David Martinez
Official Vatican Guide
David has the attention of our pilgrims on this sunny day in Assisi.
Questions about the Deacon Pilgrimage
When compared to other pilgrimages, why is the price for this pilgrimage so much lower ?
"I live in Rome, so the expenses of me as your guide are much lower that when the owners of St. Gemma's Catholic Pilgrimages, Mike and Sue Denz, are the pilgrimage leaders."
What will the size of this pilgrimage be?
“This Pilgrimage will be 12-24 people. My experience is that groups of this size can move more easily through the holy sites. Also, for groups of this size it is easier to make reservations for Holy Mass, i.e. St. Peter’s Basilica. Many altars/chapels may only be reserved for groups of less than 24 people.”
Will there be a priest/chaplain for this pilgrimage?
“As of now, there will not be a specific priest/chaplain. This could change depending upon the availability of priests that I know in Rome. We will be having Holy Mass with English speaking/American priests already in Rome. Many of these priests are doing graduate studies in theology while staying at the North American College. We will be having Holy Mass and the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation/confession with some of these priests. Other opportunities for confession will be with priests, many of these Dominicans, Franciscans or Benedictines. They are in the confessionals of the 4 Major Basilicas, St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, and St. John Lateran.
Questions and Answers from David
What makes you qualified to be a pilgrimage guide?
“I have been an official guide in the Vatican since 2010.” I have guided in the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Scavi/undergound, and in many other holy places. While in Rome I have studies Christian archaeology, theology, church history and art history. I have given tours for a variety of groups from a number of countries, continents and of varying levels of importance from a diplomatic and ecclesial standpoint: bishops, priests, seminarians, ambassadors, a prime-minister, US Congressmen, Aids to the President of the U.S.A. employees of the US Embassy buddhist monks, university students, journalists, Anglicans, Lutherans and many other groups. Some people that I have personally met and had on my tours include: NFL Quarterback Philip Rivers, Dr. Scott Hahn, and Immaculee Ilibagiza. According to the locals, I speak Italian well. I have experience with a number of pilgrimage and tour agencies. I know the different styles and approaches. This has allowed me to decide which one I want to follow.
Which style is that?
It is a unique style. I pray about and write a balanced itinerary so that the experience will be spiritual, educational, and enjoyable. It includes plenty of time for prayer at holy sites and a good amount of free time. Free time is scheduled to either shop for inexpensive gifts, explore nearby sites, prayer, spiritual reading or to converse with one another over a good cappuccino. I don't want this to be merely a bucket list of sites to visit. I want to share the depth and significance of each site as it deserves and give people some time to soak it in.
Whenever possible, I want visitors to eat healthy and good like the locals. I know the difference between a tourist place and a local place. I don’t want to force anyone to eat more than they want. I want specific dietary needs to be met whenever possible. As a group leader I am concerned about any spontaneous needs of participants and I will attempt to address them whenever I can.
My experience is that when presented well: the historical facts, artistic beauty, architecture, stories and images of saints, and the hearing of the Holy Scriptures, that all of this in one visit can stir people’s hearts and minds towards greater love and awe for the one True Faith. I know I am doing something right as a guide when people of varying backgrounds can compliment me for a visit. I have received these compliments from Catholics, protestant Christians, people of other faiths and non-believers.To have a 9 Day Pilgrimage to the sites listed above is meant to give each person a major lift, spiritually, intellectually and humanly.
What are comments that you have heard as a tour guide in the Vatican?
I will avoiding mentioning the silly ones and instead share the following:
- “David, you are a star.”
- "You are famous."
- "Where did you study?"
- “You are the best guide that we have had here and we have visited 3/5/9 times.”
- " I want you to know that that was a great visit (Vatican Necropolis), and I am an atheist."
- “Could I have a photo with you?”
- "Meeting you was the highlight of our trip."
- Me: “Did you enjoy the visit sir?” Older gentlemen: “Yes, I only wish you were our guide for this entire pilgrimage.”
Is there anything else I should know about your background?
“Yes. I come from a family with a military background. My Dad, Joseph/Bob Martinez is a retired firefighter of 31 years and a US Marine. Members of my extended family (uncles/aunts and cousins) have served in the U.S. Army and Navy. Some have served in Iraq, Kuwait, Okinawa and Korea. My grandfather, Albert, served in Korea during the Korean War. His brother, Oscar served in France during World War II. At one point in my twenties I was ready to contact a recruiter for officer training school for the U.S Marines. Just before I could contact the recruiter, I went to confession at St. Peter’s Basilica. The priest I spoke with was unaware of my plans, and he specifically told me to stay in Rome. After that conversation I decided to adjust my plans and not contact the recruiter.
Since then, my experience in Rome has included 1-2 hour jogging tours. An article written about a jogging tour that I gave can be found here (Some details in the article about background are inaccurate). I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio and at Ave Maria University in Florida. Most of my family live in Northwest, Indiana about a hour from Chicago. My older sister does live in Chicago. Other extended family of mine live in Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Oregon.
I was born in Hammond, Indiana less than 1/2 hour from Chicago. I was baptized in St. Casmir Catholic Church. I grew up in Central Texas near Austin. In high school I competed in track and cross-country with and against local athletes such as Jordan Shipley and Leonel Manzano. I come from a family with a military background. My Dad, Joseph/Bob Martinez is a retired firefighter of 31 years for Hammond, IN. He is also a US Marine. Members of my extended family (uncles/aunts and cousins) have served in the U.S. Army and Navy in Iraq, Kuwait, Okinawa and Korea. My grandfather, Albert, served in Korea during the Korean War. His brother Oscar, served in France during World War II.
Questions About the April 2016 Pilgrimage
When compared to other pilgrimages, why is the price for this pilgrimage so much lower ?
"I live in Rome, so the expenses of me as your guide are much lower that when the owners of St. Gemma's Catholic Pilgrimages, Mike and Sue Denz, are the pilgrimage leaders."
What will the size of this pilgrimage be?
“This Pilgrimage will be no more than 15 people. This pilgrimage already has some participants confirmed. With the next two people who sign up, it will be a sure go. My experience is that groups of this size can move more easily through the holy sites and share their experiences with one another.”
Will there be a priest/chaplain for this pilgrimage?
"As of now, there will not be a specific priest/chaplain. In Lourdes there are English speaking priests who are available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession. In Rome there will be mornings that we will have Holy Mass with English speaking/American priests who live/study in Rome. Some opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation/confession will be with English speaking priests who are Dominicans, Franciscans or Benedictines. In the mornings and afternoons they are stationed in the confessionals of the 4 Major Basilicas, St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, and St. John Lateran."
David has a good rapport with many of the Pope's Swiss Guards, which is most helpful for a guide in Rome.
David with Joan Lewis, aka "Joan from Rome" of EWTN Radio and Television.
