Day 20

Saturday, July 12, 2015

First, a flashback. After finding that the procession down the Tiber River in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was not last night as we had thought, the sisters returned home. Later, we enjoyed a celebration of our own on the roof of the Domus. The cool popsicles on a warm Roman night were a real treat, but the best treat was celebrating with our sisters!

Relaxing on the rooftop on a warm Roman evening.

 Our final Sunday in Rome began with Mass at the Basilica of San Clemente with its beautiful mosaics and frescoes. The relics of St. Cyril, who with his brother St. Methodius brought Christianity to the Slavic peoples, also are located there. This was an unexpected blessing for the sisters whose communities originated in Slavic lands.

Before entering the Basilica of San Clemente for Mass, Mother Regina Pacis explains the history of the 12th Century basilica.

Following Mass, a few sisters headed to their own excursions while the rest of the group proceeded to pray at the churches of Sant' Agostino, with the tomb of St. Helen, Saint Louis of France, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, where St. Catherine of Siena is entombed, and S. Maria ad Martyres, better known as the Pantheon. During this short morning pilgrimage we encountered beautiful works by Bernini, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and many others who used their artistic talents to give glory to God and to inspire His people.

The tomb of St. Catherine of Siena

Michaelangelo's "The Christ" in Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

The fresco behind the altar in the room where St. Catherine of Siena lived and died. 

The sisters exit the large sacristy of Santa Maria sopra Minerva after visiting the room of St. Catherine of Siena.

The tireless and knowledgable Mother Regina Pacis briefs the sisters on the history of the Pantheon, whose portico dates back to the 1st Century AD. 

The sisters stop for a photo in the Pantheon. (The gentleman in the red shirt with the mustasche is not a member of our group.)

Following a delicious Italian evening meal of veal, pesto pasta, salad and lemon angel food cake, the sisters ended the day enjoying a movie.

Tomorrow, our last day in Rome.........