Today is not only our last day in Rome, but also of our pilgrimage. My heart is so full of gratitude to God for allowing Jonathan and I to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in such a grand way!
Fr. Peter, our spiritual director on the pilgrimage, informed our group that we would attend a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass would be celebrated in the chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa and much to our surprise and delight, it would be offered for Jon, myself and our family, in honor of our golden anniversary.
This was another kiss from God: first, that we would get to attend a Mass at St. Peter’s is thrilling in itself, but since I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and visit her shrine that’s not too far from our home, twice a year, I was even more delighted. Secondly, that it would be offered for the two of us and our family. I felt overwhelmed with joy and thanks.
The Mass was so very special. We were seated in the front pew. I was privileged to lector, once again. Father gave a moving homily and at the end of Mass, he came to Jon and I and bestowed a special blessing that brought tears to my eyes. This was truly a highlight of our pilgrimage!
After Mass we went to the upper church and headed for the tomb of St. John Paul II. It was an honor and a privilege to pray before this great saint: a very holy man who impacted my personal life, the life of the Church, and ultimately, the world. He taught us how to live and how to die, while giving all honor and glory to God.
I was thrilled to ask St. John Paul II to bring all the petitions of my heart to Our Lady, who was said to be the twinkle in his eyes, and ask that she present them to Jesus, and He to take them to the Throne of God the Father.
Next, we viewed the Pieta: a stunning and breath-taking marble sculpture by the famous Michelangelo sculpted between 1498-1499. My heart was torn open as I gazed upon our Blessed Mother holding the dead and lifeless body of her Son, Jesus. The sorrowful Image demanded that you ponder the scene for some time in silence, before moving to the next great work of art.
Unfortunately, we had to view it from a distance, because it is now protected behind bullet-proof glass. In 1972, it was significantly damaged on Pentecost Sunday, by a mentally disturbed man, who made his way to the unprotected sculpture. It was fully restored and is magnificent to behold.
We turned from the altar and continued to take in all the beauty around us in the basilica: massive holy water fonts, shaped as immense sea shells that are held by large beautiful cherubim; gorgeous orate marble floors, the golden intricately carved ceilings, the glass encased body of St. Pope Pius X, the pope who lowered the age of reception of Holy Communion to 7 years of age…the age of reason; the massive ‘holy door,’ which is opened by the pope during Jubilee years, so pilgrims may pass through piously, and gain the plenary indulgence attached with the Jubilee celebration. After the holy year, the outside of the doors is sealed by mortar and cement so they cannot be opened. The body of St. John XXIII is also displayed behind glass to view and venerate. He is the pope that opened the Second Vatican Council.
The ‘high altar’ in the basilica is absolutely stunning. A large baroque sculpted bronze canopy, called a ciborium or baldachin is over it. It is the work of Bernini. The altar was placed over one of the most holy spots in the basilica: it was built over the tomb of St. Peter. This altar, called the ‘pope’s altar,’ has a spectacular golden colored stained-glass window with the Holy Spirit gleaming in its center. It is surrounded by a myriad of golden carved cherubim with numerous shafts of golden light bursting forth. Beneath the window is the Chair of St. Peter, the chair belonging to him which is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The casing over the relic was designed and constructed by Bernini between 1647 and 1653. It was glorious to behold.
We then walked over to the bronze statue of St. Peter, seated on a throne-like chair. He is holding the keys, while giving a blessing. Pilgrims over the centuries have worn his right toes thin by either touching or kissing them. This work is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.
Everywhere you looked in the basilica, lay a feast for your eyes! I’ve tried to paint a picture, but there was so much to see that it would take forever to describe it all.
Much to our delight, we were scheduled to explore the lower basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is located.
It is difficult to wrap your head around the idea of venerating the remains of the first pope! St. Peter: the man who walked, talked, and lived with Our Lord for 3 years; he both loved Jesus and denied Him…very much like most of us do. But in all that, Jesus knew his heart and saw beyond his faults and forgave him, as He does us…This was the man we were honored to venerate and ask for his prayers.
And pray I did! I begged St. Peter to intercede for the members of my family who no longer practice their faith, as well as for all the intentions I had been carrying in my heart for so many loved ones.
We next saw the tomb of St. Pope Paul VI. He was the pope to close the Vatican Council and is famous for his encyclical, Humane Vitae.
The downstairs was filled with many relics, ancient artifacts and works of art. Part of the pillar where Jesus was scourged was there to venerate...another touching and moving moment.
We then walked out of the basilica the square, over to the very spot where Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt occurred. It is marked by a flat monument on which his papal crest and the date on which it occurred is inscribed.
Our next stop was the Church of St. Anne in the Vatican: a parish church consecrated in 1583. It was another beautiful church: baroque in style and dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
I have a special devotion to Anne and took the name 'Nana,' in her honor when I became a grandmother. As I knelt before a painting of St. Anne, with the child Mary standing by her side, I prayed fervently that she intercedes for me that my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren would be brought close to her daughter and her Grandson.
We left and began our long walk to the Vatican Museum and gardens.
The mission of the museum is evangelization: to show how artists gave honor and glory to God throughout the ages. The beauty, seen in these masterpieces, have a way of opening our hearts to joy and gives us an opportunity to encounter God.
The museum was a group of most impressive buildings that housed numerous galleries filled with art treasures. It contains awe-inspiring relics and works of art that have been donated throughout the centuries as a tribute to God and our Catholic faith.
Our tour began around 11 A.M. and ended around 1 to 1:30P.M. We began in the gardens on a magnificent sunny day, surrounded by manicured bushes, trees, beautiful fountains and ancient statues, with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We then joined with thousands of people, traveling from one gallery to another, gazing upon some of the most impressive art and artifacts in the world: paintings by Raphael, Da Vinci, Reni, Caravaggio, and numerous other famous artists; statues from as early as the first and second centuries; the Sarcophagus of St. Helena, who died in 335 A.D. and was the mother of Emperor Constantine; the stunning gallery of tapestries, telling stories of salvation history and Church history as well; the Gallery of Maps and so much more.
Your eyes and mind were literally saturated by wonder and beauty, for what seemed like miles, till the culmination of the tour arrived: the spectacular Sistine Chapel.
There are magnificent frescos from floor to ceilings, each vying for your attention. Although Michelangelo is usually the artist who comes to mind when we think about the Sistine Chapel, numerous artists contributed to its beauty over the centuries. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling and the altar wall in the chapel: 1508 – 1512 (ceiling, the nine scenes from Genesis), 1513 – 1515 (The Prophets), and 1536 – 1541 (The Last Judgement).
As we looked about, surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims doing the same, we noticed benches on either side of the room. My husband and I were thrilled to find a seat, so we could take our time and explore all the beauty that lay before us.
I gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces, which were restored between 1980 – 1994. I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the immensity of his work. Seeing the ‘Hand of God,’ giving life to Adam was thrilling, while exploring the details of the Last Judgement brought feelings of fear and dread!
When we felt satisfied that we had had our fill, we left the museum and headed to a restaurant for lunch. We found a restaurant that had some outdoor seating, to enjoy the beautiful weather and drink in the Roman ambience, while filling our tummies with delicious Italian cuisine.
We rejoined our group and headed by bus to our next destination. On the way we would pass ancient Roman ruins: the Circus Maximus, which little remained, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and venue for mass entertainment. It held 150,000 people in the first century and when enlarged in the fourth century, 250,000.
The Arch of Constantine was the next site to view. The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory which made him sole emperor in Rome and legalized Christianity, in 312 A.D.
We then passed the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in 72 A.D. and was completed in 80 A.D. It was used to host gladiators shows and other events. Executions were also carried out there. It could accommodate 50,000 people. About 3,000 Christian martyrs died in the Colosseum. St. Ignatius of Antioch is said to be the first Christian to be martyred there.
We also passed the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Lord, where are You going?) Tradition tells us it is located on the spot where Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid persecution when he saw the Risen Christ.
Stunned to see Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied, “I go to Rome to be persecuted once again.”
Peter then returned to Rome where he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to die the way Jesus did. He was crucified at the foot of Vatican Hill where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.
We finally arrived at our destination: the Catacombs of Domitila. They are the largest and best-preserved catacombs in all of Rome.
The catacombs are named after the matron of the Flavian dynasty, who converted to Christianity and was exiled because of her beliefs. Before her exile, she gave it to the Christian community who made it their own, with Christian imagery.
This is the only Catacomb which has an underground basilica. It is dedicated to the martyrs, Nereus and Achilleus. The church was built upon the tombs of the two martyrs, who were soldiers of the imperial guard, killed for professing their faith.
The catacombs were used as underground burial sites and not places for Christians to hide. Christian martyrs were buried there, which made it a very popular place to be buried, near to the saints.
I was so excited to visit the catacombs. We began in the semi-subterranean basilica built at the end of the fourth century; it was like walking back in time. There were concrete benches, an altar and Christian art surrounding the sacred space. Just thinking about the early Christians worshiping here was thrilling!
A guide brought us into the burial areas which consists of narrow walkways, with multiple tombs from floor to ceiling, ranging in size. Many children were buried there because the mortality rate was extremely high.
Although some people had tile or marble slabs with their names inscribed, most of the tombs remained anonymous.
There were many Christian symbols found, both in the catacombs as well as in the basilica: the Good Shepherd, a person praying, a fish-- the symbol of Christianity, the anchor, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. There were also symbols of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the burial places which had been previously occupied, are open spaces, but there are still some tombs in which bodies are enclosed.
As we walked through the catacombs, I ran my hands over and along the walls and opened tombs and prayed for all of my loved ones and for their intentions, touching the ground where martyrs were laid to rest. It was also amazing, to view the murals and the Christian symbols which witnessed to the faith of the early Christians. I felt truly inspired by their conviction and their willingness to die for their faith…my faith! It was clear: we were standing on holy ground!
As we walked back to the bus, I was touched deeply by this experience. I prayed that if ever given the choice to die for my faith, I would have the great courage and strength, to say “yes.”
From the catacombs, we traveled to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which along with St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Peter’s, is one of the four major papal basilicas.
The basilica was founded by Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus; after Paul’s death, a memorial was built for him there. The basilica was consecrated in 324 A.D., by Pope Sylvester.
A much larger basilica was erected by Emperor Theodosius in 386 A.D and was dramatically changed over the years. By the fifth century, it was larger than St. Peter’s. In 1823, a fired caused the near-total destruction of the basilica. In 1825, Pope Leo XII asked for donations and the reconstruction of the basilica began. Part of the basilica was consecrated and reopened in 1840 but took another 14 years before the entire building was re-consecrated by Pope Pius IX. The basilica was not fully completed until somewhere in the twentieth century.
As we walked outside the basilica, we could not miss the huge statue of St. Paul, wielding a sword in one hand, while holding the Holy Scriptures in the other: representing his martyrdom and his epistles.
Beautiful mosaics are seen behind him on the pediment of the basilica and on the wall below: Within the pediment sits the majestic figure of Jesus Christ on His throne, with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. Below that is the mystical Lamb surrounded by 4 rivers (the 4 Gospels), and 12 Lambs (the Apostles), along with 2 cities; Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace and Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified and died. Beneath them all are 4 Old Testament Prophets: Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
The garden surrounding the basilica was absolutely beautiful, with its manicured bushes, palm trees and statues. We walked up the garden path to the basilica, stuck by its massive columns and huge doors into the stunning church.
It is an immense basilica with beautiful marble floors, magnificent golden carved ceilings, 80 marble columns, and colorful mosaic medallions of all the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis: 265 in all. There are only 6 spaces left and according to local legend, the pope whose face takes the last place will witness the end of the world…time will tell!
The design of the basilica draws you toward the altar. There is a beautiful mosaic of Christ with the 4 Evangelists. Under this incredible mosaic arch is the altar: an intricately carved gothic baldachin or canopy, golden in color, stands above it. The tomb of St. Paul is located under the altar.
We had the great privilege to venerate the tomb and relics of this great saint and ask his intercession for all the intentions we carried in our hearts. It was quite overwhelming, realizing I was standing in the very spot where the great Apostle Paul was buried. What an immense blessing! Near the tomb, were the chains that held Paul prisoner while in Rome (61-63 A.D.). We venerated them as well.
There was a stunning side altar made of precious malachite, a green marble-like material that was donated by the Emperor of Russian at the time of the reconstruction. A huge painting of St. Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus flanked the wall behind the altar.
The beauty, immensity and grandeur of the basilica, took your breath away! St. Paul Outside the Walls was the final destination of our superb and grace filled pilgrimage: we would leave Rome and return home the next day having been blessed beyond measure.
As I stilled myself, after another day full of wonder and beauty, I was overcome with the need to give thanks and praise to God for all He had bestowed on us. Not only had we experienced this wonderful pilgrimage, but my sister Sarah had 'virtually' traveled with us. God willing, I would get to visit with her soon!
