Let Advent Bring You Beyond the Gate

Roxane Salonen shares an insight from time she spent at a Vatican gate during a pilgrimage, and how it reflects the abundant life God wishes to give us.

My husband and I recently returned from a pilgrimage to Italy to pray for our family during the Jubilee Year of Hope. Passing through the four holy doors, and — in our final hours — meeting Pope Leo, are among the many highlights.  

The latter moment seemed a gift meant not just for us but for others, too. As I prayed at the tomb of Saint Monica at the Basilica of Saint Augustine on November 4, the evening before, I asked her, “Help me know, dear Monica, what of this experience I should bring home.”  

Just a few days later, back in Fargo, North Dakota, I was talking with one of our young adult children, whose future seems dotted with question marks right now. Sharing about our adventure in Siena, Assisi and Rome, I zeroed in on the papal visit. I especially wanted to recount the steps leading to the incredible moment of looking into the eyes of the Vicar of Christ. 

Recounting the Steps  

Though I’ve written more about this moment at NCRegister.com, and on Substack as well, this part of the story begins just before I “met” Monica, as Troy and I waited near the bronze doors at the Vatican, as instructed, to receive our papal-audience tickets. After 12 days with our pilgrimage group, we were now on our own in Rome, and feeling a little vulnerable.  

“Soon, we should know if our tickets place us near Papa Leo or just in the square,” I whispered to Troy.

He nodded, excitedly. Though my feet and soul were so tired I could barely stand, I had to push through.  

We finally were summoned by a Vatican representative. “Soltano una,” she said, holding up one finger. Since I’d initiated, with encouragement, the invite to give the pope a copy of a book about Saint Monica I co-authored, Troy nudged me forward. “You go.”  

Following the guide with others down long corridors and through security, I found my anxiety rising. “Hail Mary, full of grace …” Our Blessed Mother calmed me as I walked into unknown spaces without my beloved.  

Finally, I was waved up a long flight of stairs to a Swiss guard who stood at the top. Once ascended, I followed others to a small office, where a Vatican worker handed me an envelope containing tickets. “Where should we sit tomorrow?” I asked, hoping for special instructions. “Same as this evening. Go in the square. 7:30 it opens, the gate.”  

It wasn’t looking good for a personal meeting with the pope, but, having given this possible chance to God, I knew we’d graciously accept whatever was offered. 

Rising Without Knowing  

The next morning, we rose early, donning our finest attire just in case, and took our spot at the gate once again. As tickets emerged from pockets and purses, we noticed most were beige, unlike our yellow ticket.   

As the gate opened, we rushed in with the rest, searching for a good spot. But Troy had a hunch. Though not typically inclined to ask for directions, he found a Swiss guard. Glancing at our tickets, the guard pointed to the statue near the front. “Santo Paulo,” he said.   

With that utterance, hope swelled within us as we walked forward to yet another Swiss guard, and then another, each pointing us closer to where Pope Leo would be sitting shortly.   

The final Vatican representative, in a gray coattail suit with a bow tie, and noting again our tickets, pulled a list from his pocket and glanced at the names. “Salonen?” We nodded, smiling at one another, then happily followed his direction to the top platform, where we were seated in the third row from the canopy shielding the papal chair. 

Retelling the story at home, I looked at my child, who was undoubtedly happy for us but still heavy laden, and it hit me. 

“You’re still at the gate, hon,” I said, tenderly. “You don’t know what’s going to happen. But God knows. He knows the blessings he’s about to bestow on you. Just keep following him, and he will lead you to the most remarkable places — just beyond the gate.” 

Are you still at the gate, also, waiting? May this Advent be an invitation to reach out in trust and step through the gate to the abundant life beyond, to the adventure God has in store, just for you. 

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Copyright 2025 Roxane Salonen
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