By Andrea Fernandes
Contributing Writer
St. Bonaventure University is certainly comprised of an astonishing group of students. Matt Creeron and Dan Egan are just two students who are striving to become extraordinary.
While many Bonnies spent the winter break sleeping in, these two spent their break on a pilgrimage to Italy. While on this pilgrimage, they were able to immerse themselves in a new culture while meeting students from all around the nation.
“It definitely beats sitting at home on the couch,” Egan, a junior biology major, said. “Every second we were there, we were doing something. We got to meet people from all over the country.”
With several different schools taking part in the trip, there was a diverse group of students to interact with every single day.
“I gained friendships and a better understanding of my faith,” Creeron, a sophomore sports studies major, said.
Both reminisced on the remarkable people they met while on the pilgrimage, some of whom they still keep in contact with. The trip allowed them to be surrounded by individuals of different backgrounds and religious beliefs.
“We had mass at St. Peter’s Basilica,” Egan said. “There were tons of people speaking tons of different languages, but everyone appreciated each other’s company.”
When Egan and Creeron initially heard about the trip, they both jumped at the opportunity.
“Being Italian, I always wanted to go to Italy to see my roots and be merged with the culture,” Creeron said. “Being able to go on this pilgrimage was very eye-opening. I was able to experience the religious and spiritual side of this place called Italy.”
Both had earlier thoughts of traveling to Italy, but they never imagined going on a pilgrimage.
“I’ve wanted to go to Italy for a while, but to be able to do it in this way as opposed to just being a tourist was really rewarding,” Egan said.
Going to Italy in such a way was more beneficial than simply going for sight-seeing. As Bonaventure students, both were able to get a better understanding of some of the required religious courses that all students must take. Instead of simply learning about distinct people such as St. Francis and St. Clare through Clare College, Egan and Creeron were able to see first hand the paths these religious individuals took while visiting the places that were a significant part of their religious practice.
“You walk the path that Francis walked… literally,” Creeron said.
Through having such an experience, the two Bonaventure students were able to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the religious aspects of the university.
Creeron and Egan encouraged other students to experience what they were able to.
“I would do it all over again. I wouldn’t change one thing,” Creeron said. “To people who are trying to go: be outgoing and be open to others.”
For students ready to embark on this journey, there will be an interest meeting on April 1 in the Merton Center at 7 p.m.
And for those who might be hesitant about eating foreign food, Egan offered a great piece of advice.
“The food can be a bit weird, but just suck it up and eat it!”
fernanal13@bonaventure.edu