“I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with all my heart; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exalt in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.” Psalm 9 :2-3
Today is not only our last day in Rome, but also of our pilgrimage. My heart is so full of gratitude to God for allowing Jonathan and I to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in such a grand way!
Fr. Peter, our spiritual director on the pilgrimage, informed our group that we would attend a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa and much to our surprise and delight, it will be offered for Jon, myself and our family, in honor of our golden anniversary.
This was another kiss from God: first, that a Mass would be offered for us at St. Peter’s is thrilling in itself, but I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and visit her shrine that’s not too far from our home, twice a year. Secondly, that it is offered for the two of us and our family. I felt overwhelmed with joy and thanks.
The Mass was so very special. We were seated in the front pew. I was privileged to lector, once again. Father gave a moving homily and at the end of Mass, he came to Jon and I and bestowed a special blessing that brought tears to my eyes. This was truly a highlight of our pilgrimage!
After Mass we went to the upper church and headed for the tomb of St. John Paul II. It was an honor and a privilege to pray before this great saint: a very holy man who impacted my personal life, the life of the Church, and ultimately, the world. He taught us how to live and how to die, while giving all honor and glory to God.
I was thrilled to ask St. John Paul II to bring all the petitions of my heart to Our Lady, who was said to be the twinkle in his eyes, and ask that she present them to Jesus, and He to take them to the Throne of God the Father.
Next, we viewed the Pieta: a stunning and breath-taking marble sculpture by the famous Michelangelo sculpted between 1498-1499. My heart was torn open as I gazed upon our Blessed Mother holding the dead and lifeless body of her Son, Jesus. The sorrowful Image demanded that you ponder the scene for some time in silence, before moving to the next great work of art.
Unfortunately, we had to view it from a distance, because it is now protected behind Plexiglas. In 1972, it was significantly damaged on Pentecost Sunday, by a mentally disturbed man, who made his way to the unprotected sculpture. It was fully restored and is magnificent to behold.
We turned from the altar and continued to take in all the beauty around us in the basilica: massive holy water fonts, shaped as immense sea shells that are held by large beautiful cherubim; gorgeous orate marble floors, the golden intricately carved ceilings, the glass encased body of St. Pope Pius X, the pope who lowered the age of reception of Holy Communion to 7 years of age…the age of reason; the massive ‘holy door,’ which is opened by the pope during Jubilee years, so pilgrims may pass through piously, and gain the plenary indulgence attached with the Jubilee celebration. After the holy year, the outside of the doors is sealed by mortar and cement so they cannot be opened. The body of St. John XXIII is also displayed behind glass to view and venerate. He is the pope that opened the Second Vatican Council.
The ‘high altar’ in the basilica is absolutely stunning. A large baroque sculpted bronze canopy, called a ciborium or baldachin is over it. It is the work of Bernini. The altar was placed over one of the most holy spots in the basilica: it was built over the tomb of St. Peter. This altar, called the ‘pope’s altar,’ has a spectacular golden colored stained-glass window with the Holy Spirit gleaming in its center. It is surrounded by a myriad of golden carved cherubim with numerous shafts of golden light bursting forth. Beneath the window is the Chair of St. Peter, the chair belonging to him which is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The casing over the relic was designed and constructed by Bernini between 1647 and 1653. It was glorious to behold.
We then walked over to the bronze statue of St. Peter, seated on a throne-like chair. He is holding the keys, while giving a blessing. Pilgrims over the centuries have worn his right toes thin by either touching or kissing them. This work is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.
Everywhere you looked in the basilica, lay a feast for your eyes! I’ve tried to paint a picture, but there was so much to see that it would take forever to describe it all.
Much to our delight, we were scheduled to explore the lower basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is located.
It is difficult to wrap your head around the idea of venerating the remains of the first pope! St. Peter: the man who walked, talked, and lived with Our Lord for 3 years; he both loved Jesus and denied Him…very much like most of us do. But in all that, Jesus knew his heart and saw beyond his faults and forgave him, as He does us…This was the man we were honored to venerate and ask for his prayers.
And pray I did! I begged St. Peter to intercede for the members of my family who no longer practice their faith, as well as for all the intentions I had been carrying in my heart for so many loved ones.
We next saw the tomb of St. Pope Paul VI. He was the pope to close the Vatican Council and is famous for his encyclical, Humane Vitae.
The downstairs was filled with many relics, ancient artifacts and works of art. Part of the pillar where Jesus was scourged was there to venerate...another touching and moving moment.
We then walked out of the basilica the square, over to the very spot where Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt occurred. It is marked by a flat monument on which his papal crest and the date on which it occurred is inscribed.
Our next stop was the Church of St. Anne in the Vatican: a parish church consecrated in 1583. It was another beautiful church: baroque in style and dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
I have a special devotion to Anne and took the name “Nana,” in her honor when I became a grandmother. As I knelt before a painting of St. Anne, with the child Mary standing by her side, I prayed fervently that she intercedes for me that my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren would be brought close to her daughter and her Grandson.
We left and began our long walk to the Vatican Museum and gardens.
The mission of the museum is evangelization: to show how artists gave honor and glory to God throughout the ages. The beauty, seen in these masterpieces, have a way of opening our hearts to joy and gives us an opportunity to encounter God.
The museum was a group of most impressive buildings that housed numerous galleries filled with art treasures. It contains awe-inspiring relics and works of art that have been donated throughout the centuries as a tribute to God and our Catholic faith.
Our tour began around 11 A.M. and ended around 1 to 1:30P.M. We began in the gardens on a magnificent sunny day, surrounded by manicured bushes, trees, beautiful fountains and ancient statues, with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We then joined with thousands of people, traveling from one gallery to another, gazing upon some of the most impressive art and artifacts in the world: paintings by Raphael, Da Vinci, Reni, Caravaggio, and numerous other famous artists; statues from as early as the first and second centuries; the Sarcophagus of St. Helena, who died in 335 A.D. and was the mother of Emperor Constantine; the stunning gallery of tapestries, telling stories of salvation history and Church history as well; the Gallery of Maps and so much more.
Your eyes and mind were literally saturated by wonder and beauty, for what seemed like miles, till the culmination of the tour arrived: the spectacular Sistine Chapel.
There are magnificent frescos from floor to ceilings; each vying for your attention. Although Michelangelo is usually the artist who comes to mind when we think about the Sistine Chapel, numerous artists contributed to its beauty over the centuries. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling and the altar wall in the chapel: 1508 – 1512 (ceiling, the nine scenes from Genesis), 1513 – 1515 (The Prophets), and 1536 – 1541 (The Last Judgement).
As we looked about, surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims doing the same, we noticed benches on either side of the room. My husband and I were thrilled to find a seat, so we could take our time and explore all the beauty that lay before us.
I gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces, which were restored between 1980 – 1994. I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the immensity of his work. Seeing the ‘Hand of God,’ giving life to Adam was thrilling, while exploring the details of the Last Judgement brought feelings of fear and dread!
When we felt satisfied that we had had our fill, we left the museum and headed to a restaurant for lunch. We found a restaurant that had some outdoor seating, to enjoy the beautiful weather and drink in the Roman ambience, while filling our tummies with delicious Italian cuisine.
We rejoined our group and headed by bus to our next destination. On the way we would pass ancient Roman ruins: the Circus Maximus, which little remained, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and venue for mass entertainment. It held 150,000 people in the first century and when enlarged in the fourth century, 250,000.
The Arch of Constantine was the next site to view. The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory which made him sole emperor in Rome and legalized Christianity, in 312 A.D.
We then passed the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in 72 A.D. and was completed in 80 A.D. It was used to host gladiators shows and other events. Executions were also carried out there. It could accommodate 50,000 people. About 3,000 Christian martyrs died in the Colosseum. St. Ignatius of Antioch was the first to be martyred there.
We also passed the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Lord, where are You going?) Tradition tells us it is located on the spot where Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid persecution when he saw the Risen Christ.
Stunned to see Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied, “I go to Rome to be persecuted once again.”
Peter then returned to Rome where he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to die the way Jesus did. He was crucified at the foot of Vatican Hill where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.
We finally arrived at our destination: the Catacombs of Domitila. They are the largest and best-preserved catacombs in all of Rome.
The catacombs are named after the matron of the Flavian dynasty, who converted to Christianity and was exiled because of her beliefs. Before her exile, she gave it to the Christian community who made it their own, with Christian imagery.
This is the only Catacomb which has an underground basilica. It is dedicated to the martyrs, Nereus and Achilleus. The church was built upon the tombs of the two martyrs, who were soldiers of the imperial guard, killed for professing their faith.
The catacombs were used as underground burial sites and not places for Christians to hide. Christian martyrs were buried there, which made it a very popular place to be buried, near to the saints.
I was so excited to visit the catacombs. We began in the semi-subterranean basilica built at the end of the fourth century; it was like walking back in time. There were concrete benches, an altar and Christian art surrounding the sacred space. Just thinking about the early Christians worshiping here was thrilling!
A guide brought us into the burial areas which consists of narrow walkways, with multiple tombs from floor to ceiling, ranging in size. Many children were buried there because the mortality rate was extremely high.
Although some people had tile or marble slabs with their names inscribed, most of the tombs remained anonymous.
There were many Christian symbols found, both in the catacombs as well as in the basilica: the Good Shepherd, a person praying, a fish-- the symbol of Christianity, the anchor, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. There were also symbols of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the burial places which had been previously occupied, are open spaces, but there are still some tombs in which bodies are enclosed.
As we walked through the catacombs, I ran my hands over and along the walls and opened tombs, and prayed for all of my loved ones and for their intentions. It was amazing, to view the murals and the Christian symbols which witnessed to the faith of the early Christians. I felt truly inspired by their conviction and their willingness to die for their faith…my faith! It was clear: we were standing on holy ground!
As we walked back to the bus, I was touched deeply by this experience. I prayed that if ever given the choice to die for my faith, I would have the great courage and strength, to say “yes.”
From the catacombs, we traveled to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which along with St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Peter’s, is one of the four major papal basilicas.
The basilica was founded by Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus; after Paul’s death, a memorial was built for him there. The basilica was consecrated in 324 A.D., by Pope Sylvester.
A much larger basilica was erected by Emperor Theodosius in 386 A.D, and was dramatically changed over the years. By the fifth century, it was larger than St. Peter’s. In 1823, a fired caused the near-total destruction of the basilica. In 1825, Pope Leo XII asked for donations and the reconstruction of the basilica began. Part of the basilica was consecrated and reopened in 1840, but took another 14 years before the entire building was re-consecrated by Pope Pius IX. The basilica was not fully completed until somewhere in the twentieth century.
As we walked outside the basilica, we could not miss the huge statue of St. Paul, wielding a sword in one hand, while holding the Holy Scriptures in the other: representing his martyrdom and his epistles.
Beautiful mosaics are seen behind him on the pediment of the basilica and on the wall below: Within the pediment sits the majestic figure of Jesus Christ on His throne, with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. Below that is the mystical Lamb surrounded by 4 rivers (the 4 Gospels), and 12 Lambs (the Apostles), along with 2 cities; Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace and Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified and died. Beneath them all are 4 Old Testament Prophets; Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
The garden surrounding the basilica was absolutely beautiful, with its manicured bushes, palm trees and statues. We walked up the garden path to the basilica, stuck by its massive columns and huge doors into the stunning church.
It is an immense basilica with beautiful marble floors, magnificent golden carved ceilings, 80 marble columns, and colorful mosaic medallions of all the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis: 265 in all. There are only 6 spaces left and according to local legend, the pope whose face takes the last place will witness the end of the world…time will tell!
The design of the basilica, draws you toward the altar. There is a beautiful mosaic of Christ with the 4 Evangelists. Under this incredible mosaic arch is the altar: an intricately carved gothic baldachin or canopy, golden in color, stands above it. The tomb of St. Paul is located under the altar.
We had the great privilege to venerate the tomb and relics of this great saint and ask his intercession for all the intentions we carried in our hearts. It was quite overwhelming, realizing I was standing in the very spot where the great Apostle Paul was buried. What an immense blessing! Near the tomb, were the chains that held Paul prisoner while in Rome (61-63 A.D.). We venerated them as well.
There was a stunning side altar made of precious malachite, a green marble-like material that was donated by the Emperor of Russian at the time of the reconstruction. A huge painting of St. Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus flanked the wall behind the altar.
The beauty, immensity and grandeur of the basilica, took your breath away! St. Paul Outside the Walls was the final destination of our superb and grace filled pilgrimage: we would leave Rome and return home the next day having been blessed beyond measure.
As I stilled myself, after another day full of wonder and gratitude, I was overcome with the need to give thanks and praise to God for all He had bestowed on us.
