Sunday and Monday

Yesterday (Sunday) we left San Giovanni and took a long, long, long bus ride. We stopped over in Subiaco to see the monastary where St. Benedict started his order. It was way up a mountain which was very very frightening on the tour bus. Then, the bus could not go any further and we had to get out and walk. It was well worth it, though, because we also got to see the oldest painting of St. Francis, painted by a contemporary, so it was like a photograph. We celebrated Mass at 3:30 in the afternoon, which was at the same time as the 9:30 Mass at home, which was neat.


Then we headed into Rome. We walked to dinner, and on the way we took this picture of Tony and Fr. Paul. Vatican City is actually an independent country, so the two of them have a foot in two different countries - one in the Vatican and one in Italy.

Our hotel in Rome used to be the palace of Cardinal Cesi, and we have an unbelievable view of St. Peters.

Today (Monday), most of the group headed to Pompeii on a trip and we stayed with a small group in Rome. We were able have Mass in the chapel closest to where St. Peter is buried.

I had my first view of Michangelo's famous Pieta - absolutely breathtaking! Then we walked all over the place. We saw the Trevi Fountain and the Parthenon. At the fountatin, Tony and I threw in three coins each. There's a tradition that says if you do, you'll return to Rome. We also did some shopping and a lot of eating. Here's something fun - there are fountains of drinkable water all over the city! Drink up - We went to Santa Maria sopa Minerva - where St. Catherine's body is. There is a line for the computer, so I will sign off and update soon! Here's a parting shot - the Pope's office are the two windows on the left and his bedroom is the one on the right. He's still up!