Saturday in Italy

Today was basilica day. We started with Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. It has been very nice to have Dad’s friend Fr. Joe as the chaplain for our tour. He has said the Mass for us each day. What was most surprising to me, is that all the cathedrals have many little chapels. At St. Peter’s we went into the crypt (below the main church) where we passed at least 6 buried popes and probably 8 smaller chapels. It was wonderful to hear people of many nations all coming to celebrate the Mass here. As we received communion, we heard pilgrims from another chapel singing “Seek Ye First” from another chapel. We then had a “boxed” breakfast at St. Peter’s. Our local guide Deborah, met us again and was with us the entire day. She took us on an excellent tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. There are just so many things to look at in these churches. So much beautiful art (Michelangelo sculpture), the tomb of John Paul II, the uncorrupted body of Pope John XXIII (also to be canonized Sunday). And much much more. After this, we went to St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. This basilica was just as beautiful. But had a different feel, as there was a beautiful garden outside the main church. I also liked seeing the paining of the Paschal Lamb on the outside of the church. Inside, we saw a beautiful chapel, but also some unique things. St. Paul is buried here. We also saw the chains he was placed in. Part of the artwork includes a portrait of every single pope (up to Pope Francis). All was so lovely. We had a quick lunch here (prosciutto and mozzarella Panini and mignons (chocolate filled pastry). When then went to St. Mary Minor church. I was very impressed with our local guides, Thommaso and Deborah. They were able to keep everyone on track! St. Mary Minor was a slightly smaller sanctuary, but just as grand. The main thing we were to see here was some of the relics from Christ. There was the sign from his cross and wood from the cross of St. ?? Who was the man crucified on Jesus’s side. Stones from the tomb of Jesus were saved, along with other items. The most thought provoking was the shroud of Christ (what Jesus was buried in). It was a replica, but even in the replica it was humbling to think about the marks and imprints left on that cloth. Our last church was St. John V?. This is the church that is for the bishop of Rome (the pope). Again, a truly beautiful church. It was very special, as they began a Mass there at 4pm, the organ was played! At this point Dad was getting a little tired. But he kept up. We had one more stop at the Sacred Steps, then it was back to the hotel before dinner. Dad and I decided to take a moment to get a drink. We had hoped to sit outside at a little café and have a coffee or glass of wine. Unfortunate for us, the rain held off all day until this point. Good for the tour group, less good for those wanting to just soak in some local culture. So we had glasses of Pino Grigio from northern Italy and chatted. Dinner was with the group again at the hotel. It’s now after dinner and the internet is slow (again!) I guess I need to post these mid-day, instead of at the end! While typing this into word, before I forget it all, Dad is sleeping and I have the TV on. One of my favorite travel pastimes is to watch TV in a foreign language. I think I have stumbled upon a musical Pope John Paul II tribute. Seems like a lot of high schoolers giving a program of singing, dance & music. Love to all. Thank you for praying for our group. We continue to pray for those at home!