age si e - inside the vatican
TRANSCRIPT
Pilgrimageto Assisi& RomeA j o u r n a l b y S a n d r a D u n n
p r e s e n t s
Jacksonville
Cleveland
Cincinnati
Milwaukee
PittsburghAnnapolis
New OrleansSt. Augustine
GULF OFMEXICO
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Seattle
Los Angeles
London
New York
NORTHPACIFICOCEAN
Madison
Roma
Assisi
SOUTHATLANTIC
OCEAN
NORTHATLANTIC
OCEAN
We came together for eight wonderful days in October of 2008
for a pilgrimage to the land of St. Francis and the Pope.
Twenty-two people traveled from their homes, met in New York and
landed in Italy to begin a spiritual quest. What does it mean to be a
Catholic Christian?Where did St. Francis live?Where does the Pope
live? What was it like in the early days of Christianity? Do the
teachings of the Catholic church have any relevance for my life
today?Wewent back to our homes enriched from this life enhancing
experience. Sandy, one of our fellow pilgrims fromWisconsin and a
Catholic Religious Educator wrote in her journal every day. We are
most grateful for her. Enjoy!
~4~
Preparation time! Many things to do before we leave on the
journey of a lifetime. Arrange for our pets, stop the mail, pack
the suitcase—and then take out the items that we really don’t
need. The packet arrives from Inside the Vaticanmagazine offices
with airline tickets; invitations to the Anniversary Dinner;
information needed for the trip; and now it is time to make our
way to Newark where the group meets and the trip begins.
Pilgrimageto Assisi& Rome
A journal by Sandra Dunn
October 2nd to 10th in 2008
p r e s e n t s
Gerald Giblin, Father Boyle, Wanda Scott, Dr. RobertMoynihan, Judith Conger, Bill Freas, Leo Corr, AmyCorr, Catherine Corr, Maurita Freas, Candace Corr,Richard Corr, Glenn Shrader, Charlene Corr, ValGrieve, Chris Corr, Deborah Tomlinson, Sandy Dunn,Deborah McKinney, and Daisy Neves. (taking thepicture and not shown, Jonathan Levine) We gatheredat the Castel de Gandolfo on day two.
Leo Corr, ever playful and fun-loving, shown heresticking his tongue out at me, the trigger-happyphotographer. We were blessed to have Leo and hisfamily on our pilgrimage. He passed away peacefullyon April Fools Day 2009 at the age of 87 years.
Our hotel in Assisi was next to the Basilica of St. Francis.Me, the photographer, D.S. McKinney, is shown underthe awning at the front door.
Our hotel in Rome was just a few steps from the Basilicaof St. Peter and Vatican City.
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Friday, October 3, 2008� Early morning arrival in Rome
and travel to Assisi
� Tour Basilica of Saint Francis
� Tour Basilica of Saint Clare
� Walking tour of Assisi
� Dinner at Hotel San Francesco
� Overnight in Assisi at HotelSan Francesco
October 2 turns into October 3, 2008 We
come from Seattle, Jacksonville, Los Angeles,
Washington D.C., New Orleans, St. Augustine
and various places in Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois. Val
comes from Great Britain and joins us in Rome where
we also meet Dr. Robert Moynihan and Deb Tomlinson
to begin our journey.We truly will become ‘companions
on the journey’ as the days go by.
Baggage collected; much needed bottles of water
provided; and we board our bus for the ride to Assisi. Dr.
Moynihan gives background on where we are headed
and what we are seeing along the way. A short stop for a
little lunch gives some of us our first glimpse of Italian
names for food and how to pay in euros. Luciano, our
driver, also becomes our friend. He becomes invaluable
at maneuvering the big bus through the traffic and hills
of Assisi and then the busy streets of Rome—getting us
safely to each destination.
Assisi is up on the hilltop. Our bus could only go so
far so they had someone come for our luggage and we
trudged up the hill to our hotel. What a festive
atmosphere among the shops, the crowds and all that
goes with celebrating the Feast of St. Francis—our arrival
being on the Eve of the Feast Day.
Our hotel is just as lovely as the pictures—nestled
right in the heart of things and right in front of the
Basilica of St. Francis. We check in at the Hotel San
Francesco, find our rooms to be quite adequate—after
learning how they number floors in Italy. Some of us
scramble to find a bank for changing our dollars into
euros—an unpleasant task given the value of the dollar
these days!
We meet up with a very pleasant Franciscan who
gives us a very detailed tour of the Basilica of St. Francis,
pointing out all the beautiful artwork and the frescos on
the walls depicting the life of St. Francis. Then we meet
our guide for Assisi—a very lovely and knowledgeable
Dr. Robert Moynihan with the microphone andDeborah Tomlinson of Inside the Vatican magazine
Jonathan Levine at our first stop for aquick lunch on our way to Assisi in Italy. Walking up the hill to our hotel in Assisi
The Gates of the city of Assisi—Jonathan, Val andGerry look back.
The view out our Hotel San Francesco window to theleft up the street...
...the view to the right at St. Francis Basilica.See Sandy sticking her head out the window, too!
We could open the windows to the fresh air.
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Our room in Assisi
~9~~8~
woman who walks us through the main street right up
the hill to theChurch of St. Clare; pointing out who lived
in the buildings on the way; relating the stories about
the people, the buildings, the history; and traditions of
the area. What a glorious view from the piazza in front
of the church—one of the first of many, many Kodak®
moments! A tent held homemade cheese for the tasting
and the buying. Those of us from Wisconsin like me,
who pride themselves in knowing good cheese, were
very impressed with the quality and the delicious flavors.
After a tour inside the Church of St. Clare and
having the highlights of her life and mission pointed
out, we were free to roam on our own back to the hotel
for dinner. Each of us had our own plan for exactly
which shops we were planning on stopping by on the
trek back down the hill. Italian shoes were so tempting
as were the shops full of extra virgin olive oil—
especially since we had just learned on the way up the
hill about how this region of Italy is so well known as
the very best producer of olive oil in the world. We
learned also that officials know exactly howmany olive
trees are in Italy because each tree is registered with the
government so the authenticity of the olive oil can be
certified by the registration number of the tree. Roses
are sometimes grown with the olive trees because if the
roses don’t produce well, they know that the olive trees
are in danger, too.
Dinner at the hotel was our first real Italian meal
andwhat a treat it was! Since none of us were driving, we
pooled our euros to buy bottles of wine and truly
enjoyed the meal, the company and the atmosphere.
Most of us went up on the rooftop after dinner to check
out the view—it was worth the climb up the steps. But
with some of us, the travel, the walking, the good meal
and a little wine combined with a slight breeze, was
catching up with us and found ourselves ready for bed
after the first of what would become such wonderful
days ahead.
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We gathered in front of our hotel for awalking tour of Assisi
Deborah Tomlinson and Robert Moynihan listen as FriarFranco explains the nature of our tour while Val stands by
Jonathan Levine andDeborah McKinney, sonand mother in front ofSt. Francis Basilica.
You can see our hotel from theBasilica and the wonderfulmountain-side community.
These were three special doors in this ancient city. Gerry in front and Glenn looks a sign explaining therenovations of precious old architecture.
Basilica di San Francesco e sacro convento is composedof two churches built one above the other, the lower onedates from 1228 – 1230 and the upper one from 1230 –1253 and a crypt dug in 1818 which houses the Saint’stomb. The Lower Basilica was decorated by some of thegreatest painters of the 13th and 14th century: Cimabue,Giotto, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini. TheUpper Basilica is adorned by Giotto’s frescos illustratingthe life of St. Francis. There are also works by Cimabue,Cavallini and Torriti in the Upper Basilica.
Virgin with child, four angels and St Francis by Cimabue.Lower basilica of St Francis.
