By Deborah Salomon

Feature Writer

Strangers, they met on flight bound for Palm Beach. He, a tall, handsome priest posted at the Vatican. She, a professional fundraiser with A-list clients. They chatted, discovering common interests.

Father Mark Haydu needed assistance promoting Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Mary Robosson had contacts.

After two years of correspondence, in June the Pinehurst resident was cloistered in Vatican City, learning about the quest to restore priceless artifacts, particularly Scala Santa, the Holy Steps that Jesus climbed to Pontius Pilate's Judgment Hall.

In 326 A.D. St. Helena had the steps moved to Rome, where pilgrims ascend them kneeling.

Dan Brown did not write this script, nor did Tom Hanks star. But it does include a claustrophobic 90 minutes in the catacombs, as well as a five-course black tie dinner in the papal gardens, a VIP tour of the Sistine Chapel and several close encounters of the Pope Benedict XVI kind.

Now that's a business trip with heavenly benefits.

"It brought me closer to my faith and made me reflect on how blessed I am," Robosson says.

The cosmopolitan young priest is from Ohio. He learned of this restoration project while studying in Rome. Eventually, Haydu became its international director, which involves learning languages, -traveling worldwide, meeting art connoisseurs and soliciting funds for restoring frescoes, statuary, paintings, objects and architectural relics dating from ancient Egypt, which repose in Vatican museums.

The newly established North and South Carolina chapter has been assigned Scala Santa. Haydu, assisted by Robosson, hopes to raise the $2 million restoration cost in two years. Recently, he made a presentation to 30 invitees at the Country Club of North Carolina.

"The response has been positive," Haydu says. "I realize this is not a vital cause, like feeding the poor. However, there is a sector who understands that culture is promoted by the arts. When these treasures are gone, they are gone forever."

Robosson's interest, both personal and professional, was clinched by the two-week training sojourn in Rome subsidized, in part, by her host/employer. She has served a spectrum of nonprofits, from the Arts Council to the Boys and Girls Club and PGA events. Her in-flight chat with Haydu quickly turned to who-do-you-know-in-Palm Beach.

"We were like two bankers comparing notes," Robosson recalls. They walked together to baggage claim. "I was holding my golf bag; I was playing in a tournament with Sue Patterson (wife of author James Patterson). Father Mark blessed me. We won the tournament."

In March, Haydu invited Robosson to attend a meeting of the Florida patrons' chapter. She had a previous engagement. Nevertheless, the priest asked if she would bring her development skills to the restoration project. And, by the way, how about coming to Rome this summer to train with our staff?

"A Vatican driver met me at the airport. He held up one of those cards, with my name on it - but he spoke only Italian," Robosson says.

She was whisked through the Vatican gates and taken to her lodgings, Casa Mater Ecclesia Suore Teatine - a convent. Her tiny room had a bed, desk, crucifix and private bath. The nuns wore habits that reminded Robosson of "The Sound of Music." A 10 p.m. curfew was strictly enforced.

"I was having dinner with patrons from Washington, D.C. I looked at my watch: 10 minutes to 10. I was toast." A heated conversation between her host and Mother Superior resulted in a dispensation - but not without frowns upon arrival.

Women are required to dress modestly within Vatican City. Longish skirts, sleeves to the elbow, no cleavage, pants allowed, headcoverings optional.

"I wore black, mostly dresses with jackets," Robosson says.

Her days began at 7 a.m., with Mass and a hearty breakfast: salami, cheese, bread, figs and coffee. She worked in the project office from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., returning after a two-hour break to continue until 6 p.m., with Wednesdays and Sundays off.

Except for one foray to the Coliseum Robosson did not leave Vatican City. She was overwhelmed by what she saw within its walls, including the papal jewels.

"(Vatican City) is smaller than I imagined, the same acreage as the village of Pinehurst. I felt separate from the outside world - all my meals were provided, and I had a driver."

Robosson took her BlackBerry, texted her daughter, but made only one phone call.

She learned that patrons, beginning with a $500-$1,000 annual donation, will be offered access to Vatican treasures on private tours, perhaps even a glimpse of the pope.

The centerpiece will, of course, be Scala Santa, the 28 marble steps which attract 2 million visitors annually. Participants make their own travel arrangements but once in Rome, the Vatican experience is included with -membership. Robosson is planning a group trip in May.

Robosson has had good luck recruiting participants from events here, in Charlotte, Charleston, S.C. and elsewhere.

Marilyn Arthur, of Pinehurst, heard Haydu at CCNC and subscribed.

"Art is my world," Arthur says. "These treasures need care. (Seeing them) takes people out of their everyday life. This isn't just a Catholic thing - it can be very spiritual and rewarding."

Robosson recognizes the precarious timing.

"We have realistic goals, timelines and sensitivity in light of the economy," she says.

The plan: a year to organize (the chapter) and two years to raise the money.

"But some people wrote checks right away," she says.

Just imagine: the 60th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's ordination, held at St. Peter's Basilica on June 29. St. Peter's Square, surrounded by Bernini's colonnade, is a sea of faces.

"We walked up the staircase and down the center aisle. I expected to be seated halfway back, but we kept on walking," Robosson says. "The baldacchino (sculptured bronze canopy over the altar, also by Bernini) seemed like a football field away."

Robosson was finally ushered into the third row - the first row being for the cardinals and the second, for heads of state - a scene of high drama befitting Hollywood, accompanied by the music of Mozart, Bach and Handel.

"I thought I was going to cry," Robosson says.

She'll be back on business although these emotions may not be duplicated.

"Being there by myself was like a pilgrimage," Robosson reflects. "I found myself asking 'Why me?' I just happened to be seated next to Father Mark and look what happened. My life is very blessed."

Contact Deborah Salomon at debsalomon@nc.rr.com.