Day 12 

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Our day began with Mass at Sant' Andrea della Valle offered by a Theatine priest for consecrated life. Father offered beautiful prayers and words for us and all religious. Next we went to Chiesa Nuova, the church where St. Philip Neri established his oratory in 1575. We were blessed to join a priest who is an expert on St. Philip Neri and his group on a tour of the Saint's rooms. We saw many relics and items he used and prayed at during his life. The tour concluded at St. Philip Neri's tomb located at a side altar of the church.

Praying outside the tomb of St. Philip Neri.

Special back rooms at Chiesa Nuova housing relics and other special items owned by St. Philip Neri. On the mantel behind the sisters, you will see a bust of the saint holding a precious piece of his heart.

This afternoon we took a short walk to San Paolo alla Regola, the Church at the site of St. Paul's first residence in Rome during the years 60 - 62 AD. Located near the Tiber River it contains a room believed to have been occupied by St. Paul during his house arrest referred to at the conclusion of the Acts of the Apostles. It was a blessing to meditate of St. Paul's writings and evangelization at the site where he once lived and prayed.

Feast prepared by the gracious Carmelite sisters, Sr. Pauline Therese and Sr. Marina. Thank you!

Although we are in Rome we did not forget to celebrate the birthday of our country! Before the evening meal we sang patriotic hymns in honor of our country and asking God's blessings upon her. Then we feasted on a delicious traditional 4th of July meal of hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, watermelon and Texas chocolate cake! All that was missing was fireworks! To top off the celebration we enjoyed an excellent movie about St. Philip Neri's life and work here in Rome.

May God bless and protect the United States from all evil, and may God's blessings continue for many generations to come!      

Sr. Elizabeth and Sr. Monica visiting the Church of St. Ignatius in the afternoon. Wonder what they're looking at?