~11~~10~
Breath-taking views from this mountain-side city with registered olive trees in the fore ground.
Dr. Moynihan, editor,journalist andcelebrated orator,gives a talk and ablessing before we eat.
Street performers with donation cups preparefor the celebration of St. Francis.
From our hotel roof, you can see the stageperformance for St. Francis’ Feast Day Celebration.
History collides! The RomanTemple of Minerva dating fromthe 1st century, the 13thcentury Plazzo del Captianodel Popolo, the Torre delPopolo, completed in 1305,and the 14th century Plazzodei Priori. The Roman forumis located below Piazza delComune and encompasses theoriginal Roman paving and thebase of the temple of Minerva.Jonathan strikes a pose, Debturns to make a call.
Basilica di Santa Chiara is an example of ItalianGothic architecture and was completed in 1260, fiveyears after her canonization. The pink is from the ironoxide in the stone.
We don’t have hills like this in flat Florida!
~13~~12~
Saturday, October 4, 2008� Celebrate the feast day of
St. Francis of Assisi
� Mass celebrated in theBasilica of St Francis
� Tour the Church ofSt. Mary of the Angels
� Travel to Rome
� Inside the Vaticanmagazine’s 15th
anniversary dinner atRistorante Venerina
� Overnight in Rome atHotel Columbus
Early to bed, early to rise. Out our window we
watched as dozens of Franciscans and nuns in
habits made their way over for 7:00 a.m. Mass.
Breakfast at the hotel was scrumptious—just a little bit
of everything you could imagine to eat and drink and
presented in a beautiful layout. Sitting down to breakfast
with other guests of the hotel proved to be delightful to
some of us as we met new friends from Ireland, Great
Britain and elsewhere. Exchanging addresses, we said
good-bye to some lovely new acquaintances.
Looking out our second floor window to check
the weather, a very pleasant surprise was to see the
street below us filled as far as the eye could see with
first herald trumpets, then colorful banners from every
town and province in Italy—ready for the grand
procession into the Basilica of St. Francis on his great
feast day. Mass was being celebrated by the Patriarch of
Venice with hundreds of Franciscans accompanying
him. We aren’t used to having state and church
celebrate together—but this is a national holiday
celebrating the Patron Saint of all of Italy—St. Francis.
Surely celebrations are being conducted all over Italy
but here we are right at the center of it all in Assisi.
With cameras clicking and eyes wide with wonder and
awe, we truly enjoy being in the middle of it all.
Some didn’t make it into the church but not to
worry—a huge video screen was in the plaza for the
large crowd to also ‘be at Mass’. One slight
disappointment is that they didn’t bring communion
outside the church but—wewere with the Lord in every
other way. With just a short time to absorb what we
were encountering and do a little more shopping, it was
time to make our way down the hill again to meet
Luciano and our big bus. We took a short trip to the
bottom of the hill and stopped at St. Maria de Angela
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~14~ ~15~
Church—a title used long before that so well known in
the city of angels—Los Angeles, in southern California.
This is the very large church built around and over
the chapel that St. Francis built, stone by stone, that he
attained by begging all around the area. To those of us
who have had long associations with Franciscans, it
was very emotional to touch the stones and meditate
on the life; the struggles; the holiness—of one of our
greatest Saints.
Lunch in Italy seems to be only a few steps away
from wherever you happen to be and so we were
treated again to simple sandwiches and a few gelatos
before boarding the bus back into Rome. Latecomers
to the bus were drenched by a sudden rain storm. With
little brown rosaries just blessed by one of the
Franciscans, Leo leads us in the Rosary on the bus
back to Rome. That was nice.
Arrival at our hotel for the week—the Columbus
Hotel on Rio Del Conciliazione, just as the publicity
states, only a very short walk up to the entrance of St.
Peter’s Square—was very momentous for those of us
who had never been to Rome. There it was—the
Basilica of St. Peter right before our eyes! What a sight
and what a feeling—to be right here at the heart and
soul of the church we have loved with our very own
hearts and souls for all these years. Hearts must be full
of the wonder and awe God so graciously gives to us
as pure gift.
Saturday night approaches as we unpack and find
those special outfits we brought along for the dinner
celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Inside the Vatican
magazine. The walk to the Ristorante Venerina on the
Borgo Pio is just a block or so away. Inside, we pilgrims
gather at two round tables as Dr. Moynihan and
Deborah Tomlinson greet the other guests coming
from the Vatican and from the journalistic community.
The room is crowded with celebrities, pilgrims
from the States and Great Britain and Inside the Vatican
staff and supporters but one guest stands tall among
the others even as short as she is. St. Margherita
Marchione, an 86-year-old nun who has spent years
crusading for the recognition of Pope Pius XII for his
work in saving the lives of many Jewish people during
World War II. How honored were we whose table she
The walk down the hill to the city belowis about 5 km. Michael and Bob makeit down the path.
Bob and Glenn think about walking downthe hill to the city.
Bob suggests we continuewalking down the hill tothe city—some gasp andturned away at the idea.
Glenn, Deborah and Val walk, talk and chew gum.
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View of Assisi from the city below.
Constructed between 1569 and 1679, Basilica di St. Mariadegli Angeli encloses the Porziuncola, the nucleus of the firstFranciscan monastery and the Cappella del Transito where St.Francis died on 3rd October 1226.
The Porziuncola
No buses allowed inside the hilltop city.
~17~~16~~16~
found to join! What a delightful woman! And, what
lively conversation flowed between Jonathan, a young
man just graduated from University of Southern
California, 86 year old Sr. Margherita and all of us in
between. Sister’s research on Pius XII has resulted in a
book just published and we were invited to the book
signing on Wednesday evening. She shared pictures of
relics and artifacts from her studies. Dr. Moynihan was
certainly correct when he told us on the way to dinner
that we would bemeeting a saint. Fortunately, we would
meet her again before leaving Rome.
Many friends of Inside the Vatican spoke glowingly
of Dr. Moynihan and his work with the magazine—
some relating funny stories and others very serious.
Delia Gallagher, an on camera Vatican reporter for CNN,
gave a great impromptu talk filling in for the main
speaker who became ill and was unable to attend. As
Ms Gallagher walked with several of us back to our
hotel, we told her she was so good, she should be
working for Fox News. She laughed and said she hears
that often. Another full and wonderful days ends as
sleep comes the minute our heads hit the pillow.
Back on the bus, coming into Rome!(continued from previous page)
Magnificent dome of the Basilica di S. Maria degliAngeli designed by Alessi.
The two Debs head for Inside the Vaticanmagazine’s office in Rome through Bernini’sbeautiful colonnade.
Leo and Bob enjoy a quick refreshmentbefore the Anniversary dinner.
We gathered in the lobby to organize and forroom assignments.
Sandy and Leo examine some of the goodies we wereprovided for our pilgrimage.
Bob explains how to get to the Anniversary Dinnercelebration and a few more details about our evening.
It’s just right over there...
~19~~18~
~21~~20~
~22~ ~23~
Sunday, October 5, 2008� Tour ancient Rome: Coliseum,
Roman Forum, the archesand ruins
� Saint Peter in Chains, aminor basilica in Rome, Italy most
famous for housing Michelangelo’sstatue of Moses
� Private tour of Castel Gandolfoand gardens
� Private mass celebrated atCastel Gandolfo
� Private meeting with Cardinal Erdoat the Vatican
� Dinner at Hotel Columbus
� Overnight in Rome at Hotel Columbus
Sunday we are up and ready to go bright and
early—our day to explore ancient Rome. Luciano
greets us along with two more guides: Anna, who
will be with us all week and Rachel, who with her little
pole with colored ribbons attached keeps us all in line
and wonderfully informed of all that ancient Rome was
and is today. The Coliseum, the Roman Forum. the
arches and the ruins—all exactly as they fell or were
taken apart to build into something else. Not like in the
States where monuments are enclosed in well-groomed
parks, this is as it was—rubble, weeds, dirt paths and
cobble stones—very authentic.
