Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan
	Herald of Hope Herald of Hope is a weekly column started by former Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland in the Catholic Herald and written by the bishops of the Milwaukee Archdiocese. • past columns

This week's column comes to you from one of my favorite cities. No, not St. Louis; no, not Galway; Rome! The "Eternal City," the city of Peter and Paul! The city of ... well, pasta.

I spent 11 happy years in Rome, four (1972-1976) as a seminarian at the North American College, and seven (1994-2001) as rector of the same seminary. Over a year ago, after I was ordained a bishop, my successor as rector, Msgr. Kevin McCoy, graciously invited me to return to Rome to ordain the fourth year men deacons on Thursday, Oct. 10. I gratefully jumped at the chance, eager to do so for a number of reasons.

For one, I know the 35 men to be ordained very well, since I was their rector for two years. As with our seminarians here at Saint Francis, I always enjoy being with future priests, as I am inspired with much hope for the future.

Two, the ceremony takes place at the "altar of the chair" in St. Peter's Basilica. The thought of ordaining men in that historic church, at the tomb of St. Peter, is exciting.

Three, I will be able to see Pope John Paul II. To see him, be with him, hear him, and receive his blessing is a spiritual high. On Oct. 16, 2002, we will observe the 24th anniversary of his election as successor of Peter. (By the way, I will celebrate a special anniversary Mass that morning at Old St. Mary's downtown). Being in Rome will give me the opportunity to pray with him as he nears the beginning of the 25th year of his pontificate. I'll also celebrate Mass at the tomb of Blessed John XXIII on Oct. 11, his feast day, and the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

Finally, Rome just refreshes me. Its churches and piazzas, its corner shrines and friendly people, the sound of its bells and fountains, the smell of its food. ... I just enjoy getting lost in its back streets and alleys. I'll return home refreshed, renewed ... and probably a pound or two heavier! You are with me in prayer.

(P.S. You have heard that I'll be going back to Rome next June to receive what's called the "pallium" from the Holy Father on the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, June 29, 2003. The Catholic Herald is planning a pilgrimage to go with me. You are invited.)