Day 14 - July 7

Day 14 – July 7

We began the day with Mass at the Gesu.  Shortly after Mass, we went to the Vatican for an appointment with Cardinal Sodano, who lives at The Pontifical Ethiopian College, which is in the Vatican Gardens.  The  gardens were lovely!  Cardinal Sodano was very instrumental in the founding of the Domus, and blessed the Chapel.  After a nice explanation of their chapel, we met briefly with the rector of the College, who is a  Capuchin Franciscan.

While wandering behind St. Peters, we happened by the residences of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis – we waved at them, and assume they waved back.

We then walked down the hill to the Vatican Mosaic Studio. Carla, one of the artists, gave us a wonderful explanation of the work of the studios, including a detailed demonstration of several mosaics in progress.   She also showed us the technique for making the glass chips, which includes using a flame at 400° C.  Several of the sisters commented on how the finished product often looks more like a painting than a mosaic.

Just around the corner, we spontaneously visited Cardinal  Agostino Cacciavillan, who is a 90 year old former Papal Nuncio to the United States between 1976 and 1998.  He spoke of fondly remembering his time in the United States, and was very gracious to us.

In the afternoon, we visited the church and apartment of Saint Philip Neri.  Our enthusiastic Oratorian Seminarian Nicola explained many things about St. Philip, including his frequent ecstasies and devotion to hearing confessions.  We were able to venerate his relics in the public chapel.

After supper, we said goodbye to Sr. Guadalupe, who returns to Mexico tomorrow.  To celebrate, the Sisters made Smoothies!

The Sisters make a stop in the Vatican Gardens to enjoy the beauty

Cardinal Sodano showing us the Tabernacle in the Pontifical Ethiopian College

Group picture with Cardinal Sodano

Two Sisters of Life enjoy some mosaics on display 

Cardinal  Agostino Cacciavillan with the Sisters

Nicola showing us the apartment of St. Philip Neri

Day 13 - July 6

Day 13 - July 6, 2016

We crossed the Tiber River into the Trastevere area where soldiers have traditionally been housed in Rome. A Carmelite priest celebrated Mass for us “under the foot of St. Teresa of Avila.”  The relic of her foot was encased above the altar. Using St. Theresa’s Way of Perfection, Father emphasized in his homily the virtues of humility, detachment, and prayer. We received a tour of the Church of Maria Della Scala and the neighboring pharmacy from Fr. Ivan Clifford Pinto, OCD, the Superior.  We saw the tomb of Cardinal van Thaun, whose cause is up for canonization; there were also relics of the Little Flower. In the sacristy, Father told us the story of many saints who had visited the Church and prayed with the Carmelites there, as it was the Italian headquarters (which also conducted missionary work) for 240 years.

The pharmacy dated back centuries. It was run by the Carmelites, who used herbs, ancient lore, and many remedies. At one point, there was a tunnel between the Vatican and the pharmacy for the use of the Pope, if he needed to come to the pharmacy for medicine. Some of the remedies were a secret which died out with the last Carmelite pharmacist after the Italian state took possession of all Church property in Rome. We saw the machines that made the pills; original bottles and pestaries still contain ancient formulas (one had 57 ingredients and could cure brainstroke and paralysis!) Modern methods replaced the ancient lore, and now the pharmacy next door is privately run.

We then visited the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which Sr. Mary Angela explained to us competes with St. Mary Major for the title of oldest Church dedicated to the Blessed Mother.  The beautiful mosaics date back to the 1100s. A side chapel boasted a mosaic of the Council of Nicea. St. Callistas is buried there. Gregorian chant wafted through the Church, keeping the atmosphere reverent and prayerful.

Around 3 pm, Msgr. John Kennedy of the Archdiocese of Dublin assigned to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, came to the Domus to give a conference on the 1983 Code of Canon Law in regards to Religious Life, which he said is acknowledged as “the most beautifully written” section of Canon Law.

We watched a video, Pius XII: Under the Roman Sun, which was a edge-of-your seat drama about the role Pope Pius XII took in safeguarding the Jews during the Nazi occupation of Rome.

Venerating the relic of the foot of St. Teresa of Avila

One case of an ancient pharmacy, formerly run by the Carmelites

Group picture in front of Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Msgr Kennedy with the Sisters 

Day 12 - July 5

Tuesday,  July 5, 2016

We started our day with Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica celebrated by Fr. Luke Sweeny at the altar of the Sacred Heart, beneath a beautiful mosaic of Jesus with St. Margaret Mary.  Afterwards we had time for Confessions and private prayer in the Basilica.  We were also able to venerate the statue of St. Peter.

