21 October 2015
Domus Australia in Rome Celebrates 4th Anniversary with Lamingtons
On Sunday 18 October 2015, staff and friends of Domus Australia celebrated the 4th Anniversary of the official opening with a special Mass service in its magnificent Chapel of St Peter Chanel, commemorating also the 5th anniversary of the canonisation of St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Saint.
Mass was celebrated by Cardinal George Pell who now resides in Rome as the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy. It was Cardinal Pell’s vision to create this home away from home for Australian pilgrims travelling to Rome. This week marks the 4th anniversary of its opening on 19 October 2011; a very special occasion as Pope Benedict XVI conducted the opening ceremony and blessing of this unique guest house.
The Mass was concelebrated by resident Rector of the Domus Fr. Terry Bell, Fr. Conor Steadman (recently ordained for the Archdiocese of Perth), Fr. Trenton Van Reesch (recently ordained for the Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn) and other Australian clergy.
In attendance on Sunday for the celebrations were the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr John McCarthy, representatives of the architects and restorers who worked on the Domus Australia project and special guests. All enjoyed the special anniversary Lamington cake prepared by the Domus chefs.
“Since opening its doors, Domus Australia has welcomed guests from all over Australia and indeed from all over the world” said Michael Digges, Business Manager of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.
Ranked in Rome’s top 20 on Tripadvisor, the reviews say it all, with many referring to this boutique guest house as ‘their home in Rome’. In 2015, Domus Australia was once again awarded a Tripadvisor ‘Certificate of Excellence’ and has an average review rating of 5 out of 5 since opening.
“Our guests have shared their experiences with friends and family and the level of repeat visits is a significant part of the business” said Mr Digges. “We have managed to combine a traditional Roman guest house with some Australian flavour, including a full hot Aussie breakfast, English speaking staff, excellent Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities in our spacious guest rooms” Mr Digges added.
Domus Australia is preparing for an even busier 2016, with the Jubilee Year in Rome commencing this December.
To make a booking contact us on Sydney telephone number 02 9390 5980 or or visit www.domusaustralia.org.
Background information: Established by the Archdiocese of Sydney with the support of other Australian dioceses, Domus Australia is an authentic Italian 32 room guesthouse located centrally in Rome and within walking distance to the Spanish Steps, key shopping areas and Rome’s major cultural attractions. The light filled spacious rooms, large ensuite bathrooms, friendly staff, cleanliness and the full hot Aussie breakfast are major drawcards for guests. The superbly restored historic building and chapel are home to a number of 19th and 20th century artworks which have been beautifully and faithfully restored by a team of specialist Roman art restorers. Mass in English is celebrated every day for guests and visitors to Rome.
For all media enquires, please contact Kate Sorensen +61 (0) 418 475 345. High res images available on request.