Nearby is the church of St. Peter in Chains where
the actual chains that the angel loosened to enable Peter
to escape from prison have been preserved. We will see
theMammertine Prison up close and down under a little
later. Another tiny street side cafe with delicious
sandwiches and on board the bus again for our next
stop—who among us could have imagined what lie
ahead for the rest of this incredible day?
Out of town a little ways and up a hill, but only half
way up the hill because again, the busses are only
allowed so far. Sometimes transportation comes in
unexpected ways and as somewalked slowly up the hill,
others flagged down cars, asking to give several in our
group a ride up the hill. Good people always come
through and with a little help from complete strangers,
we all made it to the top—Castel Gandolfo. Where have
we heard of this place? Why, it is the summer home of
the Popes! A majestic little village nestled beside Lake
Albano which is atop a volcano. We gather in front of
the Pope’s residence and meet our host for the day—the
Pope is not at his summer home today—Fr. Richard
Boyle, SJ. He is the Vatican Astronomer who is a good
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The glorious viewas we step onto thestreet in front ofour hotel.
Rachel, ourillustrious tourguide in Rome.
The first of many,many stepsin Rome.
Camera held over myhead and pointingbackwards as we enterthe Coliseum—Daisyand Jonathan capturedin the moment.
Having a tall person inthe group works almostas well as the ribbonson a pole as a locatorfor your fellow pilgrims.
~25~~24~
Some have estimatedthat about 500,000people and over amillion wild animalsdied in the Colosseumgames. It indeed feltlike hallowed ground.
Roman Coliseum, originally the FlavianAmphitheater, began constructionbetween 70 and 72 AD under emperorVespasian and was completed in 80 ADunder Titus with more modificationsmade during Domitian’s reign (81-96).The Colosseum was used for gladiatorialcontests and public spectacles seating50,000 spectators.
~27~~26~
Some of us continued to climb stairswhile others explored more accessibleregions. Bob is shown here waving tous as he stands next to Sandy, Wandaand Cher.
The Arch of Constantine
The Roman ForumNo wonder not many people bothered to read—lettersin all caps (yelling), no spacing between the lines orwords, the “u” was a “v” and it probably took a longtime to carve out of stone.
~29~~28~
The Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Titus
The Roman Forum
Palintine Gates
~30~
friend of Dr. M and has the castle to himself today. He
welcomes us wearing his Boston Red Sox ball cap.
Wewalk through the town and downhill a little and
come to the entrance to the Pope’s own private gardens.
A little tussle with the guard but he is finally convinced
that we have all the proper permissions and in we go to
what has to be described as paradise.What an absolutely
beautiful place on earth and surely breathtaking when
you realize that these same paths you are walking have
been trod by their Holinesses: Benedict XVI, John Paul I
and II, Paul VI, John XXIII and how many more. What
spirited and holy conversations with God have taken
place under these trees and beside these beautifully
planted bushes and flowers! What words of truth from
the mouths of Peter might have been decided right here
on this same sacred ground where we—pilgrims from
the States and Great Britain—now stand and try to
comprehendwhat brought us here. Hearts just have to be
full to the brim and beyond.
Pictures are taken but ever so discretely and finally
a group picture is permitted but with the devout promise
that they remain private for all eternity. We make our
way through the olive trees—these probably aren’t
registered since this is not Italian soil—and on to the
farm where we view all sorts of fruit trees, vegetable
patches and even the cows for milk. Walking back we
are taken down underground to the very crude area
where hundreds of Jewish people were protected from
the Nazis by Pope Pius XII. This brings us back to the
crusade of Sr. Margherita to bring recognition of his work
and to the Mass on Thursday with Pope Benedict XVI
which will be in honor of Pius XII.
We really don’t want to leave the beauty of the
gardens, the fabulous view of the towns below and the
Mediterranean Sea beyond but time it is to walk back up
to the Castle, to see where the Popes give their blessings
to the crowds and to celebrate Mass. After all, it is
Sunday and we haven’t been to Mass yet although it
seems we have honored the Sabbath in a small chapel.
This tends to be amore casual Mass than we are used to.
Several of us are asked to proclaim the readings and
communion distribution is a little bit self-service. But
Mass it is and we are all renewed and nourished with the
Word and with the Eucharist as always.
We gather out on the terrace and are treated to
another spectacular view of Lake Albano and the vista
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Bernini’s tomb for Pope Urban VIII, a Popefrom the Barbarini family. The horns on the head ofMoses represent rays of light or the halo.
~31~
Looking out from the building where Peterwas imprisoned.
The chains that held Peter.
We encountered a wedding party!
The literal gates of Rome.
Bob doing his best Roman greeting.
Astronomer and Jesuit Priest,Father Boyle met us at the gate.
beyond. Many pictures are openly taken in this
picturesque spot! With a quick tour of the Astronomy
Study and a little info regarding an astronomy camp they
sponsor for serious astronomy students and combined
efforts the Vatican astronomers have with the University
of Arizona, we are inspired, informed and nourished as
we descend the hill and happily greet Luciano at the bus.
Thanks be to God for such an incredible day—but oh, it
isn’t finish yet!
Traffic reminds those of us who live near tourist
places that Sunday evenings are when everyone is going
back home and that seemed to be the case getting back
into Rome. Daisy leads us in the Rosary on the bus back
into town. Some were tired from the full day and gladly
returned to the hotel for dinner. Nine of us, ever eager to
experience whatever lie ahead, walked over to the
Vatican, in the back door so to speak, to a beautiful new
residence built by John Paul II for the Bishops and
Cardinals when they come to town on business.Wewere
ushered into a meeting room and moved a few chairs
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~33~~32~
Emperor Domitian (80-96 A.D.) ordered hisarchitect, Rabirius, to build him a villa on the ruinsof the town of Alba Longa, on the edge of a crateroverlooking the Tyrennian Sea. Domitian was socontent in his residence on the Alban Hills, helived there most all the time. After his death, noone wanted to live in his villa. A thousand yearslater in the 12th century, the Gandolfi family(Genoese origin and St. Gondophus) built a castleon the same site. In the 13th century, the castlepassed to the Savelli family who gave us two Popes:Honorius III and Honorius IV. Around 1596 for150,000 scudi, the Apostolic Camera purchasedCastel Gandofo and it became Church property.
We make our way down the Piazza della Libertà in frontof the Pope’s summer residence.
Pope Urban VIII vacationed first in 1626 and restorationof the palace was designed by Carlo Maderno.
We were not supposedto take photos, so Glenn didhis best impersonation of agarden gnome.
Pope Urban VIII’s favorite nephew,Taddeo Barberini, bought part of theancient Domitian Villa and cleared theland for a new garden that includedolive groves. In 1773 Pope Clement XIVacquired adjacent Villa Cybo. VillaBarberini, Villa Cybo with the papalsummer palace became about 55hectares. 1870 marked a demise of thePapal States but with the Lateran Treatyof 1929, Castle Gandolfo became againthe Pope’s summer residence.
Val from Great Briton,at home in a garden
Val from Great Briton,Mike from Ohio.
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~35~~34~
into a circle convenient for conversation and waited.We
learned more about each other as we waited and then
the Cardinal from Bosnia came in to greet us and give
his blessing. He didn’t speak English so he didn’t stay
around. Soon after came Cardinal Erdo from Hungary.
He was so gracious and warmly welcomed us all. He is
the president of the leaders of the Bishops from all over
Europe and is often cited as a very possible next Pontiff.
