Ohio Dominican Students Attend Papal Audience and Explore the Dominican Heritage

November 28, 2005

ODU Roma students attend the general audience of Pope Benedict XVI on November 9 and receive his papal blessing in the Piazza of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Pictured, from left, are: Emilie Elick, Julia Frye, Monica Reyes, Cyrus Haddad, Ciara Dillon, Samantha Ciarocco, Tiara Dillon, and Andrea DeCenzo.

Rome, Italy – Eight students enrolled in Ohio Dominican University’s inaugural semester-long international study program in Rome attended a general audience of Pope Benedict XVI on November 9 and received his papal blessing in the Piazza of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

The students were joined by pilgrims from around the world in greeting the Holy Father. The Pope addressed visitors in several languages, including English, saying, “I pray that your visit to Rome will strengthen your faith and renew your love for the Lord, and ask God's blessing upon all of you, and upon your families and loved ones.”

The following day, the students visited the international headquarters of the Dominican Order, located on the Aventine Hill in Rome. Sister Juliana D'Amato, O.P., a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs, gave the students a tour.

The inaugural group of eight students departed for Rome on August 31 and will return to the United States on November 30. ODU Roma students include sophomores Ciara Dillon, Tiara Dillon, and Monica Reyes; juniors Samantha Ciarocco, Emilie Elick, Julia Frye, and Cyrus Haddad; and senior Andi DeCenzo. The students are accompanied by two ODU faculty members, Dr. Michael Dougherty of the Division of Theology, Arts, and Ideas, and Dr. Michelle Dougherty of the Division of Literature and Language.

The ODU Roma program provides students the unique opportunity to study in Rome with ODU faculty members and students from other universities. ODU students experience the richness of their surrounding environment while making progress toward degree completion by taking courses in philosophy, literature, art and language.