Mass at St Peter’s today!

This morning we were able to attend mass at St. Peter’s! What an amazing experience in such a special place— beautiful music and a mixture of so many different languages built into the traditional mass structure- some Latin, Italian  English, and French! 

Afterwards we were able to see the Pope- from a distance through a very small window, but still-  it was Pope Francis!  While his blessing was entirely in Italian and therefore, we didn’t understand much, we were still blessed by the Pope at the Vatican. :) 

After a delicious lunch, another highlight of the day was to meet Sister Cecilia, a native Vermonter from Essex Town, who has been living in Rome for more than 2 years and working at the Vatican.  We were able to learn from her about the Jewish ghetto, and visit both the Forum and the Colesseum.  It was wonderful to learn about her experience in Rome and visit these historical sites together. 

What a wonderful day! 

Seven churches

Over the course of the three days, we walked between 28-36 miles (according to our varying fitbit watches!) in 85-95 degree heat.  We walked through the bustling, busy streets in a city of 4 million people- dodging cars, mopeds, busses along the path- and took sanctuary in the cool, peaceful, serene beauty of these 7 inspirational churches. Can’t help but Imagine the millions of people who have also come here to pray throughout the centuries! One of the pilgrims asked- “ why can’t any of our churches at home look like this?” :) 

VIA DELLE SETTE CHIESE

The 7 churches visited were: 

• San Pietro- St Peter’s Basilica
  
• Santa Maria Maggiore
• San Lorenzo Fileild le Mura
• Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
• San Giovanni in Laterano
• San Sebastián Fuori le Mura
• San Paolo Fuori le Mura

We were surrounded by stunning architecture and art, but prioritized time for personal reflection and prayer— some of us went to confession, others lit candles, read our prayer intentions from home, some said the rosary…

Here are some photos inside the Basilicas:

Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere & the Trevi Fountain

After our morning at the Capuchin Monastery museum and crypt (the church was closed), many of us made our way to the southeast. Our very own Amy Saks Pavese used to study in Rome while she was studying at Notre Dame. 

Go Irish!

On Sundays, she would attend Mass in the Trastevere section at the Basilica of Santa Maria, so we thought we should drop in!

Unfortunately for us, there was a Mass being said, so it would have been disrespectful to take pictures of the central nave, main altar or chapels close y.  Fortunately, there were a couple of things we could still see.

From there, we re-crossed the Tiber…

…and visited the historic Trevi Fountain.

Walking, walking

As we’ve mentioned before, we his pilgrimage involves a lot of walking.  And one of the nice side benefits of our perambulations is the chance to take in the flora.

And even to pick some!

Today is Naples. But First Herculaneum!

For our last full day on our journey together, the group is headed to Naples.  First, a train out to Herculaneum!

Having safely arrived, we get our briefing from el Jefe:

“Walk toward the water but don’t go in it.”

“Get a little something to eat on the way…”

“…and be sure to be there before 10:10.”

Sister Cecilia & the Great Day of Adventure

 After Mass at St. Peter's yesterday, we took a bus into the Jewish ghetto, which is near where Sister Cecilia lives.

Sr. Cecilia grew up within the Essex Catholic Community when she was younger!  She was raised in Essex, predominantly attending St. Lawerence Parish, graduated from Essex High School and is currently stationed in Rome, working at the Vatican.  She helps to manage the huge volume of English-language mail addressed to the Holy Father.  She also works with the team who does the translations for any of the public remarks or sermons made by the Pope, such as the Angelus.  This is the address we heard him make after Mass in St. Peter's Square, but which he gives in Italian.

She took us to see many incredible things (again, in the incredible heat.)  The imperial palace, constructed first by Caesar Augustus and the Roman Forum.

We even ran into a gent claiming to be Caesar Liamnus Maximus demanding all of our dinars.

Instead of giving him our money we had him drink a full liter of water and he became much less aggressive.  From there we headed to the Colosseum.   It was a lot to take in.  Spectacular.

We all got an audio tour to learn about the construction, the history and the flavor of the place.  There was even a re-enactment of combat on horseback

Fortunately, nobody was injured.  We got a nice group shot in front of the labyrinthine complex that was underneath the main arena just before we headed back to the hotel for dinner and to reflect on the day.

Back at the Hotel Nord Nuova, we got together as a group and recapped the day over a feast where each family brought something they wanted to share from a local market.  There was delicious breads, cheeses, tomatoes, spreads - all kinds of treats.  We reflected on how fortunate we have been to be able to come here together in this group for this purpose.  On how we have all become so much closer to each other and to the history and depth of our faith and the history of the Church.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

In Assisi

A glorious, and gloriously cooler day had greeted us in Assisi.  It started off with a bus experience that made us all contemplate the existence of the humble sardine.

But it was short and in service of an excellent purpose.

We soon arrived outside the basilica and met our tour guide, Alex.

No pictures were allowed inside the basilica but we got a couple as we approached.

One of our lads was so moved, he thought he could fly!

Which, of course, he could not.  But friends being friends, they tried to support him in his experience.

What followed was a one-hour tour with Alex where he walked us through so many of the details within the three levels of the basilica, including the crypt in which the remains of St. Francis are stored.

It was a great opportunity for learning not just about St. Francis’ devotion to God and to the service of God’s people but the way in which art was used to teach those who came from far away, who couldn’t read and might not speak the same language.

Now we have about six hours to explore the rest of Assisi and the many things it has to offer.