Most of us don’t regularly have casual conversations
with Bishops and Cardinals and so it is absolutely
understandable that we were very nervous along with
feeling so honored to have this important man of the
Church take time to greet us. Dr. M began the
conversation—this Cardinal isn’t comfortable in
conversational English so he spoke in Italian and Dr. M
translated beautifully everything that was said. The state
of the church andChristianity in Hungary, vocations, etc.
were discussed and by this time, as he put us all at ease,
the religious educator in the group couldn’t help but ask
about the faith formation of the children in his country.
It is a sad story because of the restrictions of the
communist control and the fact that Catholic teachers
were forced to renounce their faith. He proudly told us
of efforts he had made to establish a college for Catholic
educators in order to improve the formation of young
people today. We applauded him for this effort and he
truly seemed to appreciate our interest. We talked at
great length on this subject and he had a big smile on his
face when told that we would pray for the faith of the
children. He gave us his blessing, posed for a group
picture and greeted each one of us individually as we left.
What a gracious man to give us his time and what a
positive note for the future of the church if, in fact, he
does come to the chair of Peter some day.
Walking back out of the hotel our feet weren’t
anywhere near touching the ground, we ran into another
man of the church who knew Dr. M —the Archbishop
from Kazacstan. He also greeted us warmly and gave us
his blessing. So, thrice blessed, we literally floated back
to the hotel and happily greeted the rest of our group in
the dining room. A question is often raised with children
in religious formation activities when they have done
something special: “Do you know what you have just
done?” Did we really know just what we had done on
this very special day? Since it was after 9:30 p.m., we
finally realized that it had been quite a while since lunch
and we were indeed hungry! Can any day ahead be
better than this day? Hold on, you haven’t any idea what
lies ahead...
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One of the original four nymphaea ornamenting the wallsupporting the upper terrace.
Pope Pius XII had Emilio Bonomelli rearrange thegardens from 1930-32into classic-style—Giardini all’Italiana
The park is divided into 16 square lawns andembellished with magnificent specimens ofMediterranean and exotic trees.We wondered if these olive trees were registered.
Holy Cow! The pope has live stock.Sandy wanted to take a closer look
Sandy and Judith —we all became fast friends aswe shared in the glory of our beautiful journey.
Daisy from Bellevue, Washington.
Wanda from New Orleans.
Charlene from Ohio.
Deborah fromVirginia.
~37~~36~
The cryptoportus—a vast tunnel on the third, lowestlevel and part of the original design by Rabirius. Thisarea is thought to be where Pope Pius XII hid Jewishpeople to help smuggle them out of Italy duringWorld War II.
The bee was a symbol for the Barberini family who gave usPope Urban VIII and the Gardens of the Castle Gandolfo.
When we returned from the gardens, Father Boyle let usinside the courtyard of the Pontifical Villas at CastelGandolfo and we caught a glimpse of the roof-topobservatory. As you enter the great wooden doors of thePalace, to the left is reserved for the Pope and Papalhousehold; the wing to the right, except for the audiencehall on the third floor, is dedicated to the Observatory.There is a plaque to Pope Clement XIV above theentrance to the main staircase seemingly dividing thePapal wing from the Observatory wing, where the Jesuitastronomers live and work. Pope Clement suppressed theJesuits in the 18th century. Catherine the Great refusedto obey the Papal decree.
Multi-level streets of the hillside city as we headback to the Palace.
~39~~38~
The library at Castel Gandolfo has more than 22,000volumes and includes rare antique books by Copernicus,Galileo, Newton, Kepler, Brahe, Clavius and Secchi.
On our way to the roof-top observatory, we were able to seeLake Albano out the Jesuit’s kitchen window.
~41~~40~
One last glance down the Plaza della Libertè at theChurch of St. Thomas of Villanova and the fountain, bothdesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Goodbye fortress built by the Gandulphi family, 30 kmsoutheast of Rome.
We headed back down the hill to meet ourbus back to Vatican City.
Cardinal Erdo from Hungary met with us.
It was late when we headed back to our hotel, but wenoticed Pope Benedict’s light was still on.Cardinal Puljic from Bosnia gave us his blessing.
The Archbishop Peta from Kazacstangreeted us as we were leaving Vatican Cityunder the cover of darkness.
Back at Hotel Columbus, we caught up with our fellowpilgrims in the dining room.
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Monday, October 6, 2008� Private meeting withCardinal Tomko at hisresidence
� Private tour of the Vatican Gardens
� Visit the Governor’s Palace in Vatican City withquiet moments to reflect in the chapel in theGovernor’s palace
� Tour Basilica of St. John Lateran, Holy Steps,Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Basilica of SaintPaul’s Outside the Walls
� Private Mass celebrated by Monsignor Barreiro atBasilica of Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls
� Dinner at Da Roberto
� Overnight in Rome at Hotel Columbus
Early morning, greeting of friends over
breakfast and off we go down the street just a
block, into the apartment building of Cardinals
where we are ushered into the apartment of Cardinal
Tomko, introduced to us as a close and personal friend
of His Holiness, John Paul II. He greeted us one by one,
asking each of us where we were from and we gathered
in his study which is filled with artifacts from his travels
over the world—many items from Africa. He proudly
showed us a tabernacle from a small African village
which looked like a small wooden hut. His remarkable
warmth put us at ease and it was easy to see how he
would be so close to John Paul II. He shared how
honored he was to have been consecrated as Bishop and
Cardinal personally by John Paul II. Again, we were so
privileged to have this wonderful man of the church take
the time to welcome us into his home. He seemed to
appreciate the sentiment when told that the young
people in America were so inspired by his good friend,
Pope John Paul II. Isn’t this the normal way ordinary
people start their day—being blessed by such a close
friend of the former pontiff?! How can our hearts take
much more of this?!
Now we are off to the entrance to the Vatican
Museums which is a good walk around the walls of the
Vatican. Lines are long but because of our ‘connections’
we skipmost of the lines and enter themain lobbywhere
tickets are issued and our new guide, Simonette, hands
us our earphones for the tour of the Vatican Gardens.
This seems like a tour ordinary tourists could enjoy but
as we go through the gardens, it becomes quite obvious
that the only other people we see are those whowork or
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Catherine Corr andCardinal Tomko in hisresidence.
There was a long line to get into the Vatican Museumbut we were allowed special privileges.
Simonette, our guide in the white sweater, arm wrestledthe guard so we could go to the front of the line.
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have business at the Vatican. This is a private tour.
Simonette is very good at pointing out the highlights
of the various fountains, monuments, buildings, etc.
The beauty of this place with the dome of St. Peter’s
ever present is amazing. When we come to the
Government Palace, we are greeted by the governor’s
secretary and invited in. This is where the paychecks
for Vatican employees are written and details of
running the affairs of Vatican City are overseen. We
are grateful to find bathrooms as well as to see the
beauty of the chapel inside the Palace.
Timing is everything—right? Well, timing is
critical here as we are just about to the end of our tour
just as the Bishops and Cardinals are ending their
session at the Synod taking place to study aspects of
Holy Scripture. The Swiss Guards aren’t at all happy
with this coincidental timing as we are quickly
ushered out of the area where Benedict XVI is about to
exit, but they do put up with us—pointing out quite
definitely that this isn’t a show —as we stand around
the area where all of the Bishops and Cardinals are
coming out of the session. Again, we are greeted by
several Cardinals we now know such as Cardinal
Erdo, who again was very gracious, but also ones we
know from our ownDioceses such as Cardinal George
from Chicago and Cardinal Wurhl from Washington
D.C. Others stop by and some just look our way, smile
a greeting and go on their way. Pictures are again
taken, maybe to prove to the folks back home that this
really is happening—it’s not just an old fish story to
impress our friends!
Our next adventure is to visit the major basilicas
of Rome—St. John Lateran with it’s significant history
as the house of Popes for a thousand years and the
holy steps where it is said that Jesus walked to his trial.
