Cascia Hall Students Enter Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica

Students and Faculty are led by priests through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Every January, Cascia Hall Upper School students participate in Minimester. Freshmen and sophomores take mini-courses in subjects like marine biology, crocheting, investing, and self-defense while juniors and seniors spend the month interning at a local company or serving at a non-profit. Alternatively, juniors and seniors can participate in a study abroad trip, giving them real life experiences outside the classroom and the opportunity to learn more about international cultures.

This January, a group of Upper School students and faculty traveled to Italy as part of the Minimester trip. This trip was one for the books as the group happened to be in Italy during Jubilee 2025, a time when the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica is open. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Rome during this rare time to pass through the sacred portal in St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolizing a journey from sin to grace.

For many in our group, this was their first time to visit Italy. Cascia Hall English Department Chair Sarah Kennedy says she was deeply moved to see the groups of pilgrims from all over the world being led by priests through the door.

Students and faculty also took in other landmarks and sights, including the Sistine Chapel, Saint Mark's Square, and the Rialto Bridge. They were in awe of Michelangelo’s artwork and very grateful for the fellowship and time together abroad. These juniors and seniors completed their Minimester semester by writing travel journals, researching their favorite landmarks, and creating a slideshow presentation for their class.

"Walking through the Holy Door at the Vatican was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This universal idea of reconciliation and forgiveness is one I hope to bring into my own life, remembering to always forgive others and also that God will forgive those who seek redemption.”