Thankful for God’s bounty after sojourn in Rome

TANYA GOODMAN | FLORIDA CATHOLIC ORLANDO BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 10.10.08

Are we Americans really thankful for our food – God’s bounty? When we bless our food do we really mean the words we say or are they swallowed along with that breakfast sandwich we unwrapped as we tried to steer through morning rush-hour traffic?

What about that double-caffeinated, sugar-free, caramel-flavored, low-fat latte in the decorative paper cup that took us longer to order than drink?

Lunch – sometimes an interruption in my productive day. More times than I can count, I have hurried out for something sizzling and juicy on exotic bread only to carry it back to my office and unwrap it at my desk.

Things have changed now. Something happened. It’s called Rome. More specifically it was “The Church Up Close.”

I was one of 42 journalists selected for an eight-day seminar designed to provide a closer look at the church under Pope Benedict XVI. The program gave the group an opportunity to learn about the workings of the Vatican and the church through officials, key players and theological experts.

I learned a lot about the church and my faith.

What I will never forget and what I will forever treasure are the daily lunches I shared with fellow journalists from around the world. Our lunches – siestas – lasted an average of three hours.

We’d stroll to the Osteria dell’Anima restaurant by Piazza Navona for a five-course meal. Simple food turned into a rich and glorious affair. We began with a blessing, truly thankful for what we were about to receive. We savored each bite of pasta, satiated our thirst with wine and lingered over words of faith and wonder. We were truly aware of what we were eating and aware of God’s presence among us.

With each passing day, we became more thankful for each other and the opportunity to learn more about our faith, the Vatican and Rome.

While sharing bread and wine with my classmates, I thought of how Jesus shares himself in the Eucharist. Am I always present in body, mind and soul at liturgy? Am I aware of the divine presence? Like so many others at Mass, my mind sometimes races to my schedule – things I need and want to do. I’d often wonder how many activities I could accomplish between church and home.

Somewhere between the espresso and the creamy-set dessert panna cotta, Holy Spirit came through crystal clear – “slow down and savor.”

Communion with the Lord and with my brothers and sisters is a gift. For this gift, I am very thankful.

Tanya Goodman is the Orlando diocesan editor for the Florida Catholic. For more photos and information on the trip, visit www.thefloridacatholic.org.

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