ADSUM

Next to the Pontifical North American College, Casa O'Toole is an ancestral residence recently renovated to the highest standards of comfort (private bathroom, air conditioning, elevator, etc.). Here the tradition for an atmosphere of leisure and intellectual stimulation is has been cultivated for two centuries at the Casa O'Toole. Let’s read a fascinating story of a 19th century resident of Casa O'Toole that inspires us.

On August 16, 1810, while avoiding stormy weather in the Mediterranean and at port in Caligari (Sardinia), the American Merchant Ship Hercules surrendered to the HMS Pomone. The HMS Pomone was a British frigate of 38 canon which had already distinguished itself in the Napoleonic Wars then raging in Europe. However, almost by accident, it was about to obtain its most prized trophy when the freight of the Hercules was brought on board HMS Pomone.

Eight days earlier, the Hercules left Civitavecchia (Italy) bound for Philadelphia. On board was Lucian Bonaparte, his wife Alexandrine, their seven children, and a retinue of over 25 servants. Lucian had a contentious relationship with his older brother, Napoleon and decided to flee with his family to the United States of America. King George III, having received news of the human cargo recently brought on to the HMS Pomone, was not about to let that happen. He understood their usefulness in making propaganda against Napoleon Bonaparte with whom he was involved in a bitter struggle. Therefore, Lucian Bonaparte, his family and their retinue were transferred to England where they were greeted warmly by a public that felt they shared a common foe.

Among the seven children on board the Hercules and bound for the USA was Lucian’s oldest daughter, 15-year-old Charlotte Bonaparte, whom the family called, “Lolotte.” Following her Uncle Napoleon’s defeat on 1815, Charlotte returned to Rome and married Prince Mario Gabrielli. The princely seat of his family was palazzo in Rome. The family owned a sort-of weekend getaway on the Janiculum Hill called, “Villa Gabrielli,” which we now call, “The Casa O’Toole.” Though Charlotte Bonaparte never made it to the USA because of the surrender of the Hercules, one can say that the USA came to her!

As the Princess Gabrielli, Charlotte Bonaparte was known in elite social circles for her intellect and stimulating conversation. An avid collector of books, she possessed an active and curious mind. In an age before radio, television, and internet, she invited interesting people to speak to friends at the Villa Gabrielli (or the Casa O’Toole, as it is now known) which is now home to the Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE).

And today, more than two centuries later, Casa O'Toole continues this great tradition of expanding minds by inviting professors from pontifical universities, intellectuals, and other specialists in art and history to speak to priests who have come to Rome for continuing education!