In May, twenty-seven Patrons traveled to Rome to be part of the 2012 Illinois Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums tour. In the Vatican, the group had private tours of the Apostolic Palace, the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, Borgia Apartments and much more. After their tour, they were invited to a reception and gala dinner in a private room of the Vatican Museums. In the Scavi Excavations below St. Peter’s Basilica, the group saw the tombs of St. Peter and several Popes. There were distinctive visits to the Ethnological, Painting, and Mosaic Restoration Laboratories of the Vatican Museums to see restorations sponsored by our chapter. A trip highlight was attending a general audience with the Holy Father. The group also traveled to Castel Gandolfo, the Papal summer residence, and toured the Papal Gardens. Fr. Jack Wall joined the tour and said Mass.