The universality of the Catholic Church is something at which to be marveled. I have been in Rome for over a month, studying abroad for the fall semester of my junior year, and have attended Mass in several Catholic churches.

The churches here so strongly exemplify God’s glory; I think anyone who enters them instantly feels a step closer to Heaven. While I am in awe of the vibrant mosaics, immense frescos, life-like statues, and all-around gorgeous architecture of every single church, I am still most amazed by the Mass itself.

Jesus is truly present at every Mass, and that is more astonishing than anything. What a gift it is to be able to receive the Body of Christ as a member of the universal Body of Christ. How uplifting it is to see God’s people come together in one holy place to receive Jesus in our minds, bodies, and souls.

The universality of the Church is evident in every Mass everywhere, but it is so profound here in Rome. The Eternal City so visibly brings together people of all nations, ethnicities, and walks of life. Australians know the Mass just as Africans know the Mass. A young woman from a small town in Pennsylvania partakes in the same miracle that an old man from Japan does. There is a diversity of people, yet a unity of faith.

One of the most unifying aspects of Rome is the Holy Father. Pope Francis has become one of the most beloved people on earth to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He has a wonderful way of being inclusive without discounting the truths of the Catholic faith.

I have gone to see him speak three times now, and each time I can sense the peaceful quality to his voice. His translated message has always been something that everyone can reflect on. At the most recent papal audience, Pope Francis urged all of us to fully recommit our families to Christ. This extends beyond our immediate families to our parish families. He asked us to deeply reflect on the mercy and love that Christ has for us.

One of the best ways to realize Christ’s mercy and love is to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. The sacraments are tremendous gifts from God and give us the necessary graces to do His work and be a holy presence to everyone we encounter.

The hymn, One Bread One Body, illustrates this perfectly. “Many the gifts, many the works, one in the Lord of all . . . And we, though many, throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.”

Whether in Rome or at home, I am thankful to be a part of the universal Body of Christ.