The only way allowed to go up these steps is on your
knees so some strong bodied pilgrims prayed their
way up the steps on bended knee and others watched
from below or used the other stairs to see what was
on top and prayed in their own way. The Basilica of
Santa Maria Maggiore is too beautiful to describe.
What a lovely church to honor the Blessed Mother of
our Savior, Jesus. Prayers asking our Holy Mother to
speak to her son in our behalf must be so powerful
offered in such a holy place. We must have all had
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Palazzo del Governatorato, the building which houses thecentral administration of Vatican City State.
There are about 27 gardeners that work daily keeping theVatican Gardens in order.
A monument to Saint Peter in the shadow of the dome,previously stood in the courtyard of the Vatican Museumsand was originally destined to end up on Rome’s Janiculumhill in commemoration of the First Vatican Council.
Monument to Saint Peter
Fountain “dell’Aquilone” (of the eagle) designed byVasanzio at the request of Pope Paul V (1605-1621).
Fountain of the Sacrament.There are 97 fountains in the gardens.
The Vatican Gardens cover about half of the 44 hectaresthat make up Vatican City.
~47~~46~
special people and needs to be remembered here in
this spectacularly beautiful church.
As we approach St. Paul Outside the Walls, it is
very different from the others. This is in a park like
setting and beautiful from the outside as well as the
inside. Some churches in Rome are not so impressive
from the outside but once you enter, you are amazed
by the beauty of the art surrounding you. We have
some time to roam on our own before we have Mass
celebrated in a little side chapel by Msgr. Barreiro.
This, on the extreme other end of the spectrum from
Mass at Castel Gandolfo, is a very conservative Latin
Mass. Thanks to those among us who led us in the
Latin responses so easily forgotten from our childhood
days. Msgr. Barreiro came with us on the bus back to
the hotel and would also say Mass for us again
tomorrow. Dinner was at a little restaurant not far at all
from the hotel—enjoyed by all. Goodnight again with
hearts full and souls and stomachs well nourished.
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A topiary of the papel coat of arms for Benedict XVI includesthe pilgrim’s shell with its triple symbolic value: theimmersion in the “indeterminate abyss of the divinity” aspreached by St. Augustine, the pilgrim people of God andthe coat of arms of the ancient monastery of Schotten nearRegensburg in Germany.
Simonette and Gerry practice their synchronizedswimming moves on the steps of the Palazzo delGovernatorato while Anna tries not to laugh.
~49~~48~
Deborah Tomlinson and Michael Waldstein comparemanicures while discussing the way out.
Archbishop Wuerl from Washington D.C. talks with Gerry.
Robert is pleased to see his friend the Archbishop of D.C.
Robert introduces us to another friend who works insideVatican City, Michael Waldstein.
Since 1506, the Helvetians or Swiss Guard have defendedthe Church’s freedom.
~51~~50~
St Matthew and Maurita Freas.
Richard and Catherine Corr
Doors to the Basilica of St. John Lateran
The Holy Steps
~53~~52~
Like any large city, Rome has it’s share of beggars.
St. Paul’s Outside the Walls
~55~~54~
Gerry, Monsignor Barreiro and Deborah Tomlinson
It was wonderful to be here in October of the Pauline year 2008.
Home of a series of medallions which depict all the popesthroughout history.
Gerry, John McCafferty, Robert Moynihan, MonsignorBarreiro and Glenn
Richard Corr, Charlene Hyland, Leo Corr, MichaelCorr, Christopher Corr, Amy Corr and Catherine Corr.
Maurita Freas, Candy Corr, Sandy Dunn, Wanda Scott,Val’s arm, Daisy Neves, Judith Conger and Bob Freas.
~56~
It is only Tuesday and we are off on another
adventurous day. Nowwe are headed out of town to
the Catacombs of Callisto. As Dr. M is again treating
us to background onwhere we are, we pass a church that
has the fish symbol and he asks us what that means. We
stumble around with some ideas but finally come to the
conclusion, verified by the guide at the catacombs, that
the letters for fish stand for, “I believe in Jesus Christ,
Savior, son of God.” Some are anxious about going
underground but we all seem to survive.We see the spot
where the remains of St. Cecilia were found. It seems as
though several of us have a special devotion to St.
Cecilia. Several layers of burial places are viewed and
walked past. Msgr. Barreiro prepares for Mass in one of
the tiny rooms where families would gather to pray for
their loved ones. This is also a Latinmass but Judith, the
cantor in our group, leads us in several appropriate
Marion songs as it is the Feast Day of the Rosary and
sings Ave Maria during the Communion Rite. It makes
for a beautiful celebration—crowded as we are in this
underground room. Coming out to broad daylight is a
pleasure for some.
Back on the bus, Sandy, a Director of Religious
Education back home, asks to lead the Rosary. She
explains how Pope John Paul II, when he introduced the
NewMysteries of Light, had encouraged us to adapt the
Rosary to different groups, ages, and situations in order
that it be prayedmore often. She said that wewould only
be saying three Hail Marys between themysteries instead
of the usual ten because we were under a time
constraint. She also added a component to eachMystery
Tuesday,October 7, 2008� Tour the Catacombsof Callisto
� Private Mass in the Catacombscelebrated by Monsignor Barreiro
� Walking tour of Baroque Rome: Spanish Steps,Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navone
� Visit the Casa Santa Maria—graduate center for theNorth American College in Rome and meetMonsignor Francis Kelly, the superior
� Private visit with Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith,Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worshipand the Discipline of the Sacraments
� Dinner near the Vatican
� Overnight in Rome at Hotel Columbus
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These sheep near the Catacombs of St. Callixtus remindedme of the parable of the lost sheep.
We learned about the Catacombs but could not takephotos once inside.
S. Trinita dei Monti church shown above. Shown below arethe Spanish Steps which have been made famous by fashionphotographers and Glenn strikes a pose.
Our fearless leader pays his respects to thelocal police.
Column of Immaculate Conception. On December 8th eachyear, the Pope crowns Mary with a garland of roses.
The English poet John Keats lived and died in Rome. Now amuseum, the Keats/Shelley House is at the Spanish Steps.
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of Enlightenment that she uses with her students in
which an ‘imagine if you will... is added to make the
story more personal and then adds... and ponder this in
your heart as we pray... This was a different way of saying
the Rosary for many in the group—maybe troubling for
some but very enlightening for others. Anna, our
Methodist guide, especially seemed to appreciate the
personal touch to the prayer.
Lunch at another little restaurant was delicious and
nice to sit down for a meal rather than grabbing a
sandwich as we had been doing for lunch. Today we are
in Baroque Rome—the fountains, the piazzas, etc. We
were close enough to the Spanish steps to include them
on our way. Dr. M and Rachel pointed out so many
interesting items on our way from one place to the next.
We all threw coins into the Trevi Fountain. It was
wondered what it meant if the coin didn’t reach the
water—maybe instead of insuring your return it meant
that you couldn’t leave Rome! We stopped at the North
American College where wemetMsgr. Kelley. There are
priests from two of our dioceses studying for their
doctorate in Canon Law. Msgr. Kelley promised to give
both of them our greetings from home. Finally wemake
our way to the Navone Piazza. Art was on display in the
piazza and gelato was plentiful. You can see why people
gather here at night to socialize but for the daytime, it
was disappointing that the main fountain was under
construction or being cleaned and completely closed off
to the public. Bummer! Some energetic pilgrims walked
back to the hotel but a few of us weary travelers waited
for the bus and wouldn’t you know it - the walkers got
home way ahead of the bus travelers!
