Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Day 2 in Rome: The Vatican

The Country of Vatican was amazing. Highlights were:
The Sistine Chapel: When we went into the Sistine Chapel we were told not pictures and no talking. This was because it is seen as a sacred place. AND IT WAS! Michelangelo's work that completely captures the Bible from Genesis to the Last Judgement is just stunning, as are all the other art works. We had 20 minutes and it was not enough.
St. Peter's Basillica:  Some of many of the amazing images in the Basilica is St. Peter's statue, The altar where only the Pope performs mass' the fact that this is the largest Basilica and most beautiful of all the Basilicas and Cathedrals in the world. The architecture was meant to inspire and awe the Catholic fellowship and it certainly does.
The Mass While we were on our tour, we saw a procession start. It was the start of a high mass, led by Italian Cardinal Angelo Soldano. We were able to attend the mass! This probably doesn't mean much unless you are Catholic, but the opportunity to attend mass in St. Peter's Basilica with the Cardinal leading the mass, and the choir of Priests and Nuns singing beautiful music brought Rebecca and I both to tears.
St. Peter: St. Peter was one of Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of the Church. He was crucified up side down at the site of the now Vatican, its own country. He is buried here and we saw his tomb! Amazing.
St. Andrew and the burials: Along with St. Peter several of the Popes are entombed below the floor of the Basilica.
The 174 AD Bridge!!! Really, built in 174 AD and still supports pedestrian traffic. Rome knew how to build infrastructure.


This is the 'Holy Door" leading into the Basilica. It is only opened every 25 years, in Jubilee years. 

Michelangelo's Pieta

The Pope's Altar, when he leads masses in the Basilica

The Bridge, 174 AD! Angels line the bridge. St. Peter and St. Paul are at the head/start of the bridge


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