





Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we were blessed to have been invited to stay with our dear friends in Rome to celebrate the New Year, and can only say that this city, and those who serve Christ living there, must be covered in what I can only describe as "Heavenly Star Dust". My family and I were invited to a party celebrating the Feast of the Holy Family, and I am convinced that some of the priests and friends attending were actually angels in disguise. Our dear friends John and Ashley have lived a "romantic honeymoon" in Rome for over 10 years, and are extraordinary people. They are professors in theology and art and tell the story of faith, the saints, art and the relevance to the places of Rome in a way that helped moved my wife Erica to decide to join the Catholic Church. Erica was part of the Church of England, but supported me and the children as practicing Catholics for over 20 years. It took Rome, the story of faith though art, and beautiful christians living in the "eternal city" to help nudge her; of course with the subtle touch of the Holy Spirit!
Whilst writing and reflecting on this heavenly trip, one can only touch upon the highlights, as there are far too many amazing people and places to talk about. I will however, take the opportunity to mention the astonishing hospitality of the Benedictine Monks. Whilst our work in the UK has included several projects for the order of St Benedict, it was a complete surprise to meet Fr Gregory who welcomed our family with an extraordinary warmth. We had an introduction to the Monastery (St Anselm's) which is the International HQ for the Benedictine congregations, and a tour of the nearby churches, one of which St Thomas Aquinas, St Francis and others had frequented.
For friends in Christ looking for a glimpse of Rome, through a lense which will give you a unique experience, please do contact us. As Every Day Christians we work with christian pilgrimage providers and friends who are experts in all things Rome and how it magnifies the faith on a whole new level!
God bless and praying for a faith filled 2019 for all!