Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Mosey's Rome Pics 2

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Not as many, but worth the look. Mosey did some creative color with some of these.

Mosey's Rome Pictures March 2009 - first days

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If you have the time, check these out! Mosey captured some GREAT pictures that you have not seen yet. I love the one taken from the cupola of St. Peter's; it's the shadow on the Vatican Gardens - very kool. This also includes the long-awaited St. Patrick's Day pictures! I haven't put captions on them yet, but wanted to share.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

May 3, Still no camera!

Sorry, no pics for this one. I've been enjoying school and weekends without typing! Maybe that's why the blogging took me so long - I needed a computer break! We're having stormy weather, but it's been nice. I love spring! I've been to Meridian a couple times and had Marin all to myself. I love babysitting! Tracey is now "Aunt Mommy" sometimes. Marin is so funny. One time in the car she asked me if it had been a long day for Aunt Sara. Maybe that was because during nap time I was the only one who dozed off... She also told me that, "Sometimes I say "Yes, Ma'am"" - Ms. Johnnie Nell's influence. Friday they came here for my school's night at the Baron's game. There was quite a spectacular fireworks show at the end; it rivals the city's for July 4! Saturday we took Marin to Krispy Kreme where you can watch the assembly line of donuts and we enjoyed the special treat. Now she has one more sweet thing to want! Of course we hit Starbuck's after that, and the Summit for some big city shopping. Aunt Sara didn't buy anything -such will power! We hit Whole Foods for lunch and a few items, then Boog & Co. headed back to MS. I found a Wolf camera (Tracey spotted it) so maybe I can get another battery for my camera. (It's a weird one.) I only have 2 1/2 weeks left of school. Wow.

Final day, Thursday, March 19, 2009

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Not so many pictures; we were running out of steam, and it was darker. We ventured out on our own in the morning, in search of Mamartine Prison where St. Peter was held. Of course we got lost; it's not easy to find. But the searches are always rewarding, as there are so many sites to see along the way! They had these cells where they lowered people in from a hole - no doors or other points of entry. VERY scary. Apparently they expected all of these prisoners to die. St. Peter was rescued by an angel.
We also searched endlessly for St. Catherine of Sienna. Mom went into this church with a different name and never came out. I went in after her, thinking I had figured out where St. Catherine's was. She was buying a couple of medals, but then we left. Upon our departure, she told Mosey and me that it was St. Catherine's! Oh, well. What I saw was beautiful, but I wish I'd spent more time in it. The medal of my patron saint is beautiful. Thanks, Mom!
Since this took longer than expected, we decided to head to St. John's and eat there. We didn't have much time before we were to meet SYM. That was a bit of a fiasco, but she did run into a friend, Father Gregory, who is hte Prior of a Benedictine Monastery. He blessed the medals for us. There certainly is not a shortage of clergy in Rome! St. John Lateran is the official cathedral of the Pope. I did not know that! Of course it is an amazing place as well. Across the street is the building with the Holy Stairs. Again, I'm impressed with Mom. She did it! It is not easy going up the stairs on your knees. They have covered the marble with wood, and it is worn. You're kind of at the mercy of who is in front of you, but I followed a man in the "express lane." I still said a prayer on each step, but talked fast. I don' t mean to make light; it's a very spiritual experience. It certainly is a concrete way to make you consider what little sacrifice we make.
We stopped our tour there as it was cold and we were wiped out! We said our goodbyes to SYM and headed back to Borgo Pio.

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.)

Day 4, Tuesday, March 17 Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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What a day!! This was one of the most tiring and incredible days! We began with 7:00 Mass in the Irish Chapel. This could not have been more special. Monsignor McDade is from Ireland and a friend of Eileen Cavanaugh's from Denver. We enjoyed a coffee with him after. He is such a joy to be with; we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I also enjoyed the celebrity status of Mother Mary Quentin since there were many references to her.
We decided to brave the experience of walking the steps up St. Peter's Cupola, up and up, around and around. I am so impressed with Mom and it wasn't her first time. It rivaled the mountain hiking with Joe's in-laws, only we didn't have carry-on water! Wow, what a view. We held our own against the French high-school girls trying to muscle our spot away from us. They thought a cute "exuse" would make us move. They don't know Mary Cronley! Ok, so that's a little laugh. It was amazing, though.
Then, we had an 11:30 tour of the Vatican Gardens - a few more hours of walking. To me, this was a great way to experience the Pope's back yard! We were not disappointed by the beautifully maintained landscaping, statues, fountains, and buildings. We have quite a few pictures from this tour. Again, awesome weather. Our guide said that in the summer it is quite miserable. So, maybe not as many blooms, but certainly an enjoyable experience!
AFter an essential nap, we headed out to a local neighborhood for a seafood extravaganza. A friend of Mosey's lived in Italy and this was her favorite neighborhood restaurant. The cab driver managed to find it without too much trouble. Since we were so early (7:00 is practially still lunch time in Italy) we had hte place to ourselves. This was probably good since they didn't speak English. It's a good thing smiles are universal. Basically they just brought out food, about 5 different courses, and we ate. Awesome! The only bad thing was we didn't know they only accept cash, and we almost didn't have enough for dinner and the cab. It was close!

Day 3, Monday March 16, 2009

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We do not have many pictures from Monday. We slept in until 7:15! Mom was late to her morning Mass at St. Anne's, so she stayed for the second one. They're only 30 minutes. Our main tour was the Vatican Museum, so you will have to see my incredible book to enjoy it. I give a big WOW, especially the Sistine Chapel! I found my necklace here. (I wanted one for myself as a keepsake.) It is a silver locket with a gold cross on it and a ruby in the center. I didn't look in the locket until I had purchased it. It is St. Jude! I thought this was fitting with my National Board work. Sister Yvonne Mary said that he found me and that means something. Does it mean I'm a lost cause? They had an interesting story on how he came to be known for that. At one point noone was praying to him, so someone decided that he came to be the "last resort" saint. (or something like that) After lunch we were free! Mosey and I wanted to explore Piazza Navona further, since we had found it while lost the previous night and it was interesting. It is kind of like Jackson Square in New Orleans - art, restaurants, and interesting people (even some under the table purse and sunglass entrepeneurs). There were two amazing fountains in this square. Our drinks were about the same price, though vastly different in size, as you can see from the picture. However, I will attest the power of that little "coffee!" I also bought some scarves, which every Italian wore (and Chicagoan - Mosey had one already). The price was right!