Each summer, as a professor of aeronautics at Kent State University, I’m fortunate to teach at our Florence campus. This unique opportunity allows students to take a course they’d normally attend in Kent, OH, but in the vibrant setting of Florence. We hold classes from Monday to Thursday, giving students ample time to travel by train, plane, bus, or car to explore Italian culture. They return to the U.S. more mature, intellectually enriched, and confident.
One highlight of my time in Italy is reconnecting with family at the end of each teaching week. Additionally, I embrace the chance to travel personally, blending my first career, as a church organist, with my lifelong passions for music and aviation. Born in Canada, I initially trained as a pianist, organist and a political scientist, eventually studying at the Cleveland Institute of Music for graduate work. Later, I fulfilled my dream of becoming a professional pilot and eventually pursued law school at Cleveland State, becoming an attorney. But every year, this musician, pilot, pianist, professor, and son of an Italian immigrant eagerly looks forward to another summer in Florence.
A few years ago, right after the pandemic restrictions lifted, my wife and I chose Italy for our family vacation. We arrived in Rome on Father’s Day 2022 and my only Father’s Day wish was to attend the 6:00 p.m. Mass at the Vatican, preceded by Vespers in Latin at 5:00 p.m. We arrived early, around 4:30 p.m., walking through the Vatican before settling in for Vespers near St. Peter’s Chair. Although my Latin was basic, the beauty and solemnity of the service were spiritually uplifting, and the Mass that followed was equally inspiring.
Yet, the most memorable part came after Mass, a truly unexpected Father’s Day gift. Rome, and especially the Vatican, is usually packed with pilgrims from all over the world. But since the Vatican closes at 6 p.m. on Sundays and the Mass ended around 7:30 p.m., we stepped out into an empty St. Peter’s Basilica. For about 30 minutes, we had the Vatican all to ourselves – a rare and peaceful experience. For anyone planning a visit, consider attending a Mass or religious ceremony on Sundays; the general public isn’t permitted during these times, allowing a quieter, more reflective visit. Just remember to be respectful of Church traditions!
My time in Italy each summer deepens my connection to my heritage, faith, and Italy’s rich cultural legacy. As a Catholic organist, I’ve served as a Cathedral Music Director in the U.S. and placed second in the Marcello International Organ Competition in Mondaino (Rimini) in 2000. My love for Italian music, especially sacred music, always draws me to visit the Vatican. When working as a Cathedral Music Director, I even asked for time to study at Rome’s Schola Cantorum, since I have always been inspired by the beauty of the music at Sunday Masses. I usually take the high-speed train from Florence to Rome Termini on a Sunday morning, then ride the Rome Metro to the Vatican, arriving just in time for Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
I walk straight to the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter and tell the attendant, “sono qui per la messa” (“I’m here for Mass”). This sacred space, combined with Bernini’s Cathedra Petri, the magnificent throne of St. Peter, and the historic Frescobaldi organs from the 17th century, fills me with awe. The entire Mass, chanted and sung in Italian, accompanied by incense and hymns, always brings me closer to learning the language. But the experience transcends any language barrier, especially being so close to the tomb of St. Peter. Christ’s words, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,” echo through this sacred place.
After Mass, I often hurry outside to hear the Pope’s weekly “Urbi et Orbi” message. Pope Francis, with his welcoming smile, begins with “brothers and sisters, good afternoon.” I listen attentively, then find a restaurant nearby, comparing the English and Italian versions of the Pope’s message to check my Italian comprehension. Over lunch, I use the “Trainline” app to book the best train back to Florence, retracing my route through Rome Termini, its lively shops, and its timeless travelers. Watching people come and go reminds me of the ancient truth that all roads indeed lead to Rome.
