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Saint John's Bible Trip to Rome Journal
The Saint John's Bible Trip to Rome Journal
Friday, May 21st
Thom Woodward
Most of our group of 80-plus "pilgrims" have arrived now from the States
to be part of the historic presentation of a facsimile of The Saint
John's Bible to Pope John Paul II next Wednesday.
As we expected, Rome is incredible -- rich with history, food and wine. But
this whole trip boggles the mind and senses. We get here on a jet plane to
see the place where chariots raced. We are part of a project to hand-write
the Bible in an age when we can communicate around the globe by e-mail.
Our itinerary through May 28 will take us to the Vatican, the Ambassador's
residence, Assisi and places that are a part of Saint John's Benedictine
heritage. This afternoon we'll celebrate the Eucharist and have dinner
together here at the Hotel Mediterraneo, just two blocks from the huge
Termini train station. What great service to have a rail connection from the
heart of the city to the international airport miles away. I think they call
it light rail. Saturday, May 22nd
Shirley and George Borgerding
Our arrival to Rome was made special by our driver, Hector, so proud of
his city to show us many historical sites around the hotel. This morning we
toured the beautiful Sistine Chapel and Papal Museum. In one gallery, the
walls were covered by huge tapestries. Another gallery had antique statuary.
The buildings themselves were architectural treasures. Of course,
Michaelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was a remarkable depiction of
man's concept of heaven, and even more remarkable since it was his first
attempt at fresco. His Pieta was luminous, the art that brought this
22-year-old into prominence in his native Florence as well as Rome. We'll be
going back to St. Peter's Basilica -- you just can't absorb it in one visit.
Sunday, May 23rd
Jerry Donlin
Today (Sunday) we visited the catacombs and learned many fact and figures
about the underground cemeteries and meeting places of days gone by. Our
group is now listening to Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB, from Saint John's Abbey and
University explain The Saint John's Bible.
Steve and Diane Sowieja of Farmington, MN, are enjoying hearing the
explanation and viewing the pages of the facsimile that will be presented
Wednesday to Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. The Sowiejas are viewing
these pages for the first time and are anxious to be part of the Saint
John's group that will turn the facsimile over to His Holiness.
Earlier today we attended Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in a crowded ceremony
which included terrific music and the attendance of about 15 cardinals and
many honored Church members. Full regalia appeared to be in order as we
prayed together in the largest church in the world. Tuesday, May 25th
Thom Woodward
The Saint John's Bible trip to Rome spilled out into the
countryside with a trip to the towns of Subiaco yesterday and Orvieto later
today. Subiaco is home of a Benedictine abbey where our group was warmly
welcomed. Subiaco is known as the place where St. Benedict formulated his
Rule for monastic life 1,500 years ago.
We capped the day yesterday with a reception at the home of Ambassador and
Mrs. Nicholson; he represents the US to the Vatican. It was our first
excursion into a residential section of Rome but Giancolo Hill where the
Nicholsons live is not a typical neighborhood -- it is more like Summit
Avenue in St. Paul but high above the city. We also got a new view of Rome
when the Hotel Mediteranneo where we are staying opened the 10th-floor
rooftop lounge last night for the first time. |
