“Days in Rome” Project – October 2026 and beyond – UPDATED

UPDATE: 6 Oct-17:24

You hit my goal!  Thank you.  Of course this doesn’t mean that those who have not yet donated must sit on their hands.  I wanted to cover the major expenses.  If more comes, I’ll also lay up something toward Christmas, which is a desire I have.  I haven’t been in Rome for Christmas for many years.  Way back in the day it was always depressing for me there, but I think now it will be otherwise, especially since The Parish™ is so vital and people there so grand.

Many thanks to

VF, JH, OM, DM, Fr TE, KK, BH, AC, MMM, JW, BRB, DRG-R, TB, LD, MH, RP, DO, MN, SN, JS. PM, MF, JS, MH, MK, TGx2, RC, RG, WT, EC, MS, ML, RD, CM, RK, JS, D&DF, CS, LB, AT, WS, LK, JCx2, AN, SP, JK, DT, D&TH, D&PC, CM, SK, L&DB, LS, AR, AG, DK, LG, KM, SS, BP, CS, AC, JS, CW, SU

I am so grateful for the “widow’s mites” and “big bites”, all, that got us to the top.

I don’t have email for a couple of you: JW, MN (Thanks, KK, for getting in touch).

Originally Published on: Sep 21, 2026 at 18:07

Time for a fundraiser.  I’m starting a little late, however.  I always have to force myself and I procrastinate.

Long-time readers know that I try to get back to Rome in March/April/May for Easter and my ordination anniversary as well as during October and part of November for the Summorum Pontificum Pilgrimage, my birthday and All Saints/All Souls.

This is my way to keep my brain alive, identity strong and – having been significantly “under-utilized” against my will, not precisely but sort of cancelled – my priestly batteries recharged. It keeps me fighting.

This fundraiser must cover three things: airfare/travel, rent, groceries.

Of course there are additional expenses and nearly endless beggars.

I usually only eat out when invited out.  Because I have a place of my own, I stay in and cook for myself. I save quite a bit.  I’ll have to cover US phone use in Italy.

I won’t be able to go through Brooklyn this time because… reasons.  Instead I’ll have to do the trip in one long shot, instead of breaking it up.  I rather dread that.  Hence, it would be helpful if I can get a little extra money to upgrade my seat.  As I get older, it matters. [UPDATE: I’m not optimistic: every seat going over to Rome is either occupied or blocked]

As always, I will record the names of all those who contribute for my Roman Sojourn.  I often celebrate Holy Mass for the intention of my benefactors – as I do also every Sunday – as well as for other intentions which readers have requested through my form.  As I go about in Rome, I will remember you in my prayers at the tombs of saints.

Another benefit for all is some enhanced content here and the knowledge that I occasionally realize that I am smiling while I am going about my day.

My goal is to cover 37 days in Rome.   However, I have an idea that I might try to go back for Christmas.  I’ll to roll it over, if there’s enough.

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   PLEASE use this if you can!  Add a note “Days in Rome” in the “memo” and your email.
• 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.  Also, this is the service that I use to pay my rent in Rome. Try WISE. HERE
• There’s also waaavy flag (PayPal). Add a note “Days in Rome” and include your email if you want me to write back.
  

  CLICK

• Venmo is an option, also. Drop me a note HERE  Or use this QR code…
• PayPal takes a service fee percentage.  Therefore…
• For larger donations checks by snail mail would be better.  TIME IS SHORT and MAIL IS SLOW.  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.