Study Abroad in Italy with Catholic Studies - Spring Break

Seton Hall University's Catholic Studies Program invites you to travel back in time to more deeply appreciate the past and present as you tour Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome. Ines Murzaku, Ph.D., will lead this 3-credit study abroad tour of sites in Italy that have been most significant to Christian history. The program will take place from February 29 through March 12, 2024.

You've learned about the interplay between Italian culture and Christian life, but have you witnessed it yourself—from the beginnings of Western civilization to today? This tour presents unique opportunities to see how ancient Greek and Roman civilization in Italy made their mark on early Christian culture and how these influences are still present today. Additionally, this program promises to invite deep reflection and spiritual growth by offering visits to awe-inspiring cathedrals and an opportunity to pray the Angelus with Pope Francis in the Vatican.

"While my research and teaching have taken me around the world, I have a special love for Italy," said Murzaku, Director of the Catholic Studies Program. "Besides studying at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, I have worked as an analyst for Vatican Radio International Programs and have held visiting professorships in Bologna and Calabria. Bringing a group of students to Italy allows me to show them places I find comforting, challenging, and stimulating."

Brief Itinerary

Murzaku will join students on a flight from Newark to Rome through this program. From there, the group will take a connecting flight to Catania, beginning their exploration of Sicily. After a visit to Mt. Etna, the group will spend time in Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Agrigento, Erica, Palermo, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Rome touring sites that date from Greek civilization on the island, as well as Catholic cathedrals; the world's most extensive collection of Roman mosaics; and remains of Norman, Phoenician, and Saracen influences.

After a short flight to Naples, students will admire the world-renowned Veiled Christ statue in the San Severo Chapel Museum, tour the ruins of ancient Pompeii, and savor a ride along the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Three glorious days in the Eternal City will complete the study abroad program. Highlights of the group's time in Rome will include a guided tour of the Spanish Steps; Trevi Fountain; Navona Square; the Pantheon; the Colosseum; the Roman Forum; and the Basilicas of St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major. The pinnacle of the trip will be Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and noon Angelus with Pope Francis.

Registration Details

This course (Foundations of Christian Culture CAST 3994) is cross-listed with CORE 3748, RELS 3208. The group will meet for classes before and after the study abroad program (day and time to be determined).

The trip cost of $4,400 includes airfare to and from Rome, connecting flights to and from Sicily, 3-star hotel accommodations, transportation, museum and site entry fees, and most meals. Space is limited, and the application and deposit of $500 is due on November 1, 2023.

For further details about this study abroad opportunity, which students from past semesters have called "uplifting for the mind, heart, and soul" and "life-changing," please visit the course webpage.

If you are interested in this program, contact Ines Murzaku to learn more.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education