For the first time since 2011, the International Commission on Benedictine Education (ICBE) held a youth congress at Sant’Anselmo in Rome, 20–25 September. More than 30 students took part, representing Chile, Brazil, South Africa, the Philippines, Australia, Austria, Germany and the United States.

The gathering brought students together for prayer, shared experiences of Benedictine education across cultures, and visits to places significant for Benedictine history, as well as glimpses of the city of Rome.

After Sunday Mass, participants shared their vision of Benedictine life in their own traditions, before spending the afternoon at local sites. On Monday, following morning prayer and Mass, the group visited San Benedetto in Piscinula, where Saint Benedict once lived. After a moment of prayer and reflection, the day continued with stops at Santa Cecilia, Santa Maria in Trastevere, San Crisogono and Saint Paul outside the Walls, ending with a welcome from Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder.

Tuesday was dedicated to Subiaco, with visits to Sacro Speco and the monastery of Santa Scholastica. Wednesday began with the papal audience, followed by entry through the Holy Door and a visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica. After eating a packed lunch, the day continued with Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colosseum, before returning to Sant’Anselmo — gelato in hand.

The congress closed with a Mass celebrated by Abbot Jeremias, and an evening of recreation where each regional group offered a song or dance from their culture. Students and teachers received a copy of the Rule of Saint Benedict, which they filled with messages of friendship from their new companions.

It is no surprise that the students felt such strong connections, strengthened by shared prayer, meals, conversations, music and the unforgettable experience of visiting sites central to Benedictine life in Rome.