“I will thanks to You, O Lord, with all; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exalt in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.” Psalm 9 :2-3
Today is not only our last day in Rome, but also of our pilgrimage. My heart is so full of gratitude to God for allowing Jonathan and I to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in such a grand way!
Fr. Peter, our spiritual director on the pilgrimage, informed our group that we would attend a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa and much to our surprise and delight, it will be offered for Jon, myself and our family, in honor of our golden anniversary.
This was another kiss from God: first, that a Mass would be offered for us at St. Peter’s is thrilling in itself, but I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and visit her shrine that’s not too far from our home, twice a year. Secondly, that it is offered for the two of us and our family. I felt overwhelmed with joy and thanks.
The Mass was so very special. We were seated in the front pew. I was privileged to lector, once again. Father gave a moving homily and at the end of Mass, he came to Jon and I and bestowed a special blessing that brought tears to my eyes. This was truly a highlight of our pilgrimage!
After Mass we went to the upper church and headed for the tomb of St. John Paul II. It was an honor and a privilege to pray before this great saint: a very holy man who impacted my personal life, the life of the Church, and ultimately, the world. He taught us how to live and how to die, while giving all honor and glory to God.
I was thrilled to ask St. John Paul II to bring all the petitions of my heart to Our Lady, who was said to be the twinkle in his eyes, and ask that she present them to Jesus, and He to take them to the Throne of God the Father.
Next, we viewed the Pieta: a stunning and breath-taking marble sculpture by the famous Michelangelo sculpted between 1498-1499. My heart was torn open as I gazed upon our Blessed Mother holding the dead and lifeless body of her Son, Jesus. The sorrowful Image demanded that you ponder the scene for some time in silence, before moving to the next great work of art.
Unfortunately, we had to view it from a distance, because it is now protected behind Plexiglas. In 1972, it was significantly damaged on Pentecost Sunday, by a mentally disturbed man, who made his way to the unprotected sculpture. It was fully restored and is magnificent to behold.
We turned from the altar and continued to take in all the beauty around us in the basilica: massive holy water fonts, shaped as immense sea shells that are held by large beautiful cherubim; gorgeous orate marble floors, the golden intricately carved ceilings, the glass encased body of St. Pope Pius X, the pope who lowered the age of reception of Holy Communion to 7 years of age…the age of reason; the massive ‘holy door,’ which is opened by the pope during Jubilee years, so pilgrims may pass through piously, and gain the plenary indulgence attached with the Jubilee celebration. After the holy year, the outside of the doors is sealed by mortar and cement so they cannot be opened. The body of St. John XXIII is also displayed behind glass to view and venerate. He is the pope that opened the Second Vatican Council.
The ‘high altar’ in the basilica is absolutely stunning. A large baroque sculpted bronze canopy, called a ciborium or baldachin is over it. It is the work of Bernini. The altar was placed over one of the most holy spots in the basilica: it was built over the tomb of St. Peter. This altar, called the ‘pope’s altar,’ has a spectacular golden colored stained-glass window with the Holy Spirit gleaming in its center. It is surrounded by a myriad of golden carved cherubim with numerous shafts of golden light bursting forth. Beneath the window is the Chair of St. Peter, the chair belonging to him which is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The casing over the relic was designed and constructed by Bernini between 1647 and 1653. It was glorious to behold.
We then walked over to the bronze statue of St. Peter, seated on a throne-like chair. He is holding the keys, while giving a blessing. Pilgrims over the centuries have worn his right toes thin by either touching or kissing them. This work is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.
Everywhere you looked in the basilica, lay a feast for your eyes! I’ve tried to paint a picture, but there was so much to see that it would take forever to describe it all.
Much to our delight, we were scheduled to explore the lower basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is located.
It is difficult to wrap your head around the idea of venerating the remains of the first pope! St. Peter: the man who walked, talked, and lived with Our Lord for 3 years; he both loved Jesus and denied Him…very much like most of us do. But in all that, Jesus knew his heart and saw beyond his faults and forgave him, as He does us…This was the man we were honored to venerate and ask for his prayers.
And pray I did! I begged St. Peter to intercede for the members of my family who no longer practice their faith, as well as for all the intentions I had been carrying in my heart for so many loved ones.
We next saw the tomb of St. Pope Paul VI. He was the pope to close the Vatican Council and is famous for his encyclical, Humane Vitae.
The downstairs was filled with many relics, ancient artifacts and works of art. Part of the pillar where Jesus was scourged was there to venerate...another touching and moving moment.
We then walked out of the basilica the square, over to the very spot where Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt occurred. It is marked by a flat monument on which his papal crest and the date on which it occurred is inscribed.
Our next stop was the Church of St. Anne in the Vatican: a parish church consecrated in 1583. It was another beautiful church: baroque in style and dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
I have a special devotion to Anne and took the name “Nana,” in her honor when I became a grandmother. As I knelt before a painting of St. Anne, with the child Mary standing by her side, I prayed fervently that she intercedes for me that my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren would be brought close to her daughter and her Grandson.
We left and began our long walk to the Vatican Museum and gardens.
The mission of the museum is evangelization: to show how artists gave honor and glory to God throughout the ages. The beauty, seen in these masterpieces, have a way of opening our hearts to joy and gives us an opportunity to encounter God.
The museum was a group of most impressive buildings that housed numerous galleries filled with art treasures. It contains awe-inspiring relics and works of art that have been donated throughout the centuries as a tribute to God and our Catholic faith.
Our tour began around 11 A.M. and ended around 1 to 1:30P.M. We began in the gardens on a magnificent sunny day, surrounded by manicured bushes, trees, beautiful fountains and ancient statues, with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We then joined with thousands of people, traveling from one gallery to another, gazing upon some of the most impressive art and artifacts in the world: paintings by Raphael, Da Vinci, Reni, Caravaggio, and numerous other famous artists; statues from as early as the first and second centuries; the Sarcophagus of St. Helena, who died in 335 A.D. and was the mother of Emperor Constantine; the stunning gallery of tapestries, telling stories of salvation history and Church history as well; the Gallery of Maps and so much more.
Your eyes and mind were literally saturated by wonder and beauty, for what seemed like miles, till the culmination of the tour arrived: the spectacular Sistine Chapel.
There are magnificent frescos from floor to ceilings; each vying for your attention. Although Michelangelo is usually the artist who comes to mind when we think about the Sistine Chapel, numerous artists contributed to its beauty over the centuries. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling and the altar wall in the chapel: 1508 – 1512 (ceiling, the nine scenes from Genesis), 1513 – 1515 (The Prophets), and 1536 – 1541 (The Last Judgement).
As we looked about, surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims doing the same, we noticed benches on either side of the room. My husband and I were thrilled to find a seat, so we could take our time and explore all the beauty that lay before us.
I gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces, which were restored between 1980 – 1994. I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the immensity of his work. Seeing the ‘Hand of God,’ giving life to Adam was thrilling, while exploring the details of the Last Judgement brought feelings of fear and dread!
When we felt satisfied that we had had our fill, we left the museum and headed to a restaurant for lunch. We found a restaurant that had some outdoor seating, to enjoy the beautiful weather and drink in the Roman ambience, while filling our tummies with delicious Italian cuisine.
We rejoined our group and headed by bus to our next destination. On the way we would pass ancient Roman ruins: the Circus Maximus, which little remained, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and venue for mass entertainment. It held 150,000 people in the first century and when enlarged in the fourth century, 250,000.
The Arch of Constantine was the next site to view. The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory which made him sole emperor in Rome and legalized Christianity, in 312 A.D.
We then passed the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in 72 A.D. and was completed in 80 A.D. It was used to host gladiators shows and other events. Executions were also carried out there. It could accommodate 50,000 people. About 3,000 Christian martyrs died in the Colosseum. St. Ignatius of Antioch was the first to be martyred there.
We also passed the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Lord, where are You going?) Tradition tells us it is located on the spot where Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid persecution when he saw the Risen Christ.
Stunned to see Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied, “I go to Rome to be persecuted once again.”
Peter then returned to Rome where he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to die the way Jesus did. He was crucified at the foot of Vatican Hill where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.
We finally arrived at our destination: the Catacombs of Domitila. They are the largest and best-preserved catacombs in all of Rome.
The catacombs are named after the matron of the Flavian dynasty, who converted to Christianity and was exiled because of her beliefs. Before her exile, she gave it to the Christian community who made it their own, with Christian imagery.
This is the only Catacomb which has an underground basilica. It is dedicated to the martyrs, Nereus and Achilleus. The church was built upon the tombs of the two martyrs, who were soldiers of the imperial guard, killed for professing their faith.
The catacombs were used as underground burial sites and not places for Christians to hide. Christian martyrs were buried there, which made it a very popular place to be buried, near to the saints.
I was so excited to visit the catacombs. We began in the semi-subterranean basilica built at the end of the fourth century; it was like walking back in time. There were concrete benches, an altar and Christian art surrounding the sacred space. Just thinking about the early Christians worshiping here was thrilling!
A guide brought us into the burial areas which consists of narrow walkways, with multiple tombs from floor to ceiling, ranging in size. Many children were buried there because the mortality rate was extremely high.
Although some people had tile or marble slabs with their names inscribed, most of the tombs remained anonymous.
There were many Christian symbols found, both in the catacombs as well as in the basilica: the Good Shepherd, a person praying, a fish-- the symbol of Christianity, the anchor, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. There were also symbols of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the burial places which had been previously occupied, are open spaces, but there are still some tombs in which bodies are enclosed.
As we walked through the catacombs, I ran my hands over and along the walls and opened tombs, and prayed for all of my loved ones and for their intentions. It was amazing, to view the murals and the Christian symbols which witnessed to the faith of the early Christians. I felt truly inspired by their conviction and their willingness to die for their faith…my faith! It was clear: we were standing on holy ground!
As we walked back to the bus, I was touched deeply by this experience. I prayed that if ever given the choice to die for my faith, I would have the great courage and strength, to say “yes.”
From the catacombs, we traveled to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which along with St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Peter’s, is one of the four major papal basilicas.
The basilica was founded by Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus; after Paul’s death, a memorial was built for him there. The basilica was consecrated in 324 A.D., by Pope Sylvester.
A much larger basilica was erected by Emperor Theodosius in 386 A.D, and was dramatically changed over the years. By the fifth century, it was larger than St. Peter’s. In 1823, a fired caused the near-total destruction of the basilica. In 1825, Pope Leo XII asked for donations and the reconstruction of the basilica began. Part of the basilica was consecrated and reopened in 1840, but took another 14 years before the entire building was re-consecrated by Pope Pius IX. The basilica was not fully completed until somewhere in the twentieth century.
As we walked outside the basilica, we could not miss the huge statue of St. Paul, wielding a sword in one hand, while holding the Holy Scriptures in the other: representing his martyrdom and his epistles.
Beautiful mosaics are seen behind him on the pediment of the basilica and on the wall below: Within the pediment sits the majestic figure of Jesus Christ on His throne, with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. Below that is the mystical Lamb surrounded by 4 rivers (the 4 Gospels), and 12 Lambs (the Apostles), along with 2 cities; Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace and Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified and died. Beneath them all are 4 Old Testament Prophets; Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
The garden surrounding the basilica was absolutely beautiful, with its manicured bushes, palm trees and statues. We walked up the garden path to the basilica, stuck by its massive columns and huge doors into the stunning church.
It is an immense basilica with beautiful marble floors, magnificent golden carved ceilings, 80 marble columns, and colorful mosaic medallions of all the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis: 265 in all. There are only 6 spaces left and according to local legend, the pope whose face takes the last place will witness the end of the world…time will tell!
The design of the basilica, draws you toward the altar. There is a beautiful mosaic of Christ with the 4 Evangelists. Under this incredible mosaic arch is the altar: an intricately carved gothic baldachin or canopy, golden in color, stands above it. The tomb of St. Paul is located under the altar.
We had the great privilege to venerate the tomb and relics of this great saint and ask his intercession for all the intentions we carried in our hearts. It was quite overwhelming, realizing I was standing in the very spot where the great Apostle Paul was buried. What an immense blessing! Near the tomb, were the chains that held Paul prisoner while in Rome (61-63 A.D.). We venerated them as well.
There was a stunning side altar made of precious malachite, a green marble-like material that was donated by the Emperor of Russian at the time of the reconstruction. A huge painting of St. Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus flanked the wall behind the altar.
The beauty, immensity and grandeur of the basilica, took your breath away! St. Paul Outside the Walls was the final destination of our superb and grace filled pilgrimage: we would leave Rome and return home the next day having been blessed beyond measure.
As I stilled myself, after another day full of wonder and gratitude, I was overcome with the need to give thanks and praise to God for all He had bestowed on us.
