A Visit to the Vatican

Work has brought me again to new destination....Rome, Italy.

The annual technical seminar was held in Rome last April and like most of my colleagues, I stayed over for the weekend. Everybody seemed to be excited about visiting famed tourist locations with the Colosseum topping the list. But for me, it was the Vatican visit that weighed the most. I considered the trip as a celebration of my faith. And indeed it was!

I met up with my cousin, who is based in Milan, as she was also in Rome on the same weekend that I was there. We attended the ordination of a Filipino seminarian (who is a friend of my cousin) in Parrochia San Gabriel Arcangelo in the outskirts of Rome. It was truly a new and meaningful experience for me as it was the first time for me to witness the Sacrament of Ordination. I never thought it could be that solemn and emotional event. After the ceremony, there was a small reception in the garden and I was pleased to have met a lot of Filipinos – nuns, priests, parishioners and visitors – who are based in Rome for quite a while.

After the ceremony, we went straight to the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. With us were Filipino priests and nuns who we were eager enough to be our tour guides. Since it was a Saturday, the queues leading to the Basilica, the museum, the crypt and the dome were just unbelievable. It seemed we spent the whole afternoon and when inside, there were just so many people that you can hardly have enough time to appreciate the solemnity and beauty of the basilica. The main alter was closed and you can only view it from afar. I think it was for the preparation for the Sunday Mass the following day.

In front of St. Peter's Basilica with kababayan from all over Italy

But I didn’t mind at all. God is so good that He gave me an early treat the day before. I just could not contain my excitement that I got out of the Metro on San Pietro Station on my way back home to the Pontifico Collegio Filippino where I was staying, despite my cousin’s instruction that we will all go together for the Vatican tour when they arrive the next day. I just need to take peek and see what to expect. Hehe! It was around 5:30 PM when I got there and was not able to close my gaping mouth the moment I saw the square and the St. Peter’s Basilica. It was majestic!!! I was literally shaking and could not stop myself crying. It was a different feeling that enveloped me. I just stood there for like 30 minutes and it took me a lot of convincing that I was actually there and I was not just dreaming.

St. Peter's Square
late in the afternoon is an ideal time to visit here as almost everybody seems to queue up in the morning

Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano -
the Greatest of all churches of Christendom

The Papal Swiss Guard

What more?!!! There was a short queue leading to the basilica and I was inside in a matter of three minutes. There were not much people inside and I indulged myself to the holiness and sacredness of the place going from one chapel to the other that line up in parallel to the aisle. I took all my time in admiring the priceless works of arts and the exquisite architecture making the basilica the greatest building of its age. It was definitely worth the side trip and I was thankful I acted on impulse and got off the train.

St. Peter's Basilica - The Altar and Chair of St. Peter's
Straight below the alter and the baldachin is the tomb of St. Peter

one of the many grandious pieces of art

The Pietà sculpted by Michelangelo
just to the right of the entrance, between the Holy Door and the altar of Saint Sebastian and is now protected by a bullet-proof glass panel.

As I was flying back to England on Sunday evening, I went back to the St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Papal address and Angelus led by the Pope. I got their early and squeeze myself towards the center among hundreds or even thousands of pilgrims and tourists. I was able to attend the Holy Mass officiated by Pope Benedict XVI as broadcasted on the wide screens and loudspeakers. I am not sure though if it was a live ceremony inside the Basilica or just a taped one. It was said in Italian and though I was not able to follow a word, it was meaningful experience as well.

After the mass, the people were alert more than ever and started cheering when the famous “second to the last” window opened and the papal flag was put out. We welcomed Pope Benedict XVI with cheers. I was not even aware that I myself was cheering and waving as well. Then the Pope started the Angelus and his address in different languages. People cheered every time their language was spoken. The whole thing reminded me of Jesus and his flock. The Lord’s people of different races and languages gathered together to hear His words. It was very touching.

Holy Mass officiated by Pope Benedict XVI as broadcasted in St. Peter's Square

The flag is out and the Pope is here!!!
Pope Benedict XVI waving to the pilgrims

Pilgrims crowded in St. Peter's Square to hear the Angelus and Papal Address

It was a trip that I will never forget and will cherish forever. It was indeed a celebration of my faith! I am proud of my faith and appreciated it even more. Praise God!