The Shoulders of Giants

We've decided to slow  down the pace a little bit here, as it seems we are getting worn out.  We've seen many of the "big things" (St. Peter's, the Major Basilicas,etc.) so now we are spending some time off the beaten path. Also in the name of slowing down a bit, we have been taking advantage of living in the Pope's back yard and  have spent some time exploring around the Vatican.

And indeed, earlier this week, we did spend time in the Pope's backyard, the Vatican gardens.  It's nice to have some inside connections. We spent the better part of the morning walking amid the beautiful lawns, wooded areas, shrines, and fountains there. After seeing the busyness of the hustle of Roman life, I can see why the popes of old, and of today, need a place where they can walk a and mediate.  Amidst the trees and the natural beauty there, one cannot help feeling a sense of peace in this space. 

I can understand why this would be the place that Pope John Paul would plant a monastery to house nuns to pray for the world within the walls of the country dedicated to the governance of the Church on earth.  The Mater Ecclesiae monastery housed different religious communities in five year rotations.  Until recently when a retired Pope moved in between rotations.  Benedict XVI now lives in this holy place, dedicating his life to praying for his successor. A very friendly and apparently cared for cat was also wondering in this area.  It makes me wonder if it was Benedict's cat.  A mystery we will never likely solve.

We were able to also travel this week to another part of town to visit Santa Maria della Vittoria which houses Bernini's famous statue of St. Theresa in Ecstasy.  This is a beautiful depiction of the famous Spanish mystic enraptured as an angel of The Lord pierces her heart with a spear, which she identifies with the Love of God.

Also housed in this Church is the preserved body of St. Victoria, a young martyr who chose suffering rather than to deny her God. Everywhere I turn in this city, as I have said before, I have been confronted with a martyr. We, as Christians, stand on the shoulders of giants.  The women and men who have given their lives that we may know  the saving love of Jesus Christ is not negligible.  To share in greater totality the defense Tertullian gave the Roman magistrate in the year 197: "Your cruelty, now matter how exquisite, does not avail you, it is rather a dare to us.  The more we are mown down, the more we grow; the blood of Christians is seed!"

I was able to attend the Papal audience in its entirety this week.  We received the blessing of the Pope. It is announced that he extends his blessing to  all our families and especially to children and those who are sick.  I thought especially of those who have asked for my prayers, in particular for my twin nephews who are suffering from kidney deficiencies and need a transplant. I've been keeping you all in prayer as well. 

Also,  Wednesday we were able to walk through the catacombs.  This is the site where early Christians were buried and were those living would gather  for the clandestine celebration of Mass.  Over half a million were buried at this site outside the walls of Rome. I recalled not only the known martyrs on this site, but all of those whose story we don't know.  Those who simply did what they were supposed to do in heeding the words of the Master "There is no greater love than to lay down ones life for a friend." This also brings to mind the martyrs of our own age who die for their belief in Christ, we forget that this happens every day. 

Near this site is a small Church known by a Latin phrase: "Domine Quo Vadis?" It is said that here St. Peter had a vision of Jesus and said to him: "Lord where are you going?" The response was "To Rome,to be crucified again." The Saint following his master, leafy he Church to go into the city to die a martyr's death. "As I have done, so must you also do." The place where Jesus is said to have left footprints is marked.

This seems to be the perfect way to enter into Holy Week, following the passion of Jesus and of the martyrs who followed him.  I have written this blog on the train to, and then from, Assisi.  I can't wait to share with you our amazing journey there and tomorrow's up coming Mass with the Holy Father.  Until then, let us pray for one another.