Day 4

Mama Mia! Day number 4!

Praised be the Lord Jesus now and forever! Day three of our pilgrimage gave all of us many stories to share... And laugh about. So this was our second morning that we were able to wake up to the bells of Saint Peter's Basilica and see how the rising sun lights up the majestic dome that so many people dream of seeing. We decided to postpone breakfast in the morning and stroll over to the basilica to celebrate Mass on one of the many altars. Walking into Saint Peter's was a moment that each of us will never forget. It is scientifically impossible to put into words what one sees in that fraction of a second. Literally, one is stopped in their tracks and overtaken not just be the beauty, but the fact that one is now entering the same building that holds the bones of the man whom Jesus commissioned to build His Church. Our entire faith, was due to the humble sacrifices that he, the other Apostles, and the early Church made and gave their life for. We, these normal, ordinary, young adults from the desert lands in Arizona, are who Peter had in mind when he was martyred. It was a honor to walk into such a Holy and revered place. 

It was almost silent when we walked in. Until a quiet murmur began to rise throughout the massive Shrine. This sound was the chanting of the seemingly hundreds of priests offering the sacrifice of the Mass at all of the altars surrounding us. We also were able to celebrate Mass, but we were directed to go under the church, and enter a tiny chapel known as the "Irish Chapel." 

Praise our Eucharistic King! We definitely had one of the best mornings one could imagine. I mean, could it have been any greater? I submit that it cannot!

Unfortunately, that all changed within about an hour and a half. We jumped on a city bus to travel to our next destination when we were suddenly bombarded by two men wearing blue shirts. They very hurredly asked for our bus tickets, looked at them, and then shouted for all of us to get off the bus. Mind you, we had no idea what was going on. We all got off, they took seven of our passports and demanded money. Talk about a terrifying moment. They tried fining us 100 dollars a ticket and wouldn't give us our passports, but Daisy, our fearless "mama" negotiated down to only 100 dollars for all of them. We gave them the money, and then left. 

Our next stop was to the Santa Scala. This place contained the very steps that Christ walked up to be condemned by Pontius Pilate, where the people shouted "crucify him, crucify him!" They were 28 marble steps that were transferred  to Rome from Jerusalem, and have since been a popular pilgrim site for ages. All day people ascend these steps on their knees while praying the rosary, kissing and touching each step, and meditating on the drops of blood that were still visible on the stairs. The pain felt helps one to enter into the Lord's persecution, even in the smallest and most minimal way. Every one of us dropped to our knees and climbed. This was maybe the most tough, but most beautiful moments that we shared together as pilgrims, one that will never be forgotten. 

Then of course, free time in the city. Many chose to go shopping, many chose to find other pilgrim spots, and others just decided to go on adventures. We all met up for dinner and made our way back to the hotel. Never a dull day in Rome, that is for sure. 

Please know that we pray for each of you every time we say Morning and Evening prayer, and at every Mass. We love and miss everyone! See you in the Eucharist :)