Before dinner, Dr. M took us over to meet with
ArchbishopMalcolm Ranjith from Sri Lanka, who is the
general secretary for the Vatican group which governs
liturgical practices for the church. He was, as have been
each Cardinal and Bishop we have met, very pleasant
and hospitable. We gathered in the conference room
where liturgical matters are debated and when he came
in and sat in his chair, he invited us to all move up close
to him and he had us go around the circle, each telling
him our name, where we are from, what we do for a
living andwhat our passion is in life. To take the time for
21 people to do this was impressive in itself. We had a
great discussion with him on the state of liturgy in the
church, the lack of reverence in general, the problem
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Horses in the city.A symbol of days gone by...
We really needed our ear pieces and directions from Rachael the guide to find each other around Trevi Fountain—the largestBaroque fountain in Rome.
In the Church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte is the chapel ofthe Mondonna of the Miracle where on January 20, 1842,Mary appeared to a young Jewish man, Maria AlphonseRatisbonne, converting him to Catholicism.
Down this street and to the right is the world head quartersof the Knights of Malta.
~61~~60~
with bishops and priests who don’t comply with
regulations for good liturgy, where liturgy might be
headed in the future and how their committee affects
such groups as ICEL—International Commission on
English in the Liturgy—and publications such as GIRM
—General Instruction on the Roman Missal. When
asked if the TridentineMassmight someday become the
Ordinary Form rather than the Extraordinary Form, he
told us probably not as it is, that there are two things
about the NewMass Liturgy which needs to be included
in any Ordinary Form. He believes that the Liturgy of
the Word in the New Rite is better when the people of
the assembly understand what is being proclaimed. He
also stated that he likes the idea of participation of the
assembly in the New Rite. On the other hand, he feels
that the Eucharist should be received on bended knee
and so the Communion Rail would undoubtedly be
coming back and certainly, reverence for the Word and
for the Eucharist must be improved from the current
practice inmany places in the world.Wewould all agree
with that. Wonder and awe in the presence of our Lord
in the Word and the Eucharist needs to be ingrained in
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Deborah Tomlinson speaking with FatherGriffin of Washington, D.C about continuingher scriptural studies in Rome at the CasaSanta Maria.
Dr. Moynihan introduces Monsignor Francis Kelly toDr. Leo Corr an honored guest in our group.
The Trevi Fountainstands 25.9 meters(85 feet) high and19.8 meters (65feet) wide, it is thelargest Baroquefountain in Rome.
~63~~62~
all who come to Mass. Thanks be to God. What an
incredible discussion with someone who makes a
difference to Catholic people all over the world!
Whatever our own personal opinions are regarding
liturgical practices, this was an important discussion.
Back at yet another Italian restaurant, we are all
absorbed in continuing the discussion we just had with
the Archbishop. What began as table talk was ‘brought
to the forum’ by Dr. M as he heard Judith say, “If I had
tomake a choice today onwhether for the rest of my life
I would go to Mass as it was with Msgr. Barreiro at the
St. Paul Outside the Walls chapel or with Fr. Richard
Boyle at Castel Gandolfo, I would choose the casual
Mass with Fr. Boyle.” Dr. M asked Judith to stand and
repeat what she had just said. She was a little dubious
but had the conviction to repeat it for all to hear. Of
course she emphasized that given the opportunity, she
would dowhatever she could to bringmore reverence to
the casual approach. This opened the discussion to all
and with some on one side and others on the absolute
opposite side, a very spirited and passionate debate
followed. All were very respectful of other opinions but
convinced of their own. If one middle of the road
conviction was stated and agreed upon by most, it was
that however we receive the Eucharist, whatever
language is used, however responses are done, whether
singing is included or not, the most important thing is
to be sure that reverence and understanding be the key
components in all forms of liturgy. What a wonderful
discussion. Did we change anyone’s viewpoint? Who
knows—but it was certainly good to get all of our ideas
out on the table. We all remained respectful of each
other and seemed to be the better for the discussion.
What a way to end another awesome day.
(continued from previous page) The entrance to the Pantheon. The worlds largestconcrete Dome and it is 142 feet high.
A halo suddenly appeared over Jonathan’s head!
M(arcus) Agrippa, son (F) of Lucius (L), Consul (COS) for thethird time (Tertium), built this
“Temple to all the gods” was built by Agrippa in 25 BC.It was destroyed by fire in 80 AD, but was rebuilt by theemperor Domitian. The second Pantheon burned in 110AD. The emperor Hadrian rebuilt the temple during theperiod from 118 to 128 AD. Hadrian honored Agrippaby repeating the inscription that appeared on theoriginal temple.
~65~~64~
Piazza Novova one of the most beautiful placesin the world.
Dr. Moynihan and Deborah Tomlinson on the roof of theHoly Cross University run by Opus Dei. A group of usclimbed to the roof for a panoramic view of the city.
~67~~66~
Gerry discusses world academic developments with two topadministrators from the school
My room in Hotel Columbus.
Bob with his friend, Jesus Colina the founder of Zenitjoined us for dinner at a restaurant near the Vatican.Below: Val using her best Italian gestures, explained thesecrets of the Eternal City to Glenn, Jonathan and Daisy.
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008� Papal audience
� Tour Vatican Museums, SistineChapel and Basilica of St Peter
� Private Mass celebrated in the oldestchapel inside the Vatican, St Pelligrini
� Dinner in Trastevere at RistoranteGaleassi
� Private Mass celebrated byMonsignor Barreiro at Basilica of Saint PaulOutside the Wall
� Overnight in Rome at Hotel Columbus
Abeautiful day in Rome—blue skys, slight
breeze. What a day for an audience with the
Pope. We find a spot close behind the aisle
where the Pope mobile will come on his entrance
through the crowd. Here he comes! Here comes the
Pope! You can tell where he is by the cheers and the
commotion of the crowd as he passes by. Surely, as he
passes by he has such a warm and sincere smile to all.
Pictures are taken by pilgrims from all directions and
from all parts of the world. This is the man—who
succeeds Peter—who unites us all. Pope Benedict XVI
gives his homily, readings are proclaimed—all
followed on the two very large screens to the right and
to the left. Groups are introduced from various
countries with similar language and then he speaks to
them in their language.
As groups from the English speaking countries were
introduced the best was saved to the last as we were
introduced as pilgrims celebrating the 15th Anniversary
of Inside the Vatican magazine. We cheered loudly and
proudly! What we were all waiting for came as now all
the Rosaries, medals, key chains, crosses, etc. etc. are
held out to be blessed by the Pope and proudly brought
home to our loved ones. Nowwe knowwhat it means to
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Candace Corr gets a closer look at the Pope.
Bob Freas looks fashionable in his shades.
Pope Benedict coming to greet us.
~71~~70~
say, “This has been blessed by the Pontiff himself,
Benedict XVI.” How glorious this is!
We have a little time for lunch, shopping, writing
post cards, etc. before we gather again for our visit to the
Vatican Museums. We have a little confusion about
where or when to meet but we eventually get into the
lobby, get our tickets and meet our guide—a proud
German woman who was bound and determined to get
us to the Sistine Chapel in time to adequately explain it
in detail. So hurriedly we rushed through the museum
halls, pausing briefly for explanations of various statues,
paintings or tapestries. Once inside the Sistine Chapel
where it was supposed to be quiet, we were in a very
crowded room, repeatedly hearing the admonition for
“Silencio.” The guide did her best to explain each panel
of Michelangelo's most famous work and it seemed like
most of us already knew a great deal about the artwork
itself so it was a good visit. It did seem a little difficult to
picture all of the Cardinals inside this chapel at a
conclave working hard to elect a new Pope. We all left
knowing we had been in a place where decisions
important to every one of us are made. Somemight find
it a challenge to comprehend all this small but so famous
chapel means to our Roman Catholic faith.
From the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica of St.
