Rome, Day 5, Wednesday, March 18, 2009

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Another packed day! I went to morning Mass at St. Anne's with mom today. We saw Sister Christine. It is really easy to imagine living there; it's like family! We decided to use our "open" morning to visit the Colisseum. We have many pictures. One cannot imagine the feeling of touring and touching such an ancient, historical structure! I know now why Joe was so overwhelmed. It really does bring images of Gladiator to life! I love how the Christians turned so many Roman structures to their own with the addition of a cross. It all makes we want to learn more.
We met Sister Micaela, a young novice, after lunch to head out to St. Paul Outside the Wall (of Rome), another amazing cathedral. We took the "metro" (subway) this time. I asked about all of the students we encountered; she explained that schools have a 2 hour siesta for lunch, then resume until 5:00. Interesting. The church struck me as "white." The stone used on the structure is so clean looking! The mosaic on the entrance really stands out. It was special to be here for the year of St. Paul. They have special candle intentions out front and an amazing door. (like the doors opened for Jubilee years)
We caught a bus to Tres Fontaine, the site of St. Paul's beheading. There was a smaller chapel where you can see an underground "cell" where he was held. There is a monastery where the Trappiste (sp?) monks make their famous chocolate, among other items. Yummy! We had a coffee and got to know Sister Micaela a little better.
We had a bit of trouble getting back "home" (probably made worse from exhaustion) so we went right to our dinner with the nuns in Piazza Venezia. Very nice. In passing, SYM suggested we go across the street where we could see the old Roman Senate House where Julius Caesar was killed. That is so Rome - just a mention, not a big deal, of an incredibly historic site! It's in the middle of intersections and a big bus transfer site! Anohter fun part of dinner was the conversation between Mosey and SYM. They know many of the same people! (If you don't know, Mosey is the real estate manager for the ARchdiocese of Chicago.)