A little over a week and a half after we had arrived in Paris, traveled by train to Lourdes and motor coached through Nice, Monaco, Florence, Pisa and Siena, our church group tour ended mid summer in beautiful Rome.
We had hoped to have an audience with Pope John Paul II, but two days before our arrival, the Pope left for a visit to Eastern Europe. I felt a little nonplus. So, I lifted my spirits by buying three pendant crosses. These I left to be blessed by Cardinal Ratzinger. Years later, Cardinal Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI. Amazing how God works; I feel very blessed!
Rome is a convergence of two cultures: Ancient Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. The city holds on to its ancient history. There’s the Roman Ruins – the Roman Forum - the central area of ancient Rome. Although many of the oldest structures of ancient Rome have been lost, much is being preserved. The Colosseum (70-80 AD) is the largest amphitheater built by the Roman Empire. It is a massive structure and most of it is accessible to the public.
Sistine Chapel – (The Papal Conclave) has the incredible frescoes by Michelangelo (the ones he painted while on his back). Now restored to their original brightness, the well known frescoes depict the faith through creation of Adam to the final judgment.
St. Peter’s Basilica – Michelangelo’s inspiring, finely polished sculpture of “The Pieta” (The Virgin Mary mourning Christ) is near the entrance. The tombs of the Popes are in the lower level of the church below the altar.
Catacombs - The Catacombs were underground burial sites and early Christians also lived in them. There are many in the region. We visited the catacombs by the Appian Way. We quietly made our way through the soft, cool volcanic tunnels. In one cell, is the stirring replica of The Martyrdom of St. Celia by Maderno.
We had hoped to have an audience with Pope John Paul II, but two days before our arrival, the Pope left for a visit to Eastern Europe. I felt a little nonplus. So, I lifted my spirits by buying three pendant crosses. These I left to be blessed by Cardinal Ratzinger. Years later, Cardinal Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI. Amazing how God works; I feel very blessed!
Rome is a convergence of two cultures: Ancient Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. The city holds on to its ancient history. There’s the Roman Ruins – the Roman Forum - the central area of ancient Rome. Although many of the oldest structures of ancient Rome have been lost, much is being preserved. The Colosseum (70-80 AD) is the largest amphitheater built by the Roman Empire. It is a massive structure and most of it is accessible to the public.
Sistine Chapel – (The Papal Conclave) has the incredible frescoes by Michelangelo (the ones he painted while on his back). Now restored to their original brightness, the well known frescoes depict the faith through creation of Adam to the final judgment.
St. Peter’s Basilica – Michelangelo’s inspiring, finely polished sculpture of “The Pieta” (The Virgin Mary mourning Christ) is near the entrance. The tombs of the Popes are in the lower level of the church below the altar.
Catacombs - The Catacombs were underground burial sites and early Christians also lived in them. There are many in the region. We visited the catacombs by the Appian Way. We quietly made our way through the soft, cool volcanic tunnels. In one cell, is the stirring replica of The Martyrdom of St. Celia by Maderno.
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As a Christian, my visit to Rome brought me to the roots of my faith. For that, I am grateful. But, from the Trevi Fountain, to the Italian ice, the scenery, to the markets, pizza made with the most amazing homemade sauce, to the history of mankind B.C. and A.D, Rome should be a destination for everyone.
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