Peter—how impressive! Impressive doesn’t even begin
to express the size or the significance of the basilica. It
is huge—and so beautiful. So many artistic touches at
every turn. The Pieta, even back behind the glass
enclosure, is magnificent. The large dimension of
Mary—symbolizing the Mother church and the
smaller dimension of Jesus—as the child of Mary, not
necessarily the grown man, brings so much spirituality
to this incredible work of art. Again, wonder and awe
in the face of God’s presence is such a wonderfully
faith-filled gift from the Holy Spirit of God. Much of
the central part of the basilica is blocked off from the
public because chairs are already in place for the
special Mass tomorrow honoring Pope Pius XII. Even
so, there is still much to see and to take into our hearts
and minds. For some, the bronze door of the Jubilee of
2000 is exceedingly special. For others, it might be the
statue of a certain saint or some other work of art
special because of some significance in one’s
experience. The ray of sunlight shining diagonally
across the stained glass window behind the altar was
certainly something stored in the memory bank of our
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The Pope mentioned our group during the Papal audience.
Our leisurely tour of the treasures of the Vatican Museumswere led by our very gracious and gentle guide.
~73~~72~
minds—to be pulled out for future pleasure.
All meeting again at the obelisk at the center of St.
Peter’s Square, we walk over to the St. Anne Entrance
and enter the gate to the neighborhood where the Swiss
Guards live along with other actual citizens of the
Vatican. They have their own parish church, grocery
store, post office, bank, etc. and this is another area of the
Vaticanwhere ordinary tourists usually don’t get to enter.
We enter the chapel of St. Pelligrini where the Swiss
Guards pray and meet Msgr. Pascerno, who will say
Mass for us. He is also head of the Vatican Library which
wewill visit tomorrow.Msgr. Pascerno speaks Italian but
has made notes for sayingMass in English especially for
us. He asks for volunteers to proclaim the Word, lead
the Prayers of the Faithful and to lead the singing. This
is a beautifully celebrated liturgy - probably the best
middle of the road we who come together from left and
from right have experienced. Some receive the Eucharist
on the tongue, others in the hand. All seem to be
spiritually moved by the liturgy. What a blessing. It is
such a gift to be touched by the power of liturgical
action. What will we each carry home with us after
celebrating in such a variety of ways - but all with the
power of the Spirit of God so present.
After also taking a moment to peer inside St. Anne
Parish Church, we commandeer some taxis and proceed
to the Trastevere neighborhood for dinner. On the same
piazza as our restaurant is the extremely beautiful church
of St. Mary de Trastevere - some say one of the most
beautiful churches in Rome. We wait at the fountain for
all and then take our places at a lovely outdoor
restaurant. The food is delicious as usual but the
atmosphere and the company are key. By now, we are
not only companions on the journey, fellow pilgrims,
but also good and dear friends. We are joined by Sr.
Jacinta and Sr. Judith. Sr. Jacinta will meet us again
tomorrow as we visit the Vatican Library where she
works as a secretary. This dinner includes a guitar player
who not only serenades Catherine on her birthday but
follows through on some requests for “O Sole Mio” and
“Arrivederci Roma.” We have a great deal of fun
following his lips so we can sing right along with him.
He thinks we are great singers! Taxis take us back along
the Tiber River to our hotel to end another great day.
Now we are down to one more day. What will it bring...
Goodnight.
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This elegant shot of my nose hair is actually an illegal photoof the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Scenes from the halls of the Vatican Museums
Michelangelo’s sorrowful Pieta inside of St. Peter’s Basilica.
A special beam of light shone down on our group of pilgrims.
~75~~74~
Mass at the oldest chapel inside Vatican City, the Church ofSan Pellegrino, which is the special chapel used by theSwiss Guards.
Dr. Moynihan talks a bit about the chapel and reads the historical Latin inscriptions. Below, dinner in Trastevere. Candace,Wanda, Catherine and Charlene enjoyed a musical serenade.
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Thursday,October 9, 2008� Private tour of
Vatican Library
� Private walking tour of thegrounds of the Vatican
� VIP seats for the Papal Mass in theBasilica of St Peter
� Lunch at La Vittoria
� Free time for the afternoon and dinner
� Overnight in Rome at Hotel Columbus
After breakfast we are back at the St. Anne
entrance gate to make our way to the Vatican
Library. We pass the church, the Swiss Guard
dormitory, the Vatican Bank, the building where the
Pope lives and Dr. M tells us that he has the whole top
floor and then points out the windows to his kitchen.
Through some arches and across a parking lot and we
are facing the building which houses the Library and the
Archives. Library tours are usually routine but not these
days as it is closed for three years for re-construction.
Not even scholars are getting in— but here we are.
While we wait for the proper permission routine, we
take pictures of some Italian workers up on the
scaffolding who seem to enjoy posing for us. We finally
get in, meet Sr. Jacinta and are quietly led up the stairs
and through row after row of stacks of books and other
articles. We come into the room where prints are kept
and meet Dr. Barbara Jatta who seems to be brilliant in
her knowledge of and familiarity with these artifacts. She
shows us a 500 year old print of the Coliseum and tells
us of prints housed here which are 2000 years old. We
are informed of the collections handed over from
families and also how to seemany parts of the collections
by going on the Internet. Of course, nothing can be
touched and no pictures are allowed—completely
understandable.We havemanymore questions but time
is again telling us we are finished here because we must
get over to the Basilica in time for the Mass with Pope
Benedict XVI. Thanks to Dr. Jatta and downwe go again
to the street level. Dr. Jatta actually offers to drive her
own car to take several in our group who have trouble
with long walks—what a nice woman. Coming into the
lobby, we meet the woman who is head of the Archives.
Her domain is under the tomb of Peter.
Those of us who are walking are led by Dr. M
through arches, down tunneled driveways, into very
private parts of the Vatican and come out in back of the
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The entranceway into the cortile del Belvedere insideVatican City. Dr. Moynihan explains that usually only world-class scholars have permission to enter the Vatican Library.
Sr. Jacinta shows us through the stacks of the library, and library staff show how books are preserved by the world'smost important manuscript library.
~78~
Basilica where we come to the door we recognize from
our previous tour as that in which the Pope enters and
exits. Sure enough, that is the door we enter, along with
the Cardinals, Bishops and other important dignitaries
coming for the Mass. As we are seated in the seventh
row of chairs on the side of the altar and right under the
dome, we realize that we are just five rows behind the
Cardinals and closer to the altar than anyone seated in
front of it. The Cardinals and Bishops walk right past
our chairs and many of them stop to greet Dr. M and he
introduces us as pilgrims from the States. We discretely
take pictures—whowill believe where we are otherwise?
We are treated to a wide array of not only Swiss Guards
in full regalia but also ushers in full tuxedos and Knights
of the Holy Sepulcher in their impressive outfits.
Everyone takes their role very seriously and reverently.
Here we sit waiting for Mass to begin—this special
Mass celebrated by the Pontiff himself in honor of the
work Pope Pius XII did duringWorldWar II to save the
lives of hundreds of Jewish people who certainly would
have been killed by the Nazis. What is going through
each of ourminds as we are filled with such awe at being
here in this place? We have had so many incredible
experiences all week long and now here we are at the
end of the pilgrimage readying ourselves to hear the
Word and receive the Eucharist just like we do at any
Mass but this isn’t just any Mass. The music of the
Entrance Procession fills the air; we can see by the
entrance of the cross and the very tall candles that
behind that large line of Cardinals is His Holiness,
Benedict XVI. Emotions must be filling our hearts as we
contemplate what is happening. The Pontiff stops before
he gets to the Altar for the Liturgy of the Word but we
can see his cross and his white head of hair. The word is
proclaimed in a language most of our group probably
doesn’t understand—but we do understand that his
homily is about Pope Pius XII.
Now the gifts are presented by a variety of people
and then the Pope proceeds up and around to the altar.
