perfer et obdura; dolor hic tibi proderit olim Be patient and tough; some day this pain will be useful to you.
Gone are
gladiator arenas, days when togas were common garb, and when knees bent upon hearing
the name Caesar. It is no coincidence that Hollywood romanticizes an era which left an impressive historical footprint,
a beloved Shakespearean drama, and most especially, a city which bears the name
and the physical ruins of the empire which was. In awe, modern day Rome is
frequented by millions and the standing fossil we know as the Colosseum ranks
high on bucket lists of ‘Places to See’. My infatuation with Rome began in
freshman year of high school when I was required to study Latin as a foreign
language. Therefore, I'm cool and qualified to throw out expressions like,
"Ave et Vale" (Hail and farewell), "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of many, one) and "Cave
Canem" (Beware the dog).
Triumphantly, I came, I saw and I conquered two National Latin
Exams and the New York State Latin Regents Exam, but Latin class was my window
to a glorified culture that tragically collapsed.
 Portraying Cleopatra at Bishop Kearney High School's Classics Fair Brooklyn - 2004 |
 Portraying Cleopatra at Bishop Kearney High School's Classics Fair Brooklyn - 2004 |
When prompted, "If you could experience
or witness any era..." I often envisioned myself strolling through the Forum
wearing a headdress adorned in golden filigree, occasional outings to the
thermal baths, and being a spectator at Circus Maximus. Therefore, it wasn’t a
surprise that I had my heart set on attending an institution that would offer
me the ability to study abroad in Rome. In 2008, my dreams (minus the headwear)
became a reality. Not without gelato in hand, my Latin textbook was brought to
life before my very eyes and I experienced five weeks of pure bliss in The
Eternal City.
 I wasn't exaggerating about the gelato in hand. |
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| The Roman Forum |
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| The Colosseum |
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| Circus Maximus |
While present at the aforementioned landmarks, I imagined
what it must have been like to hear the roar of the crowd at the Colosseum, the
echoes of the chariots encircling Circus Maximus, or what it felt like to
unwind in the spa-like haven located at the Baths of Caracalla. Despite the
array of photographs and not-so priceless memories, I was nostalgic for
a land and time that could never be tangible. Those sentiments were a main
reason why I was taken aback to hear the words, “Maybe it was a good thing that
Rome fell. Maybe it was an intercession…” escape from…my mouth.
Without an in-depth historical analysis, this reflection was
fueled by the principle that the Roman dynasty was enwrapped in practices which
were toxic to the society. Greed, gluttony, lust and savagery are considered
some of the deadliest of sins; however, these ideologies were condoned as well
as encouraged. Although temples and shrines of grandeur were built for deities,
an emperor’s authority was revered limitless without restriction. It was
demanded that any threat be eliminated and ultimately, this led to the
persecution of a man who in the course of days was exalted and then crucified.
To the fortune of the Christian community, specifically those who are
Roman-Catholic, Christianity did not fall like Rome when Jesus was executed.
Ironically, it was essential for the empire to descend. It was vital for the
civilization to be stripped of its contaminated ways. It was imperative for a
stimulus to be created so that there would be transference from sin… to love.
While conversing with an attending priest at my parish, he
advised that adversities are often intercessions in disguise. It took me some
time to process how or if I would be able to appreciate this statement. Would I
be able connect God’s intercession with the crosses which I bear daily? Would I
be able to entertain that when confronted with various hardships and
limitations, God’s will is being carried out? Is it possible to be at peace
with the ability to not understand, but accept? How often do I create my own ‘Rome’
when emphasis is placed on attaining the desires of the flesh vs. the spirit? How
often do I reflect on the consequences
of my free will and get lost in my own dynasty? Am I constantly under
construction? Are my wildest dreams restrictive to what I could be if I surrendered my
earthly desires and expectations? What if I broke down the subconscious walls
of my ‘Eternal City’ so that I can allow God to pave the path toward eternal life?
Although typically deduced to a negative connotation, the
word ‘fall’ is not void of hope. Hope to get up and stand. Hope to re-build.
Hope to convert one’s ways. Hope for better days to come; to be faithful,
dependent on Who lives rather than the idea of what was.
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| Hope to return to the Eternal City thanks to a certain tradition. |
Until next time, ciao for now!
per aspera ad astra! Through difficulties to the stars!
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