Rome 2012

October 22, 2012

This morning we again rose early and had Mass in the grottoes of St. Peter's, the shrines under the basilica where many of the popes are buried.

We have free time till one when we tour the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, which I am especially looking forward to. We will also tour the Basilica itself. I look forward to remembering our parish at the tomb of Pope John XXIII as we try to continue to open windows and doors of possibility for one another in this Year of Faith.

Here are some of the reactions of the pilgrims from yesterday's canonization:

"Inspiring!"
"The many languages reminded us of the universality of the church and the parts shared in Latin united us as one."
"The banners of the new saints were reflected in the faces of all of us there."
"We were made one."
"We celebrated as one body."
"I was in awe of the Pope's smile."
"Centuries of time have passed yet this remains our center."
"The music."
"The gospel proclaimed in Latin and in Greek."
"The inclusion of women as the readers and leaders in the prayer of the faithful."
"The inclusion of the handicapped."
"The relics of the new saints carried up in procession."
"The pilgrims coming dressed in local costumes and the national banners and flags."
"The distances traveled to be present."

October 21, 2012

The canonization ceremony was like being one with a great wash of universal hope. Pictures were hung from the facade of St. Peter's, but even more powerful were the living icons of so many, many nationalities brought together in the faces of real people who mirror the image and vision of Jesus! May we embrace one another!

We were very fortunate that our walk to the Vatican afforded us not only seats but situated us so that we were two (well maybe four) arms length from the Pope when he passed us twice in the Popemobile.

More to come, but we need time to process!

October 19, 2012

We have had a delightful time under the Tuscan sun, but have had no internet access since leaving Assisi. We just left the enchanting city of Siena. Simply exquisite artistry in the duomo. We celebrated Mass in Catherine's home and reveled in a hilly workout walking tour of the town. Our guide, Donatella, helped us meet the one she proudly called “our girl.”

Another wonderful guide helped us in Florence to recognize that art "continues”!

We saw how Michaelangelo helped free what was always within the stone. We celebrated Mass at Santa Croce remembering that we are works of art. As Michaelangelo studied the human anatomy we have been invited to look at the heart of God revealed. Generations have been opened to a journey that continues as we let the creating hand of God free the good breathed into each of us before we were born. It's a wonder to be part of the history of so many trying to capture and share sparks of the divine found within and among us.

We just arrived in Orvieto and were awestruck as the sun danced on the facade of the duomo. All are enjoying the experience tremendously and will toast you all tonight!

October 16, 2012

Fr. Tom sent the following brief note upon arrival in Italy: "Buona sera from Assisi!

We just settled into our rooms after visiting the Portiuncula where Francis had the mystical invitation to “rebuild” the church – moving from the literal to responding to his own desire to live the Word with his life. It is easy to see how his heart responded to the rhythm of this enchanted countryside. You find yourself saying you can feel the peace. Tomorrow we have Mass at Francis’ tomb and then visit the monastery of St. Clare before heading to Florence."

October 15, 2012

Our parish pilgrims headed for Rome gathered this afternoon by the bus which would take them to JFK airport for their evening flight. Franciscan Fr. Kevin Cronin prayed blessing prayers of St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi. The pilgrims were sporting their "COTJ" caps - "Companions on the Journey" and were super excited about their upcoming adventure. Continue to pray for them on their pilgrimage, and check the website periodically for news!