We easily see him now as he incenses the altar and
prepares for the consecration of the bread and wine into
the body and blood of Jesus Christ. No cameras now—
this is serious, holy and reverent.We receive the body of
Christ and before long he is back in front of the altar for
the final blessing and then proceeds down to the crypt
of Peter where prayers are undoubtedly said at the tomb
(please, continue)
(continued from previous page)
Deb and Glenn in foreground shortly before Mass began.We sat beneath a beautiful sculpture by Paolo Campi ofSt. Juliana Falconieri—founder of the Third Order of theServants of Mary (Servites).
The alabaster window shows an image of the Holy Spirit as a dove at the very back of the basilica, in theChapel of the Throne of St. Peter by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1659). The four gigantic statues of Doctorsof the Church are: St. Ambrose, St. Anthanasius (left); and St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine (right).
We took our seats just to the left of the main altar afterentering through the back way into the basilica.
~81~~80~
of Pius XII. And theMass is ended—wewill certainly go
in peace to praise and serve the Lord. The Cardinals are
now leaving and many stop by again to greet Dr. M and
us. Carl Anderson, Supreme Deputy of the Knights of
Columbus stops by to say hello. Greetings are sent to
the husband of one of us who is celebrating his 50th year
in the Knights. We are thinking that if we stay right
where we are, maybe His Holiness will come by this way
but this time the Swiss Guards rule and out we go! He
probably is heading our way!
Little black cars with drivers looking for their
Cardinal or Bishop are filling the area outside ‘our door.’
We walk through the arches one last time and head
down the street to another little restaurant for our last
meal together in Rome. Some priests stop by to lead us
in grace before we eat and then in comes dear Sr.
Margherita who walks around to each table to bid us
each farewell. She is such a delight. She is heading back
to her convent in Connecticut so some of us use our
unchanged dollars to help her on her trip. She expresses
her gratitude—but it is we who are grateful to meet the
likes of her. Several of us will undoubtedly purchase her
book upon our return to the States.
The pilgrimage is in a sense over. We return to our
hotel to spend the last several hours however we choose.
Some make the evening memorable by going to one of
the piazzas for shopping, visiting and dinner. A tour of
the college where many of our seminarians are studying
is also enjoyed. Some of us, however, stay back and use
the time to pack, to buy those last minute gifts for those
at home, to write post cards or to catch up on journaling.
Dinner is wherever you catch it. We find that the streets
near St. Peter’s Square close up shop after dark and
things are quiet on the Via Del Conciliazione on our last
night in Rome.
(continued from previous page)
As cardinal and bishops walked into the basilica from theback they passed by us and spoke with us.
Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, while Wanda, Leo andRichard watch intently. Our seats were wonderfully close tothe main altar.
~83~
Pope Benedict incenses the altar and celebrates Mass a few feet away from us at the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica,which is situated directly above St. Peter's tomb
Richard and Val lead us out of the Vatican
Deborah, Judith, Val, Dr. M and Jonathan walking back to hotel along the via della Conciliazione. Judith and Jonathan havetheir infra-red, night-vision on. Below are Angels sculpted by Bernini on the Ponte Sant’Angelo. Each angel bears one of theinstruments (here, a spear and the cross) used during Christ’s crucifixion.
Dr. Moynihan in characteristic pose
~85~
Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy
Join Robert Moynihanon a pilgrimage toRome and Assisi to
celebrate Easter 2010
Together we will celebrate Holy
Thursday, Good Friday and Easter
Sunday in Rome with our Holy
Father. On our spiritual journey
we will celebrate special Masses,
visit historical sites, listen to guest
speakers and visit many special
places in and around the Vatican.
March 29 – April 8, 2010
1-904-699-0960pilgrimage@
insidethevatican.com
Mission StatementTo defend the Christian faith andmessage in our time, together withother Christians and all men andwomen of good will, by doing allthat is in our power to “speak thetruth in love” and build up aculture of life throughout the world.
Vision StatementIn the belief that “the pen ismightier than the sword” and thatthe “culture war” of our time is awar of ideas, building on the successof Inside the Vatican, we plan toexpand our reach and scope throughbooks, concerts, lectures andconferences so that we can helpfoster the unity of all Christians andbetter understanding betweenpeople worldwide.
~84~
Breakfast this morning is in a
bag as we greet Luciano one
last time to head for the
airport for our flight back to the
States. Dr. M asks Sandy to lead the
Rosary one last time on the way. Very
willing and with the help, as always,
of the Holy Spirit, she puts it together.
Three Hail Marys—Dr. M likes that idea! The Joyful
Mysteries lend themselves to the end of our pilgrimage.
The first mystery, The Annunciation reminds of us
Gabriel coming toMary to announce the birth of her son
—as we pilgrims all received an announcement about
this pilgrimage to Rome and likeMary, we said, “Yes.” At
the second mystery, The Visitation, we are reminded of
Mary’s journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth for comfort
and support. We journeyed to this great place and were
indeed comforted and supported by all we experienced.
The third mystery, The Nativity is about birth and here
we are in the city where the birth of our church took
place andwhere the birth of spirituality often takes place
in the hearts of pilgrims. The fourth mystery is about
The Presentation in the Temple and how many prayers
were presented to our Lord in these temples—these
churches by us. And the fifth mystery—Finding Jesus in
the Temple talking to the Elders. How many times did
we find ourselves in the temples talking to the elders of
our present day church with Cardinal Erdo, Cardinal
Tomko, Archbishop Ramjith. Incredibly, our pilgrimage
has been full of the mysteries of our faith.Hail Mary, full
of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among
women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the
hour of our death. Amen. Amen, Alleluia, Amen! What a
blessed pilgrimage. Thank you Lord.
Thank you, Dr. Moynihan and Deb. Happy and safe
flight home for all. Arrivederci!
Friday, October 10, 2008� Bag of Italian goodies forbreakfast
� We make our way home
Portrait from Cardinal Tomko’s private residence.
Go inside the Vatican and attend the Inside the Vatican magazine annual dinner in Rome
Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
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Our “voice” may not be as “loud” as that of amajor media outlet worth billions of dollars,but our mere existence, our continuouspublication of Inside the Vatican magazineand other communication initiatives, webelieve, has an important, and very positive,cultural and religious impact in defense of thetraditional values of the Christian west. If youagree with us, please help us to prosper andto spread our message widely. We count onyour support for the continuation anddevelopment of our mission “to speak thetruth.” Remember us in your will, subscribe toour publications or just send a donation ofwhatever you can. Thank you!
Trevi Fountain
Salemo
Bastia
Pisa
Milano
VeneziaTorino
Parma
BolognaGenova
Firenze
MEDITERRANEANSEA
M
Verona
Nice
AntibesCannes
Perugia
Allessandria
Assisi
Roma
Napoli
Palermo Messina
Cantanzaro
Bari
Tunis
Cagliari
Sassari
SpoletoFoligno
Terni
Pesaro
Pescara
Fiumicino
Latina FoggiaCampobasso
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LameziaTerme
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Split
Zadar
Rijeka
Trieste
LjublijanaUdine
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To Assissi
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St. Paul’sOutside the Walls
AeroportoLeonardoda Vinci
Fiume Te v ere
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All roads lead to Rome!We hope you enjoyed our
pilgrimage to Italy. Photographs,
most captions and design of this
journal were provided by
McKinney Levine Studio, Inc.
Contact information found at:
McKinneyLevineStudio.com.
The fonts used were from the
Berkeley and Trade Gothic
family. Thank you and many
blessings to you, too.
© Urbi et Orbi Communications and McKinney Levine Studio, Inc. September 2009.Urbi et Orbi Communications, an American nonprofit organization, is dedicated to publishing and distributing accurate and balancedinformation about the Christian faith and tradition worldwide. Urbi et Orbi Communications is the publisher of Inside the Vaticanmagazine, a monthly journal on Roman Catholic Church affairs.
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