“I will thanks to You, O Lord, with all; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exalt in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.” Psalm 9 :2-3
Today is not only our last day in Rome, but also of our pilgrimage. My heart is so full of gratitude to God for allowing Jonathan and I to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in such a grand way!
Fr. Peter, our spiritual director on the pilgrimage, informed our group that we would attend a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa and much to our surprise and delight, it will be offered for Jon, myself and our family, in honor of our golden anniversary.
This was another kiss from God: first, that a Mass would be offered for us at St. Peter’s is thrilling in itself, but I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and visit her shrine that’s not too far from our home, twice a year. Secondly, that it is offered for the two of us and our family. I felt overwhelmed with joy and thanks.
The Mass was so very special. We were seated in the front pew. I was privileged to lector, once again. Father gave a moving homily and at the end of Mass, he came to Jon and I and bestowed a special blessing that brought tears to my eyes. This was truly a highlight of our pilgrimage!
After Mass we went to the upper church and headed for the tomb of St. John Paul II. It was an honor and a privilege to pray before this great saint: a very holy man who impacted my personal life, the life of the Church, and ultimately, the world. He taught us how to live and how to die, while giving all honor and glory to God.
I was thrilled to ask St. John Paul II to bring all the petitions of my heart to Our Lady, who was said to be the twinkle in his eyes, and ask that she present them to Jesus, and He to take them to the Throne of God the Father.
Next, we viewed the Pieta: a stunning and breath-taking marble sculpture by the famous Michelangelo sculpted between 1498-1499. My heart was torn open as I gazed upon our Blessed Mother holding the dead and lifeless body of her Son, Jesus. The sorrowful Image demanded that you ponder the scene for some time in silence, before moving to the next great work of art.
Unfortunately, we had to view it from a distance, because it is now protected behind Plexiglas. In 1972, it was significantly damaged on Pentecost Sunday, by a mentally disturbed man, who made his way to the unprotected sculpture. It was fully restored and is magnificent to behold.
We turned from the altar and continued to take in all the beauty around us in the basilica: massive holy water fonts, shaped as immense sea shells that are held by large beautiful cherubim; gorgeous orate marble floors, the golden intricately carved ceilings, the glass encased body of St. Pope Pius X, the pope who lowered the age of reception of Holy Communion to 7 years of age…the age of reason; the massive ‘holy door,’ which is opened by the pope during Jubilee years, so pilgrims may pass through piously, and gain the plenary indulgence attached with the Jubilee celebration. After the holy year, the outside of the doors is sealed by mortar and cement so they cannot be opened. The body of St. John XXIII is also displayed behind glass to view and venerate. He is the pope that opened the Second Vatican Council.
The ‘high altar’ in the basilica is absolutely stunning. A large baroque sculpted bronze canopy, called a ciborium or baldachin is over it. It is the work of Bernini. The altar was placed over one of the most holy spots in the basilica: it was built over the tomb of St. Peter. This altar, called the ‘pope’s altar,’ has a spectacular golden colored stained-glass window with the Holy Spirit gleaming in its center. It is surrounded by a myriad of golden carved cherubim with numerous shafts of golden light bursting forth. Beneath the window is the Chair of St. Peter, the chair belonging to him which is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The casing over the relic was designed and constructed by Bernini between 1647 and 1653. It was glorious to behold.
We then walked over to the bronze statue of St. Peter, seated on a throne-like chair. He is holding the keys, while giving a blessing. Pilgrims over the centuries have worn his right toes thin by either touching or kissing them. This work is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.
Everywhere you looked in the basilica, lay a feast for your eyes! I’ve tried to paint a picture, but there was so much to see that it would take forever to describe it all.
Much to our delight, we were scheduled to explore the lower basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is located.
It is difficult to wrap your head around the idea of venerating the remains of the first pope! St. Peter: the man who walked, talked, and lived with Our Lord for 3 years; he both loved Jesus and denied Him…very much like most of us do. But in all that, Jesus knew his heart and saw beyond his faults and forgave him, as He does us…This was the man we were honored to venerate and ask for his prayers.
And pray I did! I begged St. Peter to intercede for the members of my family who no longer practice their faith, as well as for all the intentions I had been carrying in my heart for so many loved ones.
We next saw the tomb of St. Pope Paul VI. He was the pope to close the Vatican Council and is famous for his encyclical, Humane Vitae.
The downstairs was filled with many relics, ancient artifacts and works of art. Part of the pillar where Jesus was scourged was there to venerate...another touching and moving moment.
We then walked out of the basilica the square, over to the very spot where Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt occurred. It is marked by a flat monument on which his papal crest and the date on which it occurred is inscribed.
Our next stop was the Church of St. Anne in the Vatican: a parish church consecrated in 1583. It was another beautiful church: baroque in style and dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
I have a special devotion to Anne and took the name “Nana,” in her honor when I became a grandmother. As I knelt before a painting of St. Anne, with the child Mary standing by her side, I prayed fervently that she intercedes for me that my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren would be brought close to her daughter and her Grandson.
We left and began our long walk to the Vatican Museum and gardens.
The mission of the museum is evangelization: to show how artists gave honor and glory to God throughout the ages. The beauty, seen in these masterpieces, have a way of opening our hearts to joy and gives us an opportunity to encounter God.
The museum was a group of most impressive buildings that housed numerous galleries filled with art treasures. It contains awe-inspiring relics and works of art that have been donated throughout the centuries as a tribute to God and our Catholic faith.
Our tour began around 11 A.M. and ended around 1 to 1:30P.M. We began in the gardens on a magnificent sunny day, surrounded by manicured bushes, trees, beautiful fountains and ancient statues, with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We then joined with thousands of people, traveling from one gallery to another, gazing upon some of the most impressive art and artifacts in the world: paintings by Raphael, Da Vinci, Reni, Caravaggio, and numerous other famous artists; statues from as early as the first and second centuries; the Sarcophagus of St. Helena, who died in 335 A.D. and was the mother of Emperor Constantine; the stunning gallery of tapestries, telling stories of salvation history and Church history as well; the Gallery of Maps and so much more.
Your eyes and mind were literally saturated by wonder and beauty, for what seemed like miles, till the culmination of the tour arrived: the spectacular Sistine Chapel.
There are magnificent frescos from floor to ceilings; each vying for your attention. Although Michelangelo is usually the artist who comes to mind when we think about the Sistine Chapel, numerous artists contributed to its beauty over the centuries. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling and the altar wall in the chapel: 1508 – 1512 (ceiling, the nine scenes from Genesis), 1513 – 1515 (The Prophets), and 1536 – 1541 (The Last Judgement).
As we looked about, surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims doing the same, we noticed benches on either side of the room. My husband and I were thrilled to find a seat, so we could take our time and explore all the beauty that lay before us.
I gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces, which were restored between 1980 – 1994. I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the immensity of his work. Seeing the ‘Hand of God,’ giving life to Adam was thrilling, while exploring the details of the Last Judgement brought feelings of fear and dread!
When we felt satisfied that we had had our fill, we left the museum and headed to a restaurant for lunch. We found a restaurant that had some outdoor seating, to enjoy the beautiful weather and drink in the Roman ambience, while filling our tummies with delicious Italian cuisine.
We rejoined our group and headed by bus to our next destination. On the way we would pass ancient Roman ruins: the Circus Maximus, which little remained, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and venue for mass entertainment. It held 150,000 people in the first century and when enlarged in the fourth century, 250,000.
The Arch of Constantine was the next site to view. The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory which made him sole emperor in Rome and legalized Christianity, in 312 A.D.
We then passed the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in 72 A.D. and was completed in 80 A.D. It was used to host gladiators shows and other events. Executions were also carried out there. It could accommodate 50,000 people. About 3,000 Christian martyrs died in the Colosseum. St. Ignatius of Antioch was the first to be martyred there.
We also passed the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Lord, where are You going?) Tradition tells us it is located on the spot where Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid persecution when he saw the Risen Christ.
Stunned to see Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied, “I go to Rome to be persecuted once again.”
Peter then returned to Rome where he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to die the way Jesus did. He was crucified at the foot of Vatican Hill where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.
We finally arrived at our destination: the Catacombs of Domitila. They are the largest and best-preserved catacombs in all of Rome.
The catacombs are named after the matron of the Flavian dynasty, who converted to Christianity and was exiled because of her beliefs. Before her exile, she gave it to the Christian community who made it their own, with Christian imagery.
This is the only Catacomb which has an underground basilica. It is dedicated to the martyrs, Nereus and Achilleus. The church was built upon the tombs of the two martyrs, who were soldiers of the imperial guard, killed for professing their faith.
The catacombs were used as underground burial sites and not places for Christians to hide. Christian martyrs were buried there, which made it a very popular place to be buried, near to the saints.
I was so excited to visit the catacombs. We began in the semi-subterranean basilica built at the end of the fourth century; it was like walking back in time. There were concrete benches, an altar and Christian art surrounding the sacred space. Just thinking about the early Christians worshiping here was thrilling!
A guide brought us into the burial areas which consists of narrow walkways, with multiple tombs from floor to ceiling, ranging in size. Many children were buried there because the mortality rate was extremely high.
Although some people had tile or marble slabs with their names inscribed, most of the tombs remained anonymous.
There were many Christian symbols found, both in the catacombs as well as in the basilica: the Good Shepherd, a person praying, a fish-- the symbol of Christianity, the anchor, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. There were also symbols of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the burial places which had been previously occupied, are open spaces, but there are still some tombs in which bodies are enclosed.
As we walked through the catacombs, I ran my hands over and along the walls and opened tombs, and prayed for all of my loved ones and for their intentions. It was amazing, to view the murals and the Christian symbols which witnessed to the faith of the early Christians. I felt truly inspired by their conviction and their willingness to die for their faith…my faith! It was clear: we were standing on holy ground!
As we walked back to the bus, I was touched deeply by this experience. I prayed that if ever given the choice to die for my faith, I would have the great courage and strength, to say “yes.”
From the catacombs, we traveled to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which along with St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Peter’s, is one of the four major papal basilicas.
The basilica was founded by Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus; after Paul’s death, a memorial was built for him there. The basilica was consecrated in 324 A.D., by Pope Sylvester.
A much larger basilica was erected by Emperor Theodosius in 386 A.D, and was dramatically changed over the years. By the fifth century, it was larger than St. Peter’s. In 1823, a fired caused the near-total destruction of the basilica. In 1825, Pope Leo XII asked for donations and the reconstruction of the basilica began. Part of the basilica was consecrated and reopened in 1840, but took another 14 years before the entire building was re-consecrated by Pope Pius IX. The basilica was not fully completed until somewhere in the twentieth century.
As we walked outside the basilica, we could not miss the huge statue of St. Paul, wielding a sword in one hand, while holding the Holy Scriptures in the other: representing his martyrdom and his epistles.
Beautiful mosaics are seen behind him on the pediment of the basilica and on the wall below: Within the pediment sits the majestic figure of Jesus Christ on His throne, with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. Below that is the mystical Lamb surrounded by 4 rivers (the 4 Gospels), and 12 Lambs (the Apostles), along with 2 cities; Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace and Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified and died. Beneath them all are 4 Old Testament Prophets; Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
The garden surrounding the basilica was absolutely beautiful, with its manicured bushes, palm trees and statues. We walked up the garden path to the basilica, stuck by its massive columns and huge doors into the stunning church.
It is an immense basilica with beautiful marble floors, magnificent golden carved ceilings, 80 marble columns, and colorful mosaic medallions of all the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis: 265 in all. There are only 6 spaces left and according to local legend, the pope whose face takes the last place will witness the end of the world…time will tell!
The design of the basilica, draws you toward the altar. There is a beautiful mosaic of Christ with the 4 Evangelists. Under this incredible mosaic arch is the altar: an intricately carved gothic baldachin or canopy, golden in color, stands above it. The tomb of St. Paul is located under the altar.
We had the great privilege to venerate the tomb and relics of this great saint and ask his intercession for all the intentions we carried in our hearts. It was quite overwhelming, realizing I was standing in the very spot where the great Apostle Paul was buried. What an immense blessing! Near the tomb, were the chains that held Paul prisoner while in Rome (61-63 A.D.). We venerated them as well.
There was a stunning side altar made of precious malachite, a green marble-like material that was donated by the Emperor of Russian at the time of the reconstruction. A huge painting of St. Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus flanked the wall behind the altar.
The beauty, immensity and grandeur of the basilica, took your breath away! St. Paul Outside the Walls was the final destination of our superb and grace filled pilgrimage: we would leave Rome and return home the next day having been blessed beyond measure.
As I stilled myself, after another day full of wonder and gratitude, I was overcome with the need to give thanks and praise to God for all He had bestowed on us.
“I will thanks to You, O Lord, with all; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exalt in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.” Psalm 9 :2-3
Today is not only our last day in Rome, but also of our pilgrimage. My heart is so full of gratitude to God for allowing Jonathan and I to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in such a grand way!
