Christian Rome
Today began early...breakfast at 6:30 and on the bus around 7:15 so we could beat any crowds to the Vatican. We began our morning in the museum, which houses a collection that will stagger any mind. We saw so much from ancient Rome and other civilizations, fantastic artwork, beautiful tapestries...one cannot begin to imagine the worth of what is stored in these museums. And we only saw a small part of it. It did make me think of Peter's words to the beggar at the temple in the book of Acts: "Silver and gold have I none..." That is not something Peter's descendants can say. There is gold and silver everywhere in this place that is founded on the lineage of Peter.
We walked through the museums, entered the Sistene Chapel, where, despite many signs asking visitors to keep silent and not take pictures, some folks did anyway. The Chapel is smaller than you would think, and it's beautiful. We sat there in silence for about 20 minutes, and that's not near enough time to take it all in. From there, we went into the largest church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica. It was crowded, as expected, but partially because some of it was roped off. The Pope will be leading mass there tomorrow morning. I guess tomorrow will be Sunday!
We then walked through St. Peter's Square, where every week millions of people come to receive a blessing from Pope Francis (whom we did not see!), and on Christmas and especially Easter people pack the square for worship. From there, we found lunch at a small cafe...spaghetti that was very good and salad that was...well, okay. But the sitting down and the drinks were welcome. Rachel and I then walked along the streets of the Vatican. She was looking for souvenirs (I found a chalice for only $140! It's still in the shop...) and I was enjoying the time to walk in this beautiful day. And of course we found time for gelato, purchased from one of the ever-present street vendors.
The afternoon took us to one of the many Catacombs around Rome. Catacombs, contrary to popular myth, were not places where Christians hid during persecutions. They were burial chambers, underground cemeteries. Some artwork down there still exists from the fourth century! Rachel said it was interesting and creepy all at the same time! No pictures, though. The dead and the martyrs should be left in peace.
Our final stop of the day was at St. Paul's Outside the Walls, the place where Paul the Apostle is buried. Well, most of him is under the altar. His head (he was beheaded, according the church history) is elsewhere. His casket is visible, as you can go down from the nave into a small viewing area. This is a huge church, smaller than St. Peter's, and perhaps less ostentatious, but beautiful nonetheless. Paul is always pictured holding a sword, and I think that's because the word of God is described as a sword, and Paul was faithful to that word. It also could be because he wielded the "sword of the pen" and handed down such a huge legacy through his letters.
Tired, we came back to our hotel to rest and get ready for dinner. Dinner in Italy is always a big event. First is the appetizer: pasta. (Last night, it was lasagna...for the appetizer!) Then comes your salad and main course. Then, of course, dessert. Dinner is not to be rushed here. It's a time to converse, to enjoy one another's company, and to celebrate life. We need to learn that back home.
Tomorrow we explore ancient Rome and head to the ship for the remainder of the trip. As wifi permits, I'll continue to post!
Pictures from today are here.
We walked through the museums, entered the Sistene Chapel, where, despite many signs asking visitors to keep silent and not take pictures, some folks did anyway. The Chapel is smaller than you would think, and it's beautiful. We sat there in silence for about 20 minutes, and that's not near enough time to take it all in. From there, we went into the largest church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica. It was crowded, as expected, but partially because some of it was roped off. The Pope will be leading mass there tomorrow morning. I guess tomorrow will be Sunday!
We then walked through St. Peter's Square, where every week millions of people come to receive a blessing from Pope Francis (whom we did not see!), and on Christmas and especially Easter people pack the square for worship. From there, we found lunch at a small cafe...spaghetti that was very good and salad that was...well, okay. But the sitting down and the drinks were welcome. Rachel and I then walked along the streets of the Vatican. She was looking for souvenirs (I found a chalice for only $140! It's still in the shop...) and I was enjoying the time to walk in this beautiful day. And of course we found time for gelato, purchased from one of the ever-present street vendors.
The afternoon took us to one of the many Catacombs around Rome. Catacombs, contrary to popular myth, were not places where Christians hid during persecutions. They were burial chambers, underground cemeteries. Some artwork down there still exists from the fourth century! Rachel said it was interesting and creepy all at the same time! No pictures, though. The dead and the martyrs should be left in peace.
Our final stop of the day was at St. Paul's Outside the Walls, the place where Paul the Apostle is buried. Well, most of him is under the altar. His head (he was beheaded, according the church history) is elsewhere. His casket is visible, as you can go down from the nave into a small viewing area. This is a huge church, smaller than St. Peter's, and perhaps less ostentatious, but beautiful nonetheless. Paul is always pictured holding a sword, and I think that's because the word of God is described as a sword, and Paul was faithful to that word. It also could be because he wielded the "sword of the pen" and handed down such a huge legacy through his letters.
Tired, we came back to our hotel to rest and get ready for dinner. Dinner in Italy is always a big event. First is the appetizer: pasta. (Last night, it was lasagna...for the appetizer!) Then comes your salad and main course. Then, of course, dessert. Dinner is not to be rushed here. It's a time to converse, to enjoy one another's company, and to celebrate life. We need to learn that back home.
Tomorrow we explore ancient Rome and head to the ship for the remainder of the trip. As wifi permits, I'll continue to post!
Pictures from today are here.
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