From December 26 to 28, 2024, the first-year seminarians of our College embarked on a study tour through Tuscany, visiting Siena, Pisa, Lucca, and Florence. This journey offered a unique opportunity to enrich their culture and also deepen their faith while immersing themselves in the region’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage.
In Siena, the seminarians explored the Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta), a stunning masterpiece of Gothic architecture, along with its museum and baptistery. They also visited the Basilica di San Domenico, where they reflected on the life of St. Catherine of Siena, one of the Church's most revered saints. The basilica holds the Sacred Head of St. Catherine, a cherished relic brought to Siena from Rome in 1383, which continues to inspire Christian devotion.
Another highlight in Siena was the Eucharistic Miracle at the Basilica of San Francesco. Astonishingly, these Hosts have remained uncorrupted over the centuries, defying scientific explanations and serving as a testament to the enduring mystery of the Eucharist.
The next stop was Pisa, where the seminarians marveled at the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Pisa Cathedral (Duomo Santa Maria Assunta), the Baptistery, and the iconic Leaning Tower. They also visited the Camposanto Monumentale, a monumental cemetery often overlooked but remarkable for its historical and artistic significance.
In Lucca, the group visited the Cathedral of St. Martin, an ancient site renowned for its priceless sculptures and paintings that date back to the 8th century. The seminarians reflected on the rich Christian history of the city as they admired the cathedral’s sacred art. The journey concluded in Florence, where the seminarians toured the awe-inspiring Santa Maria Novella. With guidance from a local expert, they delved into this church architectural design and its symbolic ties to Florence. The seminarians also explored the Cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Museum of the Opera del Duomo, which houses celebrated artworks spanning over seven centuries.
This pilgrimage through Tuscany allowed the seminarians not only to appreciate the region’s architectural splendor but also to reflect on the enduring spiritual traditions that continue to shape the faith and culture of Italy.