Fr. Peter, our spiritual director on the pilgrimage, informed our group that we would attend a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa and much to our surprise and delight, it will be offered for Jon, myself and our family, in honor of our golden anniversary.
This was another kiss from God: first, that a Mass would be offered for us at St. Peter’s is thrilling in itself, but I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and visit her shrine that’s not too far from our home, twice a year. Secondly, that it is offered for the two of us and our family. I felt overwhelmed with joy and thanks.
The Mass was so very special. We were seated in the front pew. I was privileged to lector, once again. Father gave a moving homily and at the end of Mass, he came to Jon and I and bestowed a special blessing that brought tears to my eyes. This was truly a highlight of our pilgrimage!
After Mass we went to the upper church and headed for the tomb of St. John Paul II. It was an honor and a privilege to pray before this great saint: a very holy man who impacted my personal life, the life of the Church, and ultimately, the world. He taught us how to live and how to die, while giving all honor and glory to God.
I was thrilled to ask St. John Paul II to bring all the petitions of my heart to Our Lady, who was said to be the twinkle in his eyes, and ask that she present them to Jesus, and He to take them to the Throne of God the Father.
Next, we viewed the Pieta: a stunning and breath-taking marble sculpture by the famous Michelangelo sculpted between 1498-1499. My heart was torn open as I gazed upon our Blessed Mother holding the dead and lifeless body of her Son, Jesus. The sorrowful Image demanded that you ponder the scene for some time in silence, before moving to the next great work of art.
Unfortunately, we had to view it from a distance, because it is now protected behind Plexiglas. In 1972, it was significantly damaged on Pentecost Sunday, by a mentally disturbed man, who made his way to the unprotected sculpture. It was fully restored and is magnificent to behold.
We turned from the altar and continued to take in all the beauty around us in the basilica: massive holy water fonts, shaped as immense sea shells that are held by large beautiful cherubim; gorgeous orate marble floors, the golden intricately carved ceilings, the glass encased body of St. Pope Pius X, the pope who lowered the age of reception of Holy Communion to 7 years of age…the age of reason; the massive ‘holy door,’ which is opened by the pope during Jubilee years, so pilgrims may pass through piously, and gain the plenary indulgence attached with the Jubilee celebration. After the holy year, the outside of the doors is sealed by mortar and cement so they cannot be opened. The body of St. John XXIII is also displayed behind glass to view and venerate. He is the pope that opened the Second Vatican Council.
The ‘high altar’ in the basilica is absolutely stunning. A large baroque sculpted bronze canopy, called a ciborium or baldachin is over it. It is the work of Bernini. The altar was placed over one of the most holy spots in the basilica: it was built over the tomb of St. Peter. This altar, called the ‘pope’s altar,’ has a spectacular golden colored stained-glass window with the Holy Spirit gleaming in its center. It is surrounded by a myriad of golden carved cherubim with numerous shafts of golden light bursting forth. Beneath the window is the Chair of St. Peter, the chair belonging to him which is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The casing over the relic was designed and constructed by Bernini between 1647 and 1653. It was glorious to behold.
We then walked over to the bronze statue of St. Peter, seated on a throne-like chair. He is holding the keys, while giving a blessing. Pilgrims over the centuries have worn his right toes thin by either touching or kissing them. This work is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.
Everywhere you looked in the basilica, lay a feast for your eyes! I’ve tried to paint a picture, but there was so much to see that it would take forever to describe it all.
Much to our delight, we were scheduled to explore the lower basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is located.
It is difficult to wrap your head around the idea of venerating the remains of the first pope! St. Peter: the man who walked, talked, and lived with Our Lord for 3 years; he both loved Jesus and denied Him…very much like most of us do. But in all that, Jesus knew his heart and saw beyond his faults and forgave him, as He does us…This was the man we were honored to venerate and ask for his prayers.
And pray I did! I begged St. Peter to intercede for the members of my family who no longer practice their faith, as well as for all the intentions I had been carrying in my heart for so many loved ones.
We next saw the tomb of St. Pope Paul VI. He was the pope to close the Vatican Council and is famous for his encyclical, Humane Vitae.
The downstairs was filled with many relics, ancient artifacts and works of art. Part of the pillar where Jesus was scourged was there to venerate...another touching and moving moment.
We then walked out of the basilica the square, over to the very spot where Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt occurred. It is marked by a flat monument on which his papal crest and the date on which it occurred is inscribed.
Our next stop was the Church of St. Anne in the Vatican: a parish church consecrated in 1583. It was another beautiful church: baroque in style and dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
I have a special devotion to Anne and took the name “Nana,” in her honor when I became a grandmother. As I knelt before a painting of St. Anne, with the child Mary standing by her side, I prayed fervently that she intercedes for me that my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren would be brought close to her daughter and her Grandson.
We left and began our long walk to the Vatican Museum and gardens.
The mission of the museum is evangelization: to show how artists gave honor and glory to God throughout the ages. The beauty, seen in these masterpieces, have a way of opening our hearts to joy and gives us an opportunity to encounter God.
The museum was a group of most impressive buildings that housed numerous galleries filled with art treasures. It contains awe-inspiring relics and works of art that have been donated throughout the centuries as a tribute to God and our Catholic faith.
Our tour began around 11 A.M. and ended around 1 to 1:30P.M. We began in the gardens on a magnificent sunny day, surrounded by manicured bushes, trees, beautiful fountains and ancient statues, with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We then joined with thousands of people, traveling from one gallery to another, gazing upon some of the most impressive art and artifacts in the world: paintings by Raphael, Da Vinci, Reni, Caravaggio, and numerous other famous artists; statues from as early as the first and second centuries; the Sarcophagus of St. Helena, who died in 335 A.D. and was the mother of Emperor Constantine; the stunning gallery of tapestries, telling stories of salvation history and Church history as well; the Gallery of Maps and so much more.
Your eyes and mind were literally saturated by wonder and beauty, for what seemed like miles, till the culmination of the tour arrived: the spectacular Sistine Chapel.
There are magnificent frescos from floor to ceilings; each vying for your attention. Although Michelangelo is usually the artist who comes to mind when we think about the Sistine Chapel, numerous artists contributed to its beauty over the centuries. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling and the altar wall in the chapel: 1508 – 1512 (ceiling, the nine scenes from Genesis), 1513 – 1515 (The Prophets), and 1536 – 1541 (The Last Judgement).
As we looked about, surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims doing the same, we noticed benches on either side of the room. My husband and I were thrilled to find a seat, so we could take our time and explore all the beauty that lay before us.
I gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces, which were restored between 1980 – 1994. I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the immensity of his work. Seeing the ‘Hand of God,’ giving life to Adam was thrilling, while exploring the details of the Last Judgement brought feelings of fear and dread!
When we felt satisfied that we had had our fill, we left the museum and headed to a restaurant for lunch. We found a restaurant that had some outdoor seating, to enjoy the beautiful weather and drink in the Roman ambience, while filling our tummies with delicious Italian cuisine.
We rejoined our group and headed by bus to our next destination. On the way we would pass ancient Roman ruins: the Circus Maximus, which little remained, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and venue for mass entertainment. It held 150,000 people in the first century and when enlarged in the fourth century, 250,000.
The Arch of Constantine was the next site to view. The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory which made him sole emperor in Rome and legalized Christianity, in 312 A.D.
We then passed the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in 72 A.D. and was completed in 80 A.D. It was used to host gladiators shows and other events. Executions were also carried out there. It could accommodate 50,000 people. About 3,000 Christian martyrs died in the Colosseum. St. Ignatius of Antioch was the first to be martyred there.
We also passed the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Lord, where are You going?) Tradition tells us it is located on the spot where Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid persecution when he saw the Risen Christ.
Stunned to see Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied, “I go to Rome to be persecuted once again.”
Peter then returned to Rome where he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to die the way Jesus did. He was crucified at the foot of Vatican Hill where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.
We finally arrived at our destination: the Catacombs of Domitila. They are the largest and best-preserved catacombs in all of Rome.
The catacombs are named after the matron of the Flavian dynasty, who converted to Christianity and was exiled because of her beliefs. Before her exile, she gave it to the Christian community who made it their own, with Christian imagery.
This is the only Catacomb which has an underground basilica. It is dedicated to the martyrs, Nereus and Achilleus. The church was built upon the tombs of the two martyrs, who were soldiers of the imperial guard, killed for professing their faith.
The catacombs were used as underground burial sites and not places for Christians to hide. Christian martyrs were buried there, which made it a very popular place to be buried, near to the saints.
I was so excited to visit the catacombs. We began in the semi-subterranean basilica built at the end of the fourth century; it was like walking back in time. There were concrete benches, an altar and Christian art surrounding the sacred space. Just thinking about the early Christians worshiping here was thrilling!
A guide brought us into the burial areas which consists of narrow walkways, with multiple tombs from floor to ceiling, ranging in size. Many children were buried there because the mortality rate was extremely high.
Although some people had tile or marble slabs with their names inscribed, most of the tombs remained anonymous.
There were many Christian symbols found, both in the catacombs as well as in the basilica: the Good Shepherd, a person praying, a fish-- the symbol of Christianity, the anchor, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. There were also symbols of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the burial places which had been previously occupied, are open spaces, but there are still some tombs in which bodies are enclosed.
As we walked through the catacombs, I ran my hands over and along the walls and opened tombs, and prayed for all of my loved ones and for their intentions. It was amazing, to view the murals and the Christian symbols which witnessed to the faith of the early Christians. I felt truly inspired by their conviction and their willingness to die for their faith…my faith! It was clear: we were standing on holy ground!
As we walked back to the bus, I was touched deeply by this experience. I prayed that if ever given the choice to die for my faith, I would have the great courage and strength, to say “yes.”
From the catacombs, we traveled to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which along with St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Peter’s, is one of the four major papal basilicas.
The basilica was founded by Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus; after Paul’s death, a memorial was built for him there. The basilica was consecrated in 324 A.D., by Pope Sylvester.
A much larger basilica was erected by Emperor Theodosius in 386 A.D, and was dramatically changed over the years. By the fifth century, it was larger than St. Peter’s. In 1823, a fired caused the near-total destruction of the basilica. In 1825, Pope Leo XII asked for donations and the reconstruction of the basilica began. Part of the basilica was consecrated and reopened in 1840, but took another 14 years before the entire building was re-consecrated by Pope Pius IX. The basilica was not fully completed until somewhere in the twentieth century.
As we walked outside the basilica, we could not miss the huge statue of St. Paul, wielding a sword in one hand, while holding the Holy Scriptures in the other: representing his martyrdom and his epistles.
Beautiful mosaics are seen behind him on the pediment of the basilica and on the wall below: Within the pediment sits the majestic figure of Jesus Christ on His throne, with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. Below that is the mystical Lamb surrounded by 4 rivers (the 4 Gospels), and 12 Lambs (the Apostles), along with 2 cities; Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace and Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified and died. Beneath them all are 4 Old Testament Prophets; Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
The garden surrounding the basilica was absolutely beautiful, with its manicured bushes, palm trees and statues. We walked up the garden path to the basilica, stuck by its massive columns and huge doors into the stunning church.
It is an immense basilica with beautiful marble floors, magnificent golden carved ceilings, 80 marble columns, and colorful mosaic medallions of all the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis: 265 in all. There are only 6 spaces left and according to local legend, the pope whose face takes the last place will witness the end of the world…time will tell!
The design of the basilica, draws you toward the altar. There is a beautiful mosaic of Christ with the 4 Evangelists. Under this incredible mosaic arch is the altar: an intricately carved gothic baldachin or canopy, golden in color, stands above it. The tomb of St. Paul is located under the altar.
We had the great privilege to venerate the tomb and relics of this great saint and ask his intercession for all the intentions we carried in our hearts. It was quite overwhelming, realizing I was standing in the very spot where the great Apostle Paul was buried. What an immense blessing! Near the tomb, were the chains that held Paul prisoner while in Rome (61-63 A.D.). We venerated them as well.
There was a stunning side altar made of precious malachite, a green marble-like material that was donated by the Emperor of Russian at the time of the reconstruction. A huge painting of St. Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus flanked the wall behind the altar.
The beauty, immensity and grandeur of the basilica, took your breath away! St. Paul Outside the Walls was the final destination of our superb and grace filled pilgrimage: we would leave Rome and return home the next day having been blessed beyond measure.
As I stilled myself, after another day full of wonder and gratitude, I was overcome with the need to give thanks and praise to God for all He had bestowed on us.
“I will thanks to You, O Lord, with all; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exalt in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.” Psalm 9 :2-3
Today is not only our last day in Rome, but also of our pilgrimage. My heart is so full of gratitude to God for allowing Jonathan and I to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in such a grand way!
