Have you ever wondered what Rome is like? Or have you ever wondered what it is like to meet the Pope? Or maybe both? Well Allyson Fraker has the answers for you!
The International Pueri Cantores (Latin for “young singers”) Festival takes place every year and brings together a collection of young students from schools all over the globe. This year, Allyson Fraker was able to take part in the local group from South Bend that travelled to Rome to perform.
This group, mainly parishioners from St. Pius and all ages from 3rd grade to 12th grade, travelled to Rome during Christmas to sing for the Pope for New Year’s Day. According to Allyson, they “sang songs to the Pope in all sorts of different languages, including Spanish, Latin, French, and Italian.” Meeting the Pope was an ethereal experience for Allyson, and something she is very grateful she got to be a part of.
They did not only perform for the Pope, however. The young group for the Pueri Canotres Festival travelled across Rome, performing and singing in several churches and religious buildings. In fact, the group got to perform in “all four of the major basilicas in Rome,” as stated by Allyson.
Outside of her singing performances, Allyson got to enjoy Rome on her winter break. According to Allyson, her favorite parts of Rome was, “All the history and visiting all the monuments and museums.” Allyson enjoyed it so much, in fact, that she claimed it was her, “favorite vacation ever.”
Say hello to Allyson in the halls, and if you see her, be sure to congratulate her on this accomplishment!