At 10:15 we met our tour guide, Robin, a novice with The Spiritual Family The Work, who took us on the Scavi Tour beneath St. Peter’s.  We were amazed at the beautiful excavations and the stories associated with those who were buried in this area.  The highlight of the tour was seeing the actual remains of St. Peter.  We paused and prayed  for the intentions of our Holy Father and all Religious at this holy site.  We were inspired by Robin and how he connected the pagan symbols found on the tombs to Christianity.

We then walked across the way to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and met Fr. Oxley and Msgr. John Kennedy.  We met in the Room of St. Dominic and Pius V, where the priests explained the workings of the Congregation and answered questions.  These two priests were very joyful and enthusiastic to serve the Church, even though they deal with difficult issues.  After a small conference, they took us to their beautiful chapel where we spent a little time with the Lord. 

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is constituted by the College of Cardinals and Bishops, at the head of which is the Cardinal Prefect.  The Prefect is assisted by the Secretary, subordinate to him, the undersecretary.  The Congregation staff is composed of officials who, under the supervision of the heads of the various offices, follow questions which fall under the competence of the Congregation and attend to its various duties.  The Congregation has three offices, Doctrinal, Disciplinary, and Matrimonial. 

We enjoyed some free time in the afternoon.   

Fr. Sweeny and the group of pilgrims

On our way to the Scavi

Pictures cannot be taken during the Scavi tour itself

Msgr Kennedy & Fr. Oxley

In the chapel at the Congregation of the Faith

Day 11 - July 4

July 4^th -- Happy Independence Day!

We headed out of the city to San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence of the Gridiron) who was martyred by being burned on a gridiron and were greeted by a monument to Pope Pius XII, who visited and prayed with his people of San Lorenzo within 24 hours  after it was bombed during World War II.  He was deeply moved by their loss of lives. Unfortunately, a lady of the parish was being remembered at her funeral and we couldn’t get into the Church. We wandered around the porch and noticed a raised tomb to an Italian politician Alcide De Gaspari. His cause for canonization has been opened. This gives us hope for our politicians.  

We moved onto our next holy spot . . . Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (or The Church of the Holy Cross). In this basilica are a variety of relics, mostly related to Our Lord’s Passion.  Displayed were one of the nails that pierced His Hands, two of the thorns from His Crown,  a section of the wood of the Cross and most of the title above His Head. We spent time in quiet reflection before these vivid reminders of His Love for each one of us. Included in this Church are also the remains of two women whose lives ended in dedication to that same Lord, namely, St Helena (Mother of the Emperor Constantine), who brought the relics from the Holy Land, and the remains of a modern saint, Antonietta Meo (1930-37), nicknamed Nennolina. This young girl died at the age of six, after having suffering from bone cancer that led to her left leg being amputated. She had visions, wrote letters (most dictated to her mother) and composed a short prayer to Jesus, dedicating her sufferings to him. At least one healing has been attributed to her intercession since her death, and she is currently being considered for official canonization as a saint. She had been baptized at Santa Croce and her body was moved inside its walls in 1999. (SacredDestinations.com)

After lunch four of our pilgrims decided to go back to San Lorenzo. After all our practice we were able to catch the bus that led us back. As we approached the locked gates of the basilica and prayed to St Lawrence and Blessed Pius IX,  the little old sacristan wandered out and opened the doors. We had the whole Church to ourselves for about fifteen minutes-down the steps straight to the altar behind which St Lawrence and St Stephen were buried. The sacristan even put on the lights for us. We knelt to pray, asking these saints blessing on so many, then we went behind the tomb to see the slab of marble Lawrence’s body was placed on after his execution. It remains stained with his blood to this day. Immediately behind  the altar of Lawrence and Stephen is the chapel where Blessed Pius IX or Pio Nono is laid out in splendor. Although his original burial was done in secret due to his difficulties with the Italian government, after his beatification, his new resting place is grande! In a glass coffin, with a silver mask on his face and surrounded by golden mosaics lies a pope whose name we have seen repeatedly at all the major shrines we have visited. Second only to St Peter in length of time as pope, he supported and funded many projects and artistic works. He is also remembered for the declaration of the Immaculate Conception, the convocation of Vatican I, Papal Infallibility, and much more. (Church History 101).

The bus ride back to the Domus brought us to St John the Lateran and the Holy Steps. There was just enough time to slowly climb the steps on our knees, while reflecting on the Passion. These steps, brought by St Helena back from Jerusalem are traditionally associated with the path Our Lord trod during the night of His Passion. Now covered with walnut wood, centuries of pilgrims have made the climb as part of their Holy Year pilgrimage.