Fr. Peter, our spiritual director on the pilgrimage, informed our group that we would attend a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa and much to our surprise and delight, it will be offered for Jon, myself and our family, in honor of our golden anniversary.
This was another kiss from God: first, that a Mass would be offered for us at St. Peter’s is thrilling in itself, but I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and visit her shrine that’s not too far from our home, twice a year. Secondly, that it is offered for the two of us and our family. I felt overwhelmed with joy and thanks.
The Mass was so very special. We were seated in the front pew. I was privileged to lector, once again. Father gave a moving homily and at the end of Mass, he came to Jon and I and bestowed a special blessing that brought tears to my eyes. This was truly a highlight of our pilgrimage!
After Mass we went to the upper church and headed for the tomb of St. John Paul II. It was an honor and a privilege to pray before this great saint: a very holy man who impacted my personal life, the life of the Church, and ultimately, the world. He taught us how to live and how to die, while giving all honor and glory to God.
I was thrilled to ask St. John Paul II to bring all the petitions of my heart to Our Lady, who was said to be the twinkle in his eyes, and ask that she present them to Jesus, and He to take them to the Throne of God the Father.
Next, we viewed the Pieta: a stunning and breath-taking marble sculpture by the famous Michelangelo sculpted between 1498-1499. My heart was torn open as I gazed upon our Blessed Mother holding the dead and lifeless body of her Son, Jesus. The sorrowful Image demanded that you ponder the scene for some time in silence, before moving to the next great work of art.
Unfortunately, we had to view it from a distance, because it is now protected behind Plexiglas. In 1972, it was significantly damaged on Pentecost Sunday, by a mentally disturbed man, who made his way to the unprotected sculpture. It was fully restored and is magnificent to behold.
We turned from the altar and continued to take in all the beauty around us in the basilica: massive holy water fonts, shaped as immense sea shells that are held by large beautiful cherubim; gorgeous orate marble floors, the golden intricately carved ceilings, the glass encased body of St. Pope Pius X, the pope who lowered the age of reception of Holy Communion to 7 years of age…the age of reason; the massive ‘holy door,’ which is opened by the pope during Jubilee years, so pilgrims may pass through piously, and gain the plenary indulgence attached with the Jubilee celebration. After the holy year, the outside of the doors is sealed by mortar and cement so they cannot be opened. The body of St. John XXIII is also displayed behind glass to view and venerate. He is the pope that opened the Second Vatican Council.
The ‘high altar’ in the basilica is absolutely stunning. A large baroque sculpted bronze canopy, called a ciborium or baldachin is over it. It is the work of Bernini. The altar was placed over one of the most holy spots in the basilica: it was built over the tomb of St. Peter. This altar, called the ‘pope’s altar,’ has a spectacular golden colored stained-glass window with the Holy Spirit gleaming in its center. It is surrounded by a myriad of golden carved cherubim with numerous shafts of golden light bursting forth. Beneath the window is the Chair of St. Peter, the chair belonging to him which is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The casing over the relic was designed and constructed by Bernini between 1647 and 1653. It was glorious to behold.
We then walked over to the bronze statue of St. Peter, seated on a throne-like chair. He is holding the keys, while giving a blessing. Pilgrims over the centuries have worn his right toes thin by either touching or kissing them. This work is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.
Everywhere you looked in the basilica, lay a feast for your eyes! I’ve tried to paint a picture, but there was so much to see that it would take forever to describe it all.
Much to our delight, we were scheduled to explore the lower basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is located.
It is difficult to wrap your head around the idea of venerating the remains of the first pope! St. Peter: the man who walked, talked, and lived with Our Lord for 3 years; he both loved Jesus and denied Him…very much like most of us do. But in all that, Jesus knew his heart and saw beyond his faults and forgave him, as He does us…This was the man we were honored to venerate and ask for his prayers.
And pray I did! I begged St. Peter to intercede for the members of my family who no longer practice their faith, as well as for all the intentions I had been carrying in my heart for so many loved ones.
We next saw the tomb of St. Pope Paul VI. He was the pope to close the Vatican Council and is famous for his encyclical, Humane Vitae.
The downstairs was filled with many relics, ancient artifacts and works of art. Part of the pillar where Jesus was scourged was there to venerate...another touching and moving moment.
We then walked out of the basilica the square, over to the very spot where Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt occurred. It is marked by a flat monument on which his papal crest and the date on which it occurred is inscribed.
Our next stop was the Church of St. Anne in the Vatican: a parish church consecrated in 1583. It was another beautiful church: baroque in style and dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
I have a special devotion to Anne and took the name “Nana,” in her honor when I became a grandmother. As I knelt before a painting of St. Anne, with the child Mary standing by her side, I prayed fervently that she intercedes for me that my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren would be brought close to her daughter and her Grandson.
We left and began our long walk to the Vatican Museum and gardens.
The mission of the museum is evangelization: to show how artists gave honor and glory to God throughout the ages. The beauty, seen in these masterpieces, have a way of opening our hearts to joy and gives us an opportunity to encounter God.
The museum was a group of most impressive buildings that housed numerous galleries filled with art treasures. It contains awe-inspiring relics and works of art that have been donated throughout the centuries as a tribute to God and our Catholic faith.
Our tour began around 11 A.M. and ended around 1 to 1:30P.M. We began in the gardens on a magnificent sunny day, surrounded by manicured bushes, trees, beautiful fountains and ancient statues, with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We then joined with thousands of people, traveling from one gallery to another, gazing upon some of the most impressive art and artifacts in the world: paintings by Raphael, Da Vinci, Reni, Caravaggio, and numerous other famous artists; statues from as early as the first and second centuries; the Sarcophagus of St. Helena, who died in 335 A.D. and was the mother of Emperor Constantine; the stunning gallery of tapestries, telling stories of salvation history and Church history as well; the Gallery of Maps and so much more.
Your eyes and mind were literally saturated by wonder and beauty, for what seemed like miles, till the culmination of the tour arrived: the spectacular Sistine Chapel.
There are magnificent frescos from floor to ceilings; each vying for your attention. Although Michelangelo is usually the artist who comes to mind when we think about the Sistine Chapel, numerous artists contributed to its beauty over the centuries. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling and the altar wall in the chapel: 1508 – 1512 (ceiling, the nine scenes from Genesis), 1513 – 1515 (The Prophets), and 1536 – 1541 (The Last Judgement).
As we looked about, surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims doing the same, we noticed benches on either side of the room. My husband and I were thrilled to find a seat, so we could take our time and explore all the beauty that lay before us.
I gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces, which were restored between 1980 – 1994. I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the immensity of his work. Seeing the ‘Hand of God,’ giving life to Adam was thrilling, while exploring the details of the Last Judgement brought feelings of fear and dread!
When we felt satisfied that we had had our fill, we left the museum and headed to a restaurant for lunch. We found a restaurant that had some outdoor seating, to enjoy the beautiful weather and drink in the Roman ambience, while filling our tummies with delicious Italian cuisine.
We rejoined our group and headed by bus to our next destination. On the way we would pass ancient Roman ruins: the Circus Maximus, which little remained, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and venue for mass entertainment. It held 150,000 people in the first century and when enlarged in the fourth century, 250,000.
The Arch of Constantine was the next site to view. The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory which made him sole emperor in Rome and legalized Christianity, in 312 A.D.
We then passed the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in 72 A.D. and was completed in 80 A.D. It was used to host gladiators shows and other events. Executions were also carried out there. It could accommodate 50,000 people. About 3,000 Christian martyrs died in the Colosseum. St. Ignatius of Antioch was the first to be martyred there.
We also passed the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Lord, where are You going?) Tradition tells us it is located on the spot where Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid persecution when he saw the Risen Christ.
Stunned to see Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied, “I go to Rome to be persecuted once again.”
Peter then returned to Rome where he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to die the way Jesus did. He was crucified at the foot of Vatican Hill where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.
We finally arrived at our destination: the Catacombs of Domitila. They are the largest and best-preserved catacombs in all of Rome.
The catacombs are named after the matron of the Flavian dynasty, who converted to Christianity and was exiled because of her beliefs. Before her exile, she gave it to the Christian community who made it their own, with Christian imagery.
This is the only Catacomb which has an underground basilica. It is dedicated to the martyrs, Nereus and Achilleus. The church was built upon the tombs of the two martyrs, who were soldiers of the imperial guard, killed for professing their faith.
The catacombs were used as underground burial sites and not places for Christians to hide. Christian martyrs were buried there, which made it a very popular place to be buried, near to the saints.
I was so excited to visit the catacombs. We began in the semi-subterranean basilica built at the end of the fourth century; it was like walking back in time. There were concrete benches, an altar and Christian art surrounding the sacred space. Just thinking about the early Christians worshiping here was thrilling!
A guide brought us into the burial areas which consists of narrow walkways, with multiple tombs from floor to ceiling, ranging in size. Many children were buried there because the mortality rate was extremely high.
Although some people had tile or marble slabs with their names inscribed, most of the tombs remained anonymous.
There were many Christian symbols found, both in the catacombs as well as in the basilica: the Good Shepherd, a person praying, a fish-- the symbol of Christianity, the anchor, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. There were also symbols of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the burial places which had been previously occupied, are open spaces, but there are still some tombs in which bodies are enclosed.
As we walked through the catacombs, I ran my hands over and along the walls and opened tombs, and prayed for all of my loved ones and for their intentions. It was amazing, to view the murals and the Christian symbols which witnessed to the faith of the early Christians. I felt truly inspired by their conviction and their willingness to die for their faith…my faith! It was clear: we were standing on holy ground!
As we walked back to the bus, I was touched deeply by this experience. I prayed that if ever given the choice to die for my faith, I would have the great courage and strength, to say “yes.”
From the catacombs, we traveled to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which along with St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Peter’s, is one of the four major papal basilicas.
The basilica was founded by Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus; after Paul’s death, a memorial was built for him there. The basilica was consecrated in 324 A.D., by Pope Sylvester.
A much larger basilica was erected by Emperor Theodosius in 386 A.D, and was dramatically changed over the years. By the fifth century, it was larger than St. Peter’s. In 1823, a fired caused the near-total destruction of the basilica. In 1825, Pope Leo XII asked for donations and the reconstruction of the basilica began. Part of the basilica was consecrated and reopened in 1840, but took another 14 years before the entire building was re-consecrated by Pope Pius IX. The basilica was not fully completed until somewhere in the twentieth century.
As we walked outside the basilica, we could not miss the huge statue of St. Paul, wielding a sword in one hand, while holding the Holy Scriptures in the other: representing his martyrdom and his epistles.
Beautiful mosaics are seen behind him on the pediment of the basilica and on the wall below: Within the pediment sits the majestic figure of Jesus Christ on His throne, with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. Below that is the mystical Lamb surrounded by 4 rivers (the 4 Gospels), and 12 Lambs (the Apostles), along with 2 cities; Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace and Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified and died. Beneath them all are 4 Old Testament Prophets; Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
The garden surrounding the basilica was absolutely beautiful, with its manicured bushes, palm trees and statues. We walked up the garden path to the basilica, stuck by its massive columns and huge doors into the stunning church.
It is an immense basilica with beautiful marble floors, magnificent golden carved ceilings, 80 marble columns, and colorful mosaic medallions of all the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis: 265 in all. There are only 6 spaces left and according to local legend, the pope whose face takes the last place will witness the end of the world…time will tell!
The design of the basilica, draws you toward the altar. There is a beautiful mosaic of Christ with the 4 Evangelists. Under this incredible mosaic arch is the altar: an intricately carved gothic baldachin or canopy, golden in color, stands above it. The tomb of St. Paul is located under the altar.
We had the great privilege to venerate the tomb and relics of this great saint and ask his intercession for all the intentions we carried in our hearts. It was quite overwhelming, realizing I was standing in the very spot where the great Apostle Paul was buried. What an immense blessing! Near the tomb, were the chains that held Paul prisoner while in Rome (61-63 A.D.). We venerated them as well.
There was a stunning side altar made of precious malachite, a green marble-like material that was donated by the Emperor of Russian at the time of the reconstruction. A huge painting of St. Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus flanked the wall behind the altar.
The beauty, immensity and grandeur of the basilica, took your breath away! St. Paul Outside the Walls was the final destination of our superb and grace filled pilgrimage: we would leave Rome and return home the next day having been blessed beyond measure.
As I stilled myself, after another day full of wonder and gratitude, I was overcome with the need to give thanks and praise to God for all He had bestowed on us.
“I will thanks to You, O Lord, with all; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exalt in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.” Psalm 9 :2-3
Today is not only our last day in Rome, but also of our pilgrimage. My heart is so full of gratitude to God for allowing Jonathan and I to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in such a grand way!
