What have you been up to since SJV?
After entering SJV in January 2008 following high school, I was in formation at SJV for five semesters. I’ve lived and worked in a number of places since SJV, most notably for Father—now Bishop—Joseph Williams at St. Stephen’s in Minneapolis and later for Bishop Andrew Cozzens in evangelization at the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis. I now live and work in Rome, where I run a Catholic pilgrimage company.
What has it been like living in Rome—both as a college seminarian and now leading pilgrimages—through the past three pontificates?
Immensely moving. As a seminarian, I remember praying for Pope Benedict XVI from St. Peter’s Square until the light in his apartment went dark each night. I was back in Rome when he died, prayed as he lay in state, and attended his funeral. Just two years later, I was again in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, followed by the conclave and the announcement of Pope Leo XIV—where I unexpectedly ran into alumni brother Patrick Flanagan ‘12, also from the Diocese of Lansing.
I could sense I was witnessing history but even felt I was somehow part of the story. In the words of Cardinal Newman, I am indeed “a link in a chain,” one I am humbled beyond words to be part of: a chain that binds saints to Christ and binds today’s Church to the ancient Church.
How has this experience helped shape your work today?
Living in Rome through these events has deepened my awareness of what it means to be Catholic in time—rooted in the Resurrection yet still unfolding in history. In the United States, we tend to observe history as something outside ourselves, as though reading it from a book. But living and working in Rome, especially during moments like the death of a pope or a conclave, you begin to feel as if you’re inside the history book itself or perhaps part of the scroll being unrolled.
The Italian verb sviluppare—which means “to develop” but originally refers to the act of untangling—feels appropriate. It seems like God is untangling knots in history through the Church, perhaps through Our Lady. It’s this unfolding mystery that shapes and animates my work today.
How did your time at SJV prepare you for this chapter of life?
My company has been profoundly shaped by the SJV spirit of hospitality I encountered during the days of the late Fr. Baer (and have been practicing myself ever since he asked me to oversee the Samba event in the Pope Benedict Room). This vision enlivens my entire work of being keenly attentive to the desires of our pilgrims, going beyond what’s required, and offering generosity in service. Proper hospitality flows from Christ, through the Church, for others. It mirrors SJV’s motto: Men in Christ, Men of the Church, Men for Others.
Advice for brother alumni?
Pray the Liturgy of the Hours. More specifically, Sunday Night Prayer. Do it with the full confidence you learned to pray it at Saint John Vianney.
Best part of fall?
Autumn leaves at their peak on Summit Avenue.
Currently reading?
Saint Catherine of Siena: Mystic of Fire, Preacher of Freedom by Fr. Paul Murray, OP.
To connect with Vincenzo or explore pilgrimage opportunities, visit vincenzoinrome.com.
This article was originally published in the fall 2025 Vianney News magazine. Read more.