SJM Students, Faculty, and Parents Travel to “Bella Italia” (Click here to read more)

Article written by: Michael Giovannetti

 “Ciao, SJM Families and Friends!”

In June 2019, thirty students, faculty, and family members spent 10 fabulous days visiting the country of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Dante, Vivaldi, Marco Polo, Andrea Bocelli, St. Francis of Assisi, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, and our beloved Pope Francis, just to name a few famous Italians.

The experience was unique and very special because the Italian classes of Michael Giovannetti and Emanuela De Rosa were joined by another very important SJM discipline. The group’s journey (from Venice to Rome) also included students from Ms. Joanie Hathaway’s 2/3 Dimensional Art Classes. Italian and Art? Truly the ideal interdisciplinary experience! 

For many of the students, this was their first “adventure” traveling outside of the USA as an organized group. Our chaperones (Mrs. Bouchard, Ms. De Rosa, Ms. Hathaway, Ms. Crabtree and Mr. Giovannetti), and all participants received first-class guided tours of Venice, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Assisi and Rome. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity led by native Italian experts included hands-on experiences in Venice, Lucca and Rome. Beautiful sites, important cathedrals, monuments and museums were enjoyed along the way.

Our Memorial delegation met and experienced first-hand the cordial, kind, people of Italy, while enjoying culinary delights --the very best pizza, pasta dishes, the famous gelato-- and other unique cultural celebrations. It was Italian hospitality at its very best!

Naturally, everyone returned home safe, sound, and with special memories to last a lifetime and much more. We wish to thank our chaperones, parents and students for their cooperation and support which was critical to the successful realization of this beautiful dream. Additionally, we wish to extend “Mille Grazie” to our visionary and most supportive Memorial administration and Diocese of Fresno for their blessings and approval of the trip.

Plans are currently underway for the next Italian trip; two-three years from now. For more information, please contact Ms. Emanuela De Rosa (Teacher of Italian Language and Culture - SJMHS).

“Grazie Mille e Arrivederci!”