Fr. Peter, our spiritual director on the pilgrimage, informed our group that we would attend a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa and much to our surprise and delight, it will be offered for Jon, myself and our family, in honor of our golden anniversary.
This was another kiss from God: first, that a Mass would be offered for us at St. Peter’s is thrilling in itself, but I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and visit her shrine that’s not too far from our home, twice a year. Secondly, that it is offered for the two of us and our family. I felt overwhelmed with joy and thanks.
The Mass was so very special. We were seated in the front pew. I was privileged to lector, once again. Father gave a moving homily and at the end of Mass, he came to Jon and I and bestowed a special blessing that brought tears to my eyes. This was truly a highlight of our pilgrimage!
After Mass we went to the upper church and headed for the tomb of St. John Paul II. It was an honor and a privilege to pray before this great saint: a very holy man who impacted my personal life, the life of the Church, and ultimately, the world. He taught us how to live and how to die, while giving all honor and glory to God.
I was thrilled to ask St. John Paul II to bring all the petitions of my heart to Our Lady, who was said to be the twinkle in his eyes, and ask that she present them to Jesus, and He to take them to the Throne of God the Father.
Next, we viewed the Pieta: a stunning and breath-taking marble sculpture by the famous Michelangelo sculpted between 1498-1499. My heart was torn open as I gazed upon our Blessed Mother holding the dead and lifeless body of her Son, Jesus. The sorrowful Image demanded that you ponder the scene for some time in silence, before moving to the next great work of art.
Unfortunately, we had to view it from a distance, because it is now protected behind Plexiglas. In 1972, it was significantly damaged on Pentecost Sunday, by a mentally disturbed man, who made his way to the unprotected sculpture. It was fully restored and is magnificent to behold.
We turned from the altar and continued to take in all the beauty around us in the basilica: massive holy water fonts, shaped as immense sea shells that are held by large beautiful cherubim; gorgeous orate marble floors, the golden intricately carved ceilings, the glass encased body of St. Pope Pius X, the pope who lowered the age of reception of Holy Communion to 7 years of age…the age of reason; the massive ‘holy door,’ which is opened by the pope during Jubilee years, so pilgrims may pass through piously, and gain the plenary indulgence attached with the Jubilee celebration. After the holy year, the outside of the doors is sealed by mortar and cement so they cannot be opened. The body of St. John XXIII is also displayed behind glass to view and venerate. He is the pope that opened the Second Vatican Council.
The ‘high altar’ in the basilica is absolutely stunning. A large baroque sculpted bronze canopy, called a ciborium or baldachin is over it. It is the work of Bernini. The altar was placed over one of the most holy spots in the basilica: it was built over the tomb of St. Peter. This altar, called the ‘pope’s altar,’ has a spectacular golden colored stained-glass window with the Holy Spirit gleaming in its center. It is surrounded by a myriad of golden carved cherubim with numerous shafts of golden light bursting forth. Beneath the window is the Chair of St. Peter, the chair belonging to him which is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The casing over the relic was designed and constructed by Bernini between 1647 and 1653. It was glorious to behold.
We then walked over to the bronze statue of St. Peter, seated on a throne-like chair. He is holding the keys, while giving a blessing. Pilgrims over the centuries have worn his right toes thin by either touching or kissing them. This work is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.
Everywhere you looked in the basilica, lay a feast for your eyes! I’ve tried to paint a picture, but there was so much to see that it would take forever to describe it all.
Much to our delight, we were scheduled to explore the lower basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is located.
It is difficult to wrap your head around the idea of venerating the remains of the first pope! St. Peter: the man who walked, talked, and lived with Our Lord for 3 years; he both loved Jesus and denied Him…very much like most of us do. But in all that, Jesus knew his heart and saw beyond his faults and forgave him, as He does us…This was the man we were honored to venerate and ask for his prayers.
And pray I did! I begged St. Peter to intercede for the members of my family who no longer practice their faith, as well as for all the intentions I had been carrying in my heart for so many loved ones.
We next saw the tomb of St. Pope Paul VI. He was the pope to close the Vatican Council and is famous for his encyclical, Humane Vitae.
The downstairs was filled with many relics, ancient artifacts and works of art. Part of the pillar where Jesus was scourged was there to venerate...another touching and moving moment.
We then walked out of the basilica the square, over to the very spot where Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt occurred. It is marked by a flat monument on which his papal crest and the date on which it occurred is inscribed.
Our next stop was the Church of St. Anne in the Vatican: a parish church consecrated in 1583. It was another beautiful church: baroque in style and dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
I have a special devotion to Anne and took the name “Nana,” in her honor when I became a grandmother. As I knelt before a painting of St. Anne, with the child Mary standing by her side, I prayed fervently that she intercedes for me that my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren would be brought close to her daughter and her Grandson.
We left and began our long walk to the Vatican Museum and gardens.
The mission of the museum is evangelization: to show how artists gave honor and glory to God throughout the ages. The beauty, seen in these masterpieces, have a way of opening our hearts to joy and gives us an opportunity to encounter God.
The museum was a group of most impressive buildings that housed numerous galleries filled with art treasures. It contains awe-inspiring relics and works of art that have been donated throughout the centuries as a tribute to God and our Catholic faith.
Our tour began around 11 A.M. and ended around 1 to 1:30P.M. We began in the gardens on a magnificent sunny day, surrounded by manicured bushes, trees, beautiful fountains and ancient statues, with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We then joined with thousands of people, traveling from one gallery to another, gazing upon some of the most impressive art and artifacts in the world: paintings by Raphael, Da Vinci, Reni, Caravaggio, and numerous other famous artists; statues from as early as the first and second centuries; the Sarcophagus of St. Helena, who died in 335 A.D. and was the mother of Emperor Constantine; the stunning gallery of tapestries, telling stories of salvation history and Church history as well; the Gallery of Maps and so much more.
Your eyes and mind were literally saturated by wonder and beauty, for what seemed like miles, till the culmination of the tour arrived: the spectacular Sistine Chapel.
There are magnificent frescos from floor to ceilings; each vying for your attention. Although Michelangelo is usually the artist who comes to mind when we think about the Sistine Chapel, numerous artists contributed to its beauty over the centuries. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling and the altar wall in the chapel: 1508 – 1512 (ceiling, the nine scenes from Genesis), 1513 – 1515 (The Prophets), and 1536 – 1541 (The Last Judgement).
As we looked about, surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims doing the same, we noticed benches on either side of the room. My husband and I were thrilled to find a seat, so we could take our time and explore all the beauty that lay before us.
I gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces, which were restored between 1980 – 1994. I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the immensity of his work. Seeing the ‘Hand of God,’ giving life to Adam was thrilling, while exploring the details of the Last Judgement brought feelings of fear and dread!
When we felt satisfied that we had had our fill, we left the museum and headed to a restaurant for lunch. We found a restaurant that had some outdoor seating, to enjoy the beautiful weather and drink in the Roman ambience, while filling our tummies with delicious Italian cuisine.
We rejoined our group and headed by bus to our next destination. On the way we would pass ancient Roman ruins: the Circus Maximus, which little remained, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and venue for mass entertainment. It held 150,000 people in the first century and when enlarged in the fourth century, 250,000.
The Arch of Constantine was the next site to view. The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory which made him sole emperor in Rome and legalized Christianity, in 312 A.D.
We then passed the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in 72 A.D. and was completed in 80 A.D. It was used to host gladiators shows and other events. Executions were also carried out there. It could accommodate 50,000 people. About 3,000 Christian martyrs died in the Colosseum. St. Ignatius of Antioch was the first to be martyred there.
We also passed the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Lord, where are You going?) Tradition tells us it is located on the spot where Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid persecution when he saw the Risen Christ.
Stunned to see Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied, “I go to Rome to be persecuted once again.”
Peter then returned to Rome where he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to die the way Jesus did. He was crucified at the foot of Vatican Hill where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.
We finally arrived at our destination: the Catacombs of Domitila. They are the largest and best-preserved catacombs in all of Rome.
The catacombs are named after the matron of the Flavian dynasty, who converted to Christianity and was exiled because of her beliefs. Before her exile, she gave it to the Christian community who made it their own, with Christian imagery.
This is the only Catacomb which has an underground basilica. It is dedicated to the martyrs, Nereus and Achilleus. The church was built upon the tombs of the two martyrs, who were soldiers of the imperial guard, killed for professing their faith.
The catacombs were used as underground burial sites and not places for Christians to hide. Christian martyrs were buried there, which made it a very popular place to be buried, near to the saints.
I was so excited to visit the catacombs. We began in the semi-subterranean basilica built at the end of the fourth century; it was like walking back in time. There were concrete benches, an altar and Christian art surrounding the sacred space. Just thinking about the early Christians worshiping here was thrilling!
A guide brought us into the burial areas which consists of narrow walkways, with multiple tombs from floor to ceiling, ranging in size. Many children were buried there because the mortality rate was extremely high.
Although some people had tile or marble slabs with their names inscribed, most of the tombs remained anonymous.
There were many Christian symbols found, both in the catacombs as well as in the basilica: the Good Shepherd, a person praying, a fish-- the symbol of Christianity, the anchor, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. There were also symbols of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the burial places which had been previously occupied, are open spaces, but there are still some tombs in which bodies are enclosed.
As we walked through the catacombs, I ran my hands over and along the walls and opened tombs, and prayed for all of my loved ones and for their intentions. It was amazing, to view the murals and the Christian symbols which witnessed to the faith of the early Christians. I felt truly inspired by their conviction and their willingness to die for their faith…my faith! It was clear: we were standing on holy ground!
As we walked back to the bus, I was touched deeply by this experience. I prayed that if ever given the choice to die for my faith, I would have the great courage and strength, to say “yes.”
From the catacombs, we traveled to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which along with St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Peter’s, is one of the four major papal basilicas.
The basilica was founded by Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus; after Paul’s death, a memorial was built for him there. The basilica was consecrated in 324 A.D., by Pope Sylvester.
A much larger basilica was erected by Emperor Theodosius in 386 A.D, and was dramatically changed over the years. By the fifth century, it was larger than St. Peter’s. In 1823, a fired caused the near-total destruction of the basilica. In 1825, Pope Leo XII asked for donations and the reconstruction of the basilica began. Part of the basilica was consecrated and reopened in 1840, but took another 14 years before the entire building was re-consecrated by Pope Pius IX. The basilica was not fully completed until somewhere in the twentieth century.
As we walked outside the basilica, we could not miss the huge statue of St. Paul, wielding a sword in one hand, while holding the Holy Scriptures in the other: representing his martyrdom and his epistles.
Beautiful mosaics are seen behind him on the pediment of the basilica and on the wall below: Within the pediment sits the majestic figure of Jesus Christ on His throne, with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. Below that is the mystical Lamb surrounded by 4 rivers (the 4 Gospels), and 12 Lambs (the Apostles), along with 2 cities; Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace and Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified and died. Beneath them all are 4 Old Testament Prophets; Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
The garden surrounding the basilica was absolutely beautiful, with its manicured bushes, palm trees and statues. We walked up the garden path to the basilica, stuck by its massive columns and huge doors into the stunning church.
It is an immense basilica with beautiful marble floors, magnificent golden carved ceilings, 80 marble columns, and colorful mosaic medallions of all the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis: 265 in all. There are only 6 spaces left and according to local legend, the pope whose face takes the last place will witness the end of the world…time will tell!
The design of the basilica, draws you toward the altar. There is a beautiful mosaic of Christ with the 4 Evangelists. Under this incredible mosaic arch is the altar: an intricately carved gothic baldachin or canopy, golden in color, stands above it. The tomb of St. Paul is located under the altar.
We had the great privilege to venerate the tomb and relics of this great saint and ask his intercession for all the intentions we carried in our hearts. It was quite overwhelming, realizing I was standing in the very spot where the great Apostle Paul was buried. What an immense blessing! Near the tomb, were the chains that held Paul prisoner while in Rome (61-63 A.D.). We venerated them as well.
There was a stunning side altar made of precious malachite, a green marble-like material that was donated by the Emperor of Russian at the time of the reconstruction. A huge painting of St. Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus flanked the wall behind the altar.
The beauty, immensity and grandeur of the basilica, took your breath away! St. Paul Outside the Walls was the final destination of our superb and grace filled pilgrimage: we would leave Rome and return home the next day having been blessed beyond measure.
As I stilled myself, after another day full of wonder and gratitude, I was overcome with the need to give thanks and praise to God for all He had bestowed on us.
“I will thanks to You, O Lord, with all; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exalt in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.” Psalm 9 :2-3
Today is not only our last day in Rome, but also of our pilgrimage. My heart is so full of gratitude to God for allowing Jonathan and I to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in such a grand way!
