At San Francesco Basilica in Assisi, overlooking the Franciscan Monastery residence.
Pictures from Rome: Pope Benedict XVI
At the Papal Audience in the Paul VI Hall with Pope Benedict XVI
Pictures from Rome: Up on the Rooftop
Fr. Tom on the roof at the Pontifical North American College
Pictures from Rome: The View from On High
Another shot from the roof at the Pontifical North American College, overlooking St. Peter's Basilica
Pictures from Rome: Concelebrating Mass
Diocese of Saginaw priests after celebrating Mass in the Clementine Chapel under the main altar at St. Peter's Basilica
Pictures from Rome: The Three Amigos
Fr. Tom (middle) sitting with Fr. Dick and Fr. Ron at the base of the Spanish steps
Pictures from Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica
The front of St. Peter's Basilica
Pictures from Rome: The Obelisk
The obelisk in the square in front of St. Peter's Basilica
Pictures from Rome: An Italian Dinner
This is the first in a series of images captured by Fr. Tom and his traveling companions on their trip to Rome.
Fr. Tom with brother priests from the Diocese of Saginaw enjoying an Italian dinner. On left side of table, L to R: Fr. Denis Heames; Fr. Jose Maria Cabrera; Fr. Ron Dombrowski; On right side of table, L to R: Fr. Jim Carlson; Fr. Rick Bokinskie; Fr. Dick Jozwiak; Fr. Tom McNamara
Entry #8: The Return Home
Father Tom McNamara of the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan, traveled to Rome from Nov. 5-12 in celebration of the Year for Priests. This blog chronicles his journey.
The trip back was uneventful, but somewhat longer than the trip to Rome. When we originally arrived in Rome, Sister Yvonne had arranged for a small bus to pick us up and get us into Rome. That same bus took us back to the airport 8 days later.  It took 9 hours to return to Atlanta because of the strong headwinds. All of us were very satisifed with the travel arrangements.
I want to say a few words about one of the priests who traveled with us. Fr. Richard Jozwiak, retired, was a wonderful help to all of us. He had attended the North American College 50 years ago and lived in Italy for six years. He speaks Italian very well and he was our interpreter when needed. He could give the history of each place we visited better than any of the assigned guides. He loves Rome and he goes almost every year. He usually leads pilgrimages to Rome and he is planning one for next fall again. We were very glad to have him along – for his knowledge and for his good company.
I am grateful for the opportunity to go to Rome. It was my second trip, and probably the last because of my age. I am thankful to the Fireside Catholic Publishing for their generosity in making it possible. All of us are grateful for that very fine meal one night at the expense of Fireside.
For every Catholic priest, it is like going “home.” It makes one realize the very large and world-wide church we belong to. It is truly catholic — universal.
Fr. Tom McNamara
