village-Montefusco-Mt. Milleta-Mt. Funtune(famous for terrone) Calore River divides the mountains from LaPio to Taurasi-Village of Mirabella--The bus arrived in Taurasi at 11:30 a.~. We met Flora and all her family, •. They greeted us with open arms and couldn't do enough for all the Cousins and their friends. (con't) ROME page 5 JUNE 29, 1981 MONDAY (con't) We were served under the grapevines: Prosciutto, Salami, different cheeses, olives, bread, soda, wine, champagne and a special made cake with liquor inside. All kinds of fruit .. , His Eminence walked us to the Church of San Marciano Vescova where most of the Caprios were baptized. Cardinal Caprio asked the parish priest for the registry of baptism, which was rather exciting for Uncle Alfred. Every year the Cousin's club donates to St. Catherine MV Church. We also saw the statue of St. Lucy that was made and donated by Anna Santoli's father (Donato Caprio) and the 'cousins saw where their parents were born and lived. I • Taurasi was hit with the earthquake also (Billy and Eleanor saw where his parent home was destroyed with the earthquake)--We took lots of pictures and the parting and goodbyes was tears of happiness. We thanked all our cousins for their kindness and hospitality (they were just great) but, just think, this will be a reunion that* the Cousins will never forget. It was real touching with all the warmth and glow of everybody. Boarded our bus at 2:45~p.m. and on to LaPio (This is the home of our Great Cardinal whom we cherished on the entire trip). His Eminence was born in the home of Number 13. LaPio was damaged with the earthquake over 100 homes were damaged. Fourteen to fifteen homes were destroyed--Church of St. Anthony which was damaged extensively by the quake--Greeted by His Eminence sister--went into the parish that was hit bad by the quake (this is the parish where the Cardinal was baptized)--Then into St. Giuseppe's where the Cardinal celebrates Mass when he is in LaPio. This parish has the Passion and Mystery of Christ.--People are still working and cleaning the ruins from the quake in St. Anthony's Parish. Mt. Potomia-Virgin Mary--Avellino and then it was time again for dinner at the Cynthia Park Hotel (Mercoguano) MENU: Wine-Mixed Pasta --2 different kinds of salads Veal with lemon--icecream, fruit French fries--Coffee-espresso 'JUNE 30, 1981 TUESDAY All went to the bank to exchange our money into lire--ate breakfast which was very light: Pizza Romano-fresh grapefruit. Went shopping--stopped for lunch at the Piazza Navona, sidewalk cafe (Cafe De- Columbia)--Sandwich Navona--Huge beers(would you believe, like a half gallon, - Hopped onto the bus and on to the shops near the vatican. While getting onto the bus, John shouted and said, Nancy are you in?-The Americans in back of the bus answered, Nancy are you in?(the Americans really roared)--Just don't ever step on an Italians foot on a 'bus in Italy (They really get upset)--Then back in a cab and back to the Ergife Palace Hotel--Our last night out to Pietro El Forte Ristorante--Menu: Wine-bread sticks:bread-Prosciutto-tube macaroni Marinated salad-calamari-fish-shrimp-olives-garlic bread with tomatoes-spinich-ricotti ravoli-fettucini La Sagna- lamb-fish-toss salad-desert" (icecream or .cake) Cappuccino-espresso-sambuca Back to the Ergife Palace Hotel at 1:00 a.m. (con't) ROM E JULY.l,198l WEDNESDAY Page 6 Up at 5:30 a.m.--Finally the porter came to carry our luggage off to the buses-Then a 24 hour delay--His Eminence came to bid us farewell--We boarded buses and . on to the airport (Ciampino)--The airlines decided to give us a complimentary dinner Florindo, Adreanna, Talia, ~Giuseppe and son came to see us take off--We then boarded buses and arrived at Rinaldo's Ristorante (huge restaurant} --Florindo and family also came to restaurant and brought his own wine-pears, apricots so that we could enjoy them on our return trip home. Menu: Wine-bread-stuffed manicotti with veal-chicken-pork salad-peaches-apples.(note: peaches in Italy are delicious) Boarded buses from restaurant to Ciampino Airport once again at 5:45p.m. Florindo and family wished all farewell once again with tears (sad that all were leaving but with tears of happiness that he was able to spend time with all the Cousins)--After settling on the plane, the attendant announced that we were* on our way to Frankfurt Germany, all were happy --Take-off(all sang Arrivederci Roma) arrived Germany 7:43.pm. ,at the Frankfurt Main Airport. We then boarded on buses and toured all along the Rhine River. Had dinner at Zum Golden Adler Restaurant ' Complimentary of World Airlines. Menu: Wine-soup-saubraten-peas-carrots-potatoes Back on the bus and back to the airport for U.S.A.--Naturally, Ceil was the one who got her tote bag searched in Germany. Traveling approx. 7 1/2 hours and arriving at Logan Airport near:'2:l5 a.m. We claimed our luggage and on to, customs where John's briefcase, and Ceil's hand-bag were searched. With all the time lost and everyone exhausted we will never forget this beautiful and interesting trip. It will be in our hearts and mind for years to come. ARRIVEDERCI* ROMA!! !! ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Cousin's Club, I enjoyed all tremendously. Rita Huber for the beautiful planning of this trip. Sister Marguerita for her kindness and sweet smile. Antonio Carbone for his arrangements and special attention to a Florindo and all his family for being extra special to all. Florence and her family for the beautiful greeting in Taurasi. MOLTI GRAZIE: Cardinal Giuseppe Caprio, for all his kindness, patience and time. We were deeply honored to have him as our guide~. I will remember all in my prayers. CEIL PERRY