Saturday, February 16, 2013

Ostia Antica

This week has been a little hectic.  Following the Pope's resignation on Monday, a group of us went to St. Peter's to pray the Rosary for him and his intentions, and we ended up on Italian National TV!  Then with the internships it has been nuts!  People are in and out, the phone is constantly ringing, there aren't enough computers, it is crazy!  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here at this momentous time for the Church.  In fact, on Wednesday they cancelled all of our classes so that we could attend the Papal audience, and then the final Papal Mass (Ash Wednesday).  It was fantastic!  We got front row seats at the audience, and were early enough to the Mass to get into the special seating section!  The Pope's words at both events were beautiful and heartfelt.  But, the most moving part was when Cardinal Bertone thanked Pope Benedict at the end of Mass for all that he has done and is doing for the Church, assuring him of the Church's continued prayers and support.  After Cardinal Bertone finished speaking, the entire congregation in St. Peter's gave Pope Benedict a standing ovation which lasted several minutes!  Cardinal Bertone even got a little emotional as he was speaking, and Pope Benedict was visibly moved by the gesture.  It was wonderful, and definitely got Lent off to a good start!

Mediterranean Sea

Lent is special here because there is a Roman tradition of going to station churches - churches are designated to hold Mass on specific days in Lent going back to a tradition of the early Church (to learn more about the station Masses or see where the station Mass is for the day go to http://www.pnac.org/station-churches/the-roman-station-liturgy/).  So I have been going to the station Masses in the morning, because the morning Mass at the station church is celebrated by the Pontifical North American College, so not only is Mass in English, but it is an opportunity to meet other American students in Rome.  Yesterday was an extra special day of Lent for me, because I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity!  It was quite the operation!  Within 45 minutes dinner was served, the dishes, tables and chairs were washed, the floors were swept and mopped, and everything was put away!  It was impressive, and fantastic to be a part of, I can't wait to go back, all of the people are such treasures!
Today we went to Ostia Antica with Dr. Connell, who leads our Art and Architecture class.  Ostia is the old port of Rome, and is now in ruins, but is very well-preserved.  It was really neat to see, there were huge amphitheaters, temples, stores, Roman baths, aqueducts and lots more.  One special part was that St. Monica died at Ostia, and this morning the station Mass was at the church of San Agostino where she is now buried.  Then after Ostia, a few of us went to the Mediterranean for the afternoon.  It couldn't have been a nicer day - it was warm and sunny (though the sea was still pretty cold - but a lot warmer than Lake Michigan)!  It was a lot of fun! 

May you all have a blessed Lent!