Fr. Peter, our spiritual director on the pilgrimage, informed our group that we would attend a private mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa and much to our surprise and delight, it will be offered for Jon, myself and our family, in honor of our golden anniversary.
This was another kiss from God: first, that a Mass would be offered for us at St. Peter’s is thrilling in itself, but I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and visit her shrine that’s not too far from our home, twice a year. Secondly, that it is offered for the two of us and our family. I felt overwhelmed with joy and thanks.
The Mass was so very special. We were seated in the front pew. I was privileged to lector, once again. Father gave a moving homily and at the end of Mass, he came to Jon and I and bestowed a special blessing that brought tears to my eyes. This was truly a highlight of our pilgrimage!
After Mass we went to the upper church and headed for the tomb of St. John Paul II. It was an honor and a privilege to pray before this great saint: a very holy man who impacted my personal life, the life of the Church, and ultimately, the world. He taught us how to live and how to die, while giving all honor and glory to God.
I was thrilled to ask St. John Paul II to bring all the petitions of my heart to Our Lady, who was said to be the twinkle in his eyes, and ask that she present them to Jesus, and He to take them to the Throne of God the Father.
Next, we viewed the Pieta: a stunning and breath-taking marble sculpture by the famous Michelangelo sculpted between 1498-1499. My heart was torn open as I gazed upon our Blessed Mother holding the dead and lifeless body of her Son, Jesus. The sorrowful Image demanded that you ponder the scene for some time in silence, before moving to the next great work of art.
Unfortunately, we had to view it from a distance, because it is now protected behind Plexiglas. In 1972, it was significantly damaged on Pentecost Sunday, by a mentally disturbed man, who made his way to the unprotected sculpture. It was fully restored and is magnificent to behold.
We turned from the altar and continued to take in all the beauty around us in the basilica: massive holy water fonts, shaped as immense sea shells that are held by large beautiful cherubim; gorgeous orate marble floors, the golden intricately carved ceilings, the glass encased body of St. Pope Pius X, the pope who lowered the age of reception of Holy Communion to 7 years of age…the age of reason; the massive ‘holy door,’ which is opened by the pope during Jubilee years, so pilgrims may pass through piously, and gain the plenary indulgence attached with the Jubilee celebration. After the holy year, the outside of the doors is sealed by mortar and cement so they cannot be opened. The body of St. John XXIII is also displayed behind glass to view and venerate. He is the pope that opened the Second Vatican Council.
The ‘high altar’ in the basilica is absolutely stunning. A large baroque sculpted bronze canopy, called a ciborium or baldachin is over it. It is the work of Bernini. The altar was placed over one of the most holy spots in the basilica: it was built over the tomb of St. Peter. This altar, called the ‘pope’s altar,’ has a spectacular golden colored stained-glass window with the Holy Spirit gleaming in its center. It is surrounded by a myriad of golden carved cherubim with numerous shafts of golden light bursting forth. Beneath the window is the Chair of St. Peter, the chair belonging to him which is enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing. The casing over the relic was designed and constructed by Bernini between 1647 and 1653. It was glorious to behold.
We then walked over to the bronze statue of St. Peter, seated on a throne-like chair. He is holding the keys, while giving a blessing. Pilgrims over the centuries have worn his right toes thin by either touching or kissing them. This work is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.
Everywhere you looked in the basilica, lay a feast for your eyes! I’ve tried to paint a picture, but there was so much to see that it would take forever to describe it all.
Much to our delight, we were scheduled to explore the lower basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is located.
It is difficult to wrap your head around the idea of venerating the remains of the first pope! St. Peter: the man who walked, talked, and lived with Our Lord for 3 years; he both loved Jesus and denied Him…very much like most of us do. But in all that, Jesus knew his heart and saw beyond his faults and forgave him, as He does us…This was the man we were honored to venerate and ask for his prayers.
And pray I did! I begged St. Peter to intercede for the members of my family who no longer practice their faith, as well as for all the intentions I had been carrying in my heart for so many loved ones.
We next saw the tomb of St. Pope Paul VI. He was the pope to close the Vatican Council and is famous for his encyclical, Humane Vitae.
The downstairs was filled with many relics, ancient artifacts and works of art. Part of the pillar where Jesus was scourged was there to venerate...another touching and moving moment.
We then walked out of the basilica the square, over to the very spot where Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt occurred. It is marked by a flat monument on which his papal crest and the date on which it occurred is inscribed.
Our next stop was the Church of St. Anne in the Vatican: a parish church consecrated in 1583. It was another beautiful church: baroque in style and dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
I have a special devotion to Anne and took the name “Nana,” in her honor when I became a grandmother. As I knelt before a painting of St. Anne, with the child Mary standing by her side, I prayed fervently that she intercedes for me that my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren would be brought close to her daughter and her Grandson.
We left and began our long walk to the Vatican Museum and gardens.
The mission of the museum is evangelization: to show how artists gave honor and glory to God throughout the ages. The beauty, seen in these masterpieces, have a way of opening our hearts to joy and gives us an opportunity to encounter God.
The museum was a group of most impressive buildings that housed numerous galleries filled with art treasures. It contains awe-inspiring relics and works of art that have been donated throughout the centuries as a tribute to God and our Catholic faith.
Our tour began around 11 A.M. and ended around 1 to 1:30P.M. We began in the gardens on a magnificent sunny day, surrounded by manicured bushes, trees, beautiful fountains and ancient statues, with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
We then joined with thousands of people, traveling from one gallery to another, gazing upon some of the most impressive art and artifacts in the world: paintings by Raphael, Da Vinci, Reni, Caravaggio, and numerous other famous artists; statues from as early as the first and second centuries; the Sarcophagus of St. Helena, who died in 335 A.D. and was the mother of Emperor Constantine; the stunning gallery of tapestries, telling stories of salvation history and Church history as well; the Gallery of Maps and so much more.
Your eyes and mind were literally saturated by wonder and beauty, for what seemed like miles, till the culmination of the tour arrived: the spectacular Sistine Chapel.
There are magnificent frescos from floor to ceilings; each vying for your attention. Although Michelangelo is usually the artist who comes to mind when we think about the Sistine Chapel, numerous artists contributed to its beauty over the centuries. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling and the altar wall in the chapel: 1508 – 1512 (ceiling, the nine scenes from Genesis), 1513 – 1515 (The Prophets), and 1536 – 1541 (The Last Judgement).
As we looked about, surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims doing the same, we noticed benches on either side of the room. My husband and I were thrilled to find a seat, so we could take our time and explore all the beauty that lay before us.
I gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces, which were restored between 1980 – 1994. I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the immensity of his work. Seeing the ‘Hand of God,’ giving life to Adam was thrilling, while exploring the details of the Last Judgement brought feelings of fear and dread!
When we felt satisfied that we had had our fill, we left the museum and headed to a restaurant for lunch. We found a restaurant that had some outdoor seating, to enjoy the beautiful weather and drink in the Roman ambience, while filling our tummies with delicious Italian cuisine.
We rejoined our group and headed by bus to our next destination. On the way we would pass ancient Roman ruins: the Circus Maximus, which little remained, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and venue for mass entertainment. It held 150,000 people in the first century and when enlarged in the fourth century, 250,000.
The Arch of Constantine was the next site to view. The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory which made him sole emperor in Rome and legalized Christianity, in 312 A.D.
We then passed the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in 72 A.D. and was completed in 80 A.D. It was used to host gladiators shows and other events. Executions were also carried out there. It could accommodate 50,000 people. About 3,000 Christian martyrs died in the Colosseum. St. Ignatius of Antioch was the first to be martyred there.
We also passed the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Lord, where are You going?) Tradition tells us it is located on the spot where Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid persecution when he saw the Risen Christ.
Stunned to see Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied, “I go to Rome to be persecuted once again.”
Peter then returned to Rome where he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to die the way Jesus did. He was crucified at the foot of Vatican Hill where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.
We finally arrived at our destination: the Catacombs of Domitila. They are the largest and best-preserved catacombs in all of Rome.
The catacombs are named after the matron of the Flavian dynasty, who converted to Christianity and was exiled because of her beliefs. Before her exile, she gave it to the Christian community who made it their own, with Christian imagery.
This is the only Catacomb which has an underground basilica. It is dedicated to the martyrs, Nereus and Achilleus. The church was built upon the tombs of the two martyrs, who were soldiers of the imperial guard, killed for professing their faith.
The catacombs were used as underground burial sites and not places for Christians to hide. Christian martyrs were buried there, which made it a very popular place to be buried, near to the saints.
I was so excited to visit the catacombs. We began in the semi-subterranean basilica built at the end of the fourth century; it was like walking back in time. There were concrete benches, an altar and Christian art surrounding the sacred space. Just thinking about the early Christians worshiping here was thrilling!
A guide brought us into the burial areas which consists of narrow walkways, with multiple tombs from floor to ceiling, ranging in size. Many children were buried there because the mortality rate was extremely high.
Although some people had tile or marble slabs with their names inscribed, most of the tombs remained anonymous.
There were many Christian symbols found, both in the catacombs as well as in the basilica: the Good Shepherd, a person praying, a fish-- the symbol of Christianity, the anchor, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. There were also symbols of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the burial places which had been previously occupied, are open spaces, but there are still some tombs in which bodies are enclosed.
As we walked through the catacombs, I ran my hands over and along the walls and opened tombs, and prayed for all of my loved ones and for their intentions. It was amazing, to view the murals and the Christian symbols which witnessed to the faith of the early Christians. I felt truly inspired by their conviction and their willingness to die for their faith…my faith! It was clear: we were standing on holy ground!
As we walked back to the bus, I was touched deeply by this experience. I prayed that if ever given the choice to die for my faith, I would have the great courage and strength, to say “yes.”
From the catacombs, we traveled to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which along with St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Peter’s, is one of the four major papal basilicas.
The basilica was founded by Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of Paul of Tarsus; after Paul’s death, a memorial was built for him there. The basilica was consecrated in 324 A.D., by Pope Sylvester.
A much larger basilica was erected by Emperor Theodosius in 386 A.D, and was dramatically changed over the years. By the fifth century, it was larger than St. Peter’s. In 1823, a fired caused the near-total destruction of the basilica. In 1825, Pope Leo XII asked for donations and the reconstruction of the basilica began. Part of the basilica was consecrated and reopened in 1840, but took another 14 years before the entire building was re-consecrated by Pope Pius IX. The basilica was not fully completed until somewhere in the twentieth century.
As we walked outside the basilica, we could not miss the huge statue of St. Paul, wielding a sword in one hand, while holding the Holy Scriptures in the other: representing his martyrdom and his epistles.
Beautiful mosaics are seen behind him on the pediment of the basilica and on the wall below: Within the pediment sits the majestic figure of Jesus Christ on His throne, with St. Peter and St. Paul on either side. Below that is the mystical Lamb surrounded by 4 rivers (the 4 Gospels), and 12 Lambs (the Apostles), along with 2 cities; Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace and Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified and died. Beneath them all are 4 Old Testament Prophets; Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
The garden surrounding the basilica was absolutely beautiful, with its manicured bushes, palm trees and statues. We walked up the garden path to the basilica, stuck by its massive columns and huge doors into the stunning church.
It is an immense basilica with beautiful marble floors, magnificent golden carved ceilings, 80 marble columns, and colorful mosaic medallions of all the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis: 265 in all. There are only 6 spaces left and according to local legend, the pope whose face takes the last place will witness the end of the world…time will tell!
The design of the basilica, draws you toward the altar. There is a beautiful mosaic of Christ with the 4 Evangelists. Under this incredible mosaic arch is the altar: an intricately carved gothic baldachin or canopy, golden in color, stands above it. The tomb of St. Paul is located under the altar.
We had the great privilege to venerate the tomb and relics of this great saint and ask his intercession for all the intentions we carried in our hearts. It was quite overwhelming, realizing I was standing in the very spot where the great Apostle Paul was buried. What an immense blessing! Near the tomb, were the chains that held Paul prisoner while in Rome (61-63 A.D.). We venerated them as well.
There was a stunning side altar made of precious malachite, a green marble-like material that was donated by the Emperor of Russian at the time of the reconstruction. A huge painting of St. Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus flanked the wall behind the altar.
The beauty, immensity and grandeur of the basilica, took your breath away! St. Paul Outside the Walls was the final destination of our superb and grace filled pilgrimage: we would leave Rome and return home the next day having been blessed beyond measure.
As I stilled myself, after another day full of wonder and gratitude, I was overcome with the need to give thanks and praise to God for all He had bestowed on us.
“I will thanks to You, O Lord, with all; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exalt in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.” Psalm 9 :2-3
Wow, this was all one day?! Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteOne spectacular site after another! What a wonderful, truly unforgettable pilgrimage! Thank you for sharing your heart & such a wealth of information. The only thing that would have made it better is if I was there in person!
ReplyDelete