Sunday, June 16, 2019

Footsteps - Final Day in Rome

How does one describe such a day? 
How does one capture things that are beyond explanation?
Let me try it this way. 

We walked where the ancients walked in the Roman Forum. We stood where senators and caesars stood. We saw their temples, their public buildings, and their political structures. 

We visited the prison where tradition holds both Peter and Paul were held before martyrdom. The Mamertine Prison is haunting and holy at the same time. You could feel a presence there. 

We saw and stood inside the Colosseum where gladiators dueled and people and animals met their demise. 

We traveled by Metro to St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. This is where Paul is buried. This magnificent place is mysterious and beautiful in its comparative simplicity. We were met by soaring organ music as we entered. We also remembered our baptisms in a special service we held in the baptistery. Can you imagine the generations of people who have been baptized in this very room? What a privilege it was to hold our service there. 

Some of us then journeyed to St. Peter in Chains where we saw Michelangelo’s Moses. Here we were greeted by choral music as we entered. It was yet another unexpected moment. 

After dinner, we celebrated communion in the piazza outside of Santa Maria Maggiore located just a few blocks from our hotel. Deacon Alex Dennison and Deacon Ross DeLong we’re our celebrants. 

We returned to the hotel where we shared about our experience over these last ten days. We are different people. We are not alone. We are loved no matter what, no matter when, no matter where. 

Thank you for your prayers. One more night away and we will be home. You are loved. 


The Roman Forum - Temple of the Vestal Virgins in the foreground 

Mamertine Prison where Peter and Paul were held

The Colosseum 

St. Paul’s Outside the Walls

Central Apse at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls 

Michelangelo’s Moses in St. Peter’s in Chains 

Communion outside of Santa Maria Maggiore 



None of this happens without these people. 
Thank you, Rev. Meagan Findeiss, Rev. Owen Gray, Grace Gray, and Tyler Wolfcale 

1 comment:

Pages