Oakcrest students spent six days in Florence and six days in Rome, studying Renaissance art and architecture while reflecting on the political, cultural, and spiritual forces of Dante’s lifetime. “We considered this a pilgrimage mixed with history and art lessons,” explained Oakcrest history teacher Aimee Marturi, who traveled with the group. “We visited many churches and art museums to explore pre-Renaissance, Renaissance, and Mannerist art interpretations. In Rome and Florence, we talked about the political structure, how it connected to early Christianity, and its significance in art and architecture during Dante's lifetime.”

For many students, the trip was a blend of cultural discovery, spiritual growth, and lifelong memories. “I was motivated to go on this trip because I have always loved traveling, and since I study Latin, I thought that traveling to Italy would be an amazing experience to learn more about the language I am learning,” said Kathryn H. ’27. 

Once in Italy, students experienced a new sense of wonder as they walked through the cultural and spiritual treasures they had learned about in the classroom. Kathryn describes seeing historical sites like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum as highlights of her trips: “Seeing them in person is really breathtaking and helps you to appreciate the huge scale of these buildings.”

The trip was also deeply spiritual. Students attended daily Mass, often in Italian. Kathryn shared, “I would describe a pilgrimage as a trip that a person intentionally takes to get closer to God. I feel like this trip was a pilgrimage for me, as I do feel like it helped me to grow in my relationship with God.” She describes how the churches inspired a newfound sense of awe in her faith, especially when recounting stories of the Roman martyrs and their courageous sacrifices.

For Kathryn, one of the greatest lessons was seeing how faith and beauty transcend time and language: “Even if we speak different languages, everyone still celebrates the same Mass, and I think that is really beautiful.” Mrs. Marturi echoed this sentiment, adding that she hopes students took away “the beauty of Italian culture, a deeper appreciation for art and the early Christian church, and an understanding of the complicated experience that was the government of Rome and Florence.”

In the Footsteps of Dante is more than a study abroad trip. It is an encounter with the timeless beauty of faith, art, and history—an experience that inspires students to see the world, and their own role in it, with fresh eyes.