Did you notice that this is written on the Fourth of July? Our sisters at the Domus prepared a lovely celebration for us-complete with red white and blue tablecloth and candles! Delicious hot dogs and hamburgers, watermelon and homemade ice cream sandwiches-yum yum! We sang ‘God bless America’ at the beginning of the meal. 

The porch of the Basilica of St. Lawrence

St. Helena, who brought the relics of the True Cross from Jerusalem to Rome

The ceiling in St. Helena's Chapel, at Santa Croce 

Sisters venerating the tomb of Sts. Lawrence & Stephen

The blood-stained marble slab on which St. Lawrence's body was laid

The mortal remains of Blessed Pope Pius IX

Pilgrims at the Holy Stairs

The dinner table, as prepared for July 4th 

Homemade ice cream sandwich 

Day 10 - July 3

Day 10 – Sunday, July 3, 2016

There are 690 churches in Rome! The 7:30 a.m. Mass we attempted to attend this morning had been suspended for the summer, so we retraced our steps back to the Gesu for an 8 a.m. Sunday Mass. The homily was a reminder to celebrate the graces of our Baptism (translated by our Italian-speaking Sisters.) Then we joined Mother Regina Pacis and Sr. Maria Socorro and they led us over the steps designed by Michelangelo to impress King Charles. Mother Regina Pacis gave a running commentary on the history of Rome as we made our way to the Roman Forum. We entered the forum and went through a maze of ruins of where the Romans had their judgment seat, which the Church later saw as the Judgment Seat of the One True God. The Romans built everything very efficiently, so as they subjugated a people, they invited them to adopt their laws, roads, and other aspects of “civilization” – and thought they were being very gracious in allowing their subjects to practice their own religions and worship their own gods – as long as any of the Roman gods were worshipped as well. For most polytheistic religions, this was no problem. Only the Jews and the Christians refused to worship the Roman gods (which, in later times, included the emperor as “god.”)

Constantine’s conversion allowed for the building of the first Christian churches, and in the forum area between the Palatine and Capitolino hills, a Christian Church was built and rebuilt. This church, St. Mary Antiqua, was only recently re-opened after years of restoration. The multimedia presentation is quite amazing – frescoes on the walls which are only partial now, are shown in vivid colors superimposed on the walls: martyrs, the Blessed Mother, icons, mosaics – over the centuries various holy art decorated the walls. Then rubble filled in the church and it was only rediscovered and carefully restored recently.

We took the bus to St. Peter’s Square and experienced our Holy Father giving his Angelus address. He told all present to be missionaries now, and for all young people to be willing to answer the call as he exclaimed, “Do not be afraid!” He looked so small from the window, but his booming voice made us feel like he was speaking to each of us individually.

Some Sisters later on journeyed to the Coliseum and met again our wonderful tour guide, Mother Regina Pacis, as well as Sister Maria Socorro. She gave us a history of the persecution of Christians, and explained how there were only two Christians known to have been killed in the Coliseum, and one was St. Ignatius of Antioch. The Coliseum was mostly used for wild animal fights as well as gladiator battles. We were able to circle around two levels and see the Palatine Hill in the distance, which was where we headed to next. We journeyed through the many ruins that led us to the top of the hill, which included the emperor’s palace. Mother Regina Pacis pointed out to us the Circus Maximus where Christians were killed during the persecutions of Nero. From the top of the hill, we could see the beautiful city of Rome – the new as well as the ancient, as Mother explained to us further aspects of the Roman Forum as we gazed at it from up above. The city was so immense and has such a beauty and richness.

Today the Sisters who took part in everything tracked walking 10.8 miles!

The ancient Roman Forum (over several centuries)

The earliest known icon of the Blessed Mother

The Sisters of Life ran into a priest-friend from New York

Pope Francis at the Sunday Angelus

Sister Maria Socorro in front of the Paletine Hill 

Pilgrims at the Coliseum 

Day 9 - July 2

Day 9 - Saturday, July 2

We started our day, the First Saturday of the month, honoring our Blessed Mother.  We walked to the Trevi Fountain and met Fr. Josh Ehli, from the Bismark, North Dakota Diocese, who explained that the fountain was built to honor the young virgin who discovered the source of water for the city of Rome.  The fountain honors the Romans, which allowed the Church to flourish.  The money that we threw into the fountain goes to help the poor of Rome.

Then we walked to the Casa Santa Maria, where the young men who study at the North American College stay, and Father celebrated Mass for us in the beautiful chapel, then explained several of the pieces of art in the chapel. 

