UPDATE 18 Sept 2024:
We reached the goal of my basic costs of airfare and rent (if they don’t pull a fast one). Notes below.
Published on: Sep 12, 2024
It’s time for another appeal. Long-time readers know that I try to get back to Rome in (March/April/May for Easter and my anniversary and in October because I sooooo love the synodal process or walking together with pagan idols and that sort of stuff. Otherwise, these are the best times for Italy.
This is my way to keep my brain alive, identity strong and – having been significantly but not entirely cancelled – my liturgical batteries recharged. It keeps me fighting.
Hence, another fundraiser.
My plan is to head to Brooklyn for a couple of days at the end of September (soon!) and then arrive in Rome on 1 October. Quite a few people I know will be in Rome during that period (because of the “walking together” etc.). Also some dear friends will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Rome. I like to be there for my birthday on the 28th, (Ss. Simon and Jude). It is also good to with others who are enrolled in the Archconfraternity which St. Philip Neri started.
My times in Rome are graced season: daily Mass in the best possible environment with great priests and lay people, there will be the October Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage, although it is greatly reduced. Last time I was there I found on ebay a super buy on an antique chalice and paten: I’m arranging for certain cardinal with an S in his name whom you surely like to consecrate it for me.
Again, I want to work on book ideas (which are coalescing) and in earnest finally obtain a pied–à–terre with guest room so I can more easily split my time, lower cost of being there over time, help fellow priests who come to Rome, and look to the future. I get emails about apartments (rent and buy) options regularly now and some are pretty good and sort of affordable. Maybe I’ll try to find a chess tournament and get some FIDE points if I can eek out a win!
The last time I had a fundraiser, I did it in terms of “days in Rome”, which will cover my best estimate of rent, food, getting around, US phone use in Italy, etc. The last few times there, I cooked “in” and saved a great deal doing so: to eat “out” in Rome is expensive. It is a pleasure to shop the shops I’ve known for decades and cook for myself.
My best arguments for support for this project are as they were before: Masses celebrated for the donors for the project, enhanced content here, and the knowledge that I often, when walking about, I am smiling.
My fundraising goal is to cover 40 days in Rome.
I’ll record the names of everyone who donates for this, large and small, and remember you at daily Mass, pray for you at the tombs of saints, and say Mass for your intention often.
The usual ways of donating are available. Some of you know them already.
- Zelle, through your US bank, works best. Drop me a note HERE
- For international donations there is a service called WISE which is very good and has the lowest fees and best conversion rate I’ve seen and I can accept any currency with it, convert it, and either move it or withdraw it using an ATM in Rome. Try WISE. HERE
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There’s also waaavy flag (PayPal). Add a note “Days in Rome” and your email if you want me to write back.
- Venmo is an option, also. Drop me a note HERE Or use this QR code…
- PayPal takes a service fee percentage, for larger donations checks by snail mail would be better. Contact me HERE about that. There is a faster route than through the old P.O. Box. This is the best way for any significant amount, and there were a few of you, last time, who were quite generous. It isn’t as fast, of course, the clock is ticking.
As this project progresses, the Enemy will probably screw around with my life in annoying ways… which always happens. This time there was interference in starting this up because I had to deal with a new washer and dryer. Something else will probably come up as soon as I post this.
To that end, I have repurposed an old iPhone 7(?) perpetually to play Gregorian chant at a low volume in the house. I won’t hear it but the nasties will and it can drive them nuts.
Finally, some of you have already contributed over the last few weeks and days, since I have mentioned this upcoming Roman Sojourn one in a while. Already, thanks to
Pre-donors
VF, JL, MR, DVDH, DC, LG, MMcM, MH, SB, PG, HL, MM, SAS, JL, EW, AN, WH, GG, MK, DH, MP, AC, SU, CS
Then…
MH, MH, MH, JW, DH, MMcM, VD, IGD, BR, KK, DLS, LSW, CM, DG-W, AB, JH, AC, LD, TG, AD, KH, PO, LM, JM, JL, M(D)D, EFC, DHx2, SN, PG, JM, DK, JP, SH, JS, BP, KB, KM, LP, MU, MMx2, MG, JC, AH, MF, SN, JS, VFx2, TB, PM, GP, J&BW, JW, AG, SS,
WE MADE IT!
UPDATE 4 Oct 24 (11:15 PM CET):
I would be grateful for more to cover things like public transport, flowers for the apartment (really makes a difference), beggars (you can’t imagine when you are in a cassock), apartment expenses (I have to provide my own stuff for cleaning, laundry, etc.), better food (I’m pretty frugal since I cook in most of the time, but it’s nice to go out and be able to share the bill at least – and there is the allure of fresh vongole and taleggio and coniglio and Sagrantino and an aperitivo at the Campo), and I almost always leave something for The World’s Best Sacristan, because “dignus est operarius” and all that.
For a continuing drive, I’m not sure what to aim at. In order to make the thermometer you must enter a goal. I suppose I could enter some absurd number like $1 million. Who knows? Perhaps there will be a lottery winner! I’ll contemplate this and see what happens in the meantime. I think some donations are coming via snail mail and there are those who don’t see the blog everyday.
My continuing thanks to those who took the fund drive over the top.
HB, RG, RF, SB, BRB, ME, JD, MH, TO’R, DLS, KA, LD, KD, MBP, JCC, DGC, AR, DCx2, TS, JK, MM, MB, SASx2, LK, WS, CHS, KF, BH, JA, JCx2, MH, SU, KS, MT, KB, DM, TBx2, CW,
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