__________________ "Hear and let it penetrate your heart my dear little one: let nothing discourage you, let nothing alter your heart or countenance. Also do not fear any illness or trouble, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?"
My boss is going for Mother Theresa's beatification. We have deals through the military and she is going there for only 30-some pounds, roundtrip.
Now she has me all fired up about the idea.
Anyone gone?
My aunt did, and she was really impressed with the displays of pagentry and opulence. Don't try to see it all in a couple hours,though, it took her three days to see just the basics.
As soon as you enter the Basilica, to your right is a bunch of people crowded around something... go see what's the attraction... it's Michelangelo's Pieta.
The "sash" that Mary is wearing has Michelangelo's name on it. He did that after he had finished the piece.
Some other artist was saying that HE had done the work, and when Michelangelo heard that, he broke into the building, and carved the sash and his name on it. he regretted it the rest of his life.
Then, going forward in the Basilica, you see the altar. WOW! No words to decribe the immenseness of the entire building. You see the stained glass of the dove shining into the building.
****
I didn't have time to wait in the long line for the Sistene Chapel, nor did I get to see the archives.
But. A group of people were going down some stairs which were to the left and before the altar.
I followed.
And we were in the catacombs below the Basilica, where a number of Pope's coffins are. And through a hole in the wall, around 3 feet by 3 feet square... as I peered in... about 30 feeet away?.. was.. the grave of St. Peter.. which is directly below the altar of the Basilica.
You HAVE to go! Do NOT miss the opportunity.
__________________ Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. John 6:53-55
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Originally Posted by KennySe
I had a few hours there. YOU HAVE TO GO!
As soon as you enter the Basilica, to your right is a bunch of people crowded around something... go see what's the attraction... it's Michelangelo's Pieta.
The "sash" that Mary is wearing has Michelangelo's name on it. He did that after he had finished the piece.
Some other artist was saying that HE had done the work, and when Michelangelo heard that, he broke into the building, and carved the sash and his name on it. he regretted it the rest of his life.
Then, going forward in the Basilica, you see the altar. WOW! No words to decribe the immenseness of the entire building. You see the stained glass of the dove shining into the building.
YES! Time seemed to stop as soon as I laid eyes on the Pieta. I don't know how long I stood in front of it.
I cried later when I heard that man had vandalized it.
It was a long time before I noticed the altar, but you are absolutely right, Kenny! There aren't any words to describe the Basilica, unless you are a gifted poet, which I certainly am not!
No one should miss seeing it. No one.
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Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam, K'Ehleyr!
I only had a day there on a coach tour some time ago. Its not enough! What impressed me was the skill of the artists. My younger son was so overawed at 11 this year at Notre Dame in Paris, I really want to try and get him to Rome next year (I'd have to go too...!)
Go!
I didn't see all the sights, but took a peek at the Sistine Chapel
I'm dying of envy. A 'peek' at the Sistine Chapel? What I wouldn't give. And to attend Mass that the Holy Father officiated? Lord forgive my jealously.
Michelle
__________________ Shakespeare said 'All the world's a stage, all the men and women merely players.' He forgot to mention that I was the chief critic. I was always able to see the flaw in every person, every situation. And I was always glad to point it out, because I knew you wanted perfection just as I did. God and acceptance have taught me that there is a bit of good in the worst of us and a bit of bad in the best of us; that we are all children of God and we each have a right to be here. When I complain about me or you, I am complaining about God's handiwork. ----------------------Some anonymous alcoholic from AA, taken from AA's Big Book.
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