Father took us to the basilica of St. Mary Major, and we entered through the Holy Door.  This is the greatest Church in the West to honor the Blessed Mother.  We had a tour of the basilica, and prayed at the statue of Our Lady of Peace.  Father explained the meaning of the gestures of Mary and Jesus, and said that peace in the world begins with us.  He also explained the image of “Our Lady, Health of the Romans.”  We visited the Blessed Sacrament chapel where St. Jerome is buried under the altar, and in which St. Ignatius of Loyola celebrated his First Mass. The highlight of our visit was praying at the reliquary containing five pieces of wood from the manger in which Jesus was born, which is under the main altar.  We had a little time for private prayer in this holy place.

Next we walked to Santa Prassede, where we venerated the column at which Jesus was scourged.  St. Prassede had brought the bones of the martyrs from the catacombs to this church.  Then we went to visit the Redemptorist church of St. Alphonso, where the original 14^th century icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is housed.  We spent some time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

After a lunch of pizza and coffee, we walked to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, taking the street along which the Pope carries the Blessed Sacrament during the Corpus Christi procession.  We first visited the ornate Baptistery which is still in use.  This is the Mother Church of Rome and the Pope’s cathedral church.  After going through another Holy Door, Father explained several of the bas relief images from both the Old and New Testaments as well as the statues of the Apostles.  We also saw the table of the Last Supper.

To conclude our day, Sr. Daisy treated us to ice cream in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of the Garden, the Patroness of her Community.

Throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain! 

The Chapel at  the Casa Santa Maria

Group photo at St. Mary Major

Entering the Holy Door at St. Mary Major

The pillar at which Jesus was scourged, at St. Prassede Church

The altar at St. Alphonso Church - just above the altar is the original image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Father Ehli explaining the baptistry images at St. John Lateran

Entering the Holy Door at St. John Lateran

Final group photo in front of the Cathedra at St. John Lateran

Day 8 - July 1

Day 8 - Friday, July 1

As a First Friday gift, Our Lord arranged for us to attend Mass celebrated in English at St. Peter’s Basilica today.  First we had to go through Security (not always required for Religious who have a priest celebrant vouching  for them, but perhaps Security was heightened after the terrorist attack in Istanbul).  Fr. Walter Oxley, originally  of Toledo, Ohio, celebrated the Mass for us in the Chapel of the Patrons of Europe. (Afterwards, there was delight when it was discovered that the chapel was dedicated in part to Sts. Cyril & Methodius – we just venerated St. Cyril’s relics yesterday.)

The Gospel reading was the Call of St. Matthew. Fr. Oxley in his homily spoke about our following of Christ in our Religious vocation (Christ once said to us, too, “Come follow, Me”). The three vows are the gateway to Heaven. Father expounded movingly on the grace of celebrating Mass so closely to the bones of St. Peter (right across the hallway) – he who eventually followed His Master in being crucified.

The tomb of St. John Paul II was screened off because of a Polish-language group celebrating Mass at the altar there. The melodic singing of the Polish pilgrims lifted the heart and soul to God.  Later, the Latin chanting of seminarians filled a part of the vast Basilica as a bishop presided over a funeral.  The Holy Mass was being celebrated in various languages at many side altars in both the crypt below and the main Basilica. The universality of the Church was emphasized by the many languages in which the Sacrament of Confession was being offered – Dutch, French, Italian, Polish, Slavic, English, Spanish….

After pranzo (lunch) and a rest, we headed out to the Catacombs of St. Priscilla.  Or at least, we got underway – after waiting for buses that did not materialize, we took buses that were available if they were heading in generally the right direction.  Eventually we ended up in a neighborhood lined with beautiful pink- or white-blossomed trees. At one time, the cemeteries were far outside the Roman city. The non-Christians used cremation and would mix the ashes of family members; because of the expectation of the Resurrection of each individual from the dead, the Christians would bury each person in their own tomb.  Priscilla donated land for a cemetery where the poor could be buried as well as the rich. Christian symbols and art were used to mark the graves once Christianity was no longer persecuted. The catacombs of Priscilla include the earliest image known depicting our Blessed Mother – she appears as though she might be nursing the child Jesus.

When we arrived at our bus stop, we discovered a completely empty bus and the bus driver outside waiting for help to fix his bus. Sr. Mary Soccoro elicited amusement when she climbed aboard the stationary bus to at least be seated during our long wait for the next bus. The bus ride home was another encounter with humanity at close quarters.

Another marvelous meal awaited us to celebrate Sr. Margaret’s combined feast day/ birthday, topped off with a gift for everyone to share “extra dark chocolate.”  A new recruiting tool for the Domus, it was joked. Sr. Margaret was very appreciative!

Group Photo 

Father Oxley celebrating Mass

The high altar in St. Peter's 

Pope Saint John XXIII 

Sr. Margaret's birthday gift (for all of us)