Today was a free day for all of us to finish touring, shopping, resting and packing. We began the day with Mass in a church right near the hotel - Santa Maria Ai Monti. This neighborhood church is the final resting place for St. Benedict Joseph Labre who is the patron saint of the homeless. Benedict Joseph was the oldest of 15 children. Born in France in 1758 he eventually renounced his wealth to live a life of poverty and pilgrimage. He walked to France and lived among the beggars. He lived among the ruins of the Colosseum and always shared his food with others. After some miraculous healings for beggars and the multiplication of bread, he became well known in Rome. He died near this church and is buried in a side altar. We prayed at the Mass for all the homeless here in Rome and back near our homes, for the homeless driven from their homes because of violence, especially in Syria and Iraq, and for the homeless now in Haiti.
Our Farewell dinner was held at the Terme del Colosseo where we had an opportunity to celebrate the experiences we have shared together this past week. Our pilgrimage has helped to forge new and deepen existing friendships has we journeyed these days together in faith as pilgrims. We look forward to one last opportunity to return to St. Peter's Basilica tomorrow morning to celebrate our last Mass together before heading to Fiumicino Airport for our return flight home. Arriverderci Roma! Welcome home pilgrims!