Fr. Mick Egan, CSV, pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson Florence at nightNevada, led a whirlwind tour through the major cities of Italy. The guided tour drew his parishioners, as well as Viatorian associates — more than 70 in all — and his confrere, Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, pastor of nearby St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas to attend.

Their tour included spending time in Assisi, Pompeii, Padua, Florence, Venice and Rome. Some of the highlights included visiting the Basilica of St. Paul and the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Fr. Ken Morris, CSV, a former superior of the Province of Chicago, was ordained.opening of a private MassFlorence plaza

Tour members also enjoyed a private Mass celebrated by Fr. Egan, Fr. Rinn and Deacon Associate Michael Underwood in the loweraudience with Pope Francis level Chapel Capella Romanica in Rome. They also attended a private audience with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square that left the group speechless.

“Words cannot explain the overwhelming feeling that came over me,” said Associate Juliann Dwyer, “when he passed in front of us. It was a fantastic day.”

Several Viatorian Associates made the trip, including Mike and Kathy Underwood, Jim and Marie May, Dan and Cheryl Schwarz and their daughter, Kirsten, and Pre-Associate Connie Clough.