Guest Commentary: For this La Jollan, trip to Rome was truly divine

It all started on Mother’s Day.

I hosted a dinner at my home in La Jolla and invited a priest from my local church. He was originally from Nigeria. During dinner, we talked about life, travel and faith. I mentioned that I was going to Rome for the first time in June. I had never been to Europe, and I was both excited and nervous.

He smiled warmly and said “I have a deacon friend studying in Rome to become a priest. Would you like to meet him?”

Without hesitation, I said yes.

A few weeks later, I was standing in the grand shadow of St. Peter’s Basilica. The deacon and I met for the first time just outside the church. His name was Emmanuel. He was kind, soft-spoken and carried the weight of deep faith on his shoulders. We had dinner together, shared stories and quickly formed a bond.

He told me he was going to be ordained on June 27 by none other than Pope Leo himself. He invited me to attend the ordination. I was stunned. How could this be real? My first trip to Rome and I was receiving an invitation to an ordination at the Vatican.

As we spent more time together, I learned more about him. His parents had both passed away. He had two brothers and one sister in Nigeria, but they couldn’t come to Rome for his ordination. He would be alone.

I looked at him across the dinner table and asked “Would it be OK if I sponsored you for your ordination?”

His eyes welled up. “Yes,” he said softly.

Over the next few days, we went shopping. I got him the sacred items he would need: a chalice, a ciborium, his priestly black-and-white attire and his vestments. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

I left Rome on June 4 to return home, but we kept in touch daily. Then, on June 24, I flew back to Rome, this time with my brother, his wife and their daughter. We were going to witness something truly holy.

On Friday, June 27, at 9 a.m., we entered St. Peter’s Basilica. The air buzzed with reverence. Thirty-two deacons from around the world were being ordained that day. Because I had sponsored Emmanuel, I was invited to sit in the front row with the “family” — an incredible honor.

The ordination Mass was powerful. The choir echoed through the cathedral as Pope Leo XIV entered. Bishops, cardinals and priests filled the space. I had to blink several times to believe I was really there.

After the Mass, the family members of the newly ordained priests were invited to a private audience with the Holy Father. I waited nervously in line. When it was my turn, I kissed Pope Leo’s hand and held it.

“Holy Father,” I said, “you’re from Chicago?”

He smiled. “Yes. Where are you from?”

“San Diego.”

“Oh! I have family in Encinitas.”

“I live in La Jolla!” I replied, beaming.

He chuckled, then moved down the line. I stood there, stunned. I had just met the pope.

The next day, I was invited to the seminary where the deacons lived and studied. It was peaceful, quiet and full of young men devoted to God. We had lunch together and celebrated a Mass with the newly ordained priests. It was beautiful.

Then came Sunday, June 29 — a day I’ll never forget. Father Emmanuel invited us to his first official Mass at his Nigerian community church in Rome. It was at noon and the small church was filled with joy and color.

During the Mass, I saw something that moved me deeply: He used the chalice and ciborium I had gifted him. Tears welled in my eyes. My heart felt full.

After the service, there was a reception with food, music and dancing. We celebrated not just Father Emmanuel’s ordination but the journey that had brought us together.

A few days later, my siblings and I traveled to Florence and the Amalfi Coast. The trip was lovely — full of laughter, art and memories — but the heart of my journey was back in Rome.

I started with a Mother’s Day dinner in La Jolla and ended up meeting the pope, sponsoring a new priest and witnessing a moment of true divine beauty.

Thank you, God.

Kristine Tran is a La Jolla resident.