We would like to extend a warm welcome back to Father Sengole after his sabbatical in Rome these past few months. We were able to catch up with Father and ask a little bit about his time in Rome and what he did while he was there. While he was in Rome, Father studied theology at the Angelicum University, beginning his doctoral studies. In his class there were seminarians, nuns, and other priests as well as some lay people. Now that he has returned home Father will continue his studies on his own while keeping in touch with his doctoral guide.
While in Rome Father Sengole stayed at a convent run by the Daughters of Christ along with twelve other priests. The sisters took good care of him and his fellow priests tending to their needs while there. Father did manage to take some time for some other travels while he was in Europe as well. During his Christmas break he traveled to France and visited Lourdes, Ars, Paris, and Lisieux. He was also able to visit the Catacombs in Rome, the 2nd Century burial sites of the early Christians. He called this one the most surprising things of his trip.
Father Sengole said his biggest memory from the trip was "visiting Pope Francis during his Wednesday audience." He very much enjoyed being a student again at the university and loved being taught by the Dominican priests there. Father is glad to be back home in Richmond and said, "I definitely missed being with school students and saying Mass for them." He also missed all of the parishioners and the busy parish life. He was grateful that the Archdiocese of Indianapolis allowed him to be able to take the time away to study and recharge. We are so happy to have Father back with us and wish him continued success as he works on his doctoral degree.