Day 8 - Two Cities in Two Countries - Vatican City and Rome

Today, we visited . . .
the Vatican Museum,

the Sistine Chapel (no photos allowed),
St. Peter’s Basilica,

St. Peter’s Square,

the Spanish Steps,

Trevi Fountain,

the Pantheon,

and capped the evening off at
Piazza Navona for dinner

and Giolitti’s for desert.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Thank you for your prayers. We are looking forward to one more really full day!

Return to Rome

Today brought with it a crazy early flight and a long bus ride into Rome. But it was all well worth the trouble!

When we arrived we took some time to get ourselves together. Then, we took a short walk from our hotel to visit two incredibly holy places: Santa Maria della Vittoria (St. Mary of Victory) and Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs).

Santa Maria della Vittoria is a small cathedral in size but is grand in its ability to reveal the holy. It is home to beautiful pieces of artwork which are globally known and celebrated. Amazing frescos grace the walls and the ceiling. Incredible stained glass windows allow the light in. Breathtaking sculptures fill the chapels. The most recognizable work is Bernini's "Ecstacy of St. Teresa". When one looks at this ethereal piece of art it's as if you are waiting for the figures to breathe or move. You cannot help but be captured by the spirit of the artist as well as the subjects.

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is constructed within the walls of a Roman Bath of Diocletian. The basilica was designed by Michelangelo. The grandeur of the space reminds you of the majesty of God. The art within the basilica reminds you of the faith and devotion of the artists. It all leaves you humbled and thankful.

Our evening ended with a dinner of pasta, meat skewers, potatoes, and some of the best tiramisu you have ever tasted! This was followed by an incredible time of reflection and sharing. Your young people are amazing. There really is no other word for it. The adults are honored to be a part of their journey and a small part of their story. Perhaps no one said it better than the student who said, "I am overwhelmed."

Thank you for your prayers.

Today, we were present.

The Grandeur of Rome

Today, we set out for Vatican City - our fourth country on this trip. We walked through the museums and gardens seeing pieces of art many thought they would never see on our way the the Sistine Chapel. Once there, we stood in awe of Michelangelo's masterpieces - the ceiling and the front wall which contains the last judgment. He painted the ceiling when he was in his 30s, and it took four years. He painted the front wall in his 50s, and it took seven years. Then we walked into St. Peter's Basilica. Wow! There are no words for this, the world's largest church. 

From there we went to lunch - PIZZA! Lunch was followed by visits to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Rome has history, faith, and surprised around every corner. 

Our day ended with dinner and shopping in Piazza Navona. This piazza was once a circus where chariots were raced. Today it's home to Bernini's fountain - Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. Gelato at Giolitti's - the best in the world. 

What a day! We are ready for our final day together before heading home.