This is our last full day of our Benedictine Renewal Program! It seems like it has gone by very fast and I've appreciated it very much. I am thankful for all who, in various ways, have helped to make this trip to Europe possible and more enjoyable for me!
Yesterday we had a very meaningful day with Sr. Karen Joseph giving us presentations called, "To Be a Benedictine: To Be a Blessing." Our Mass was very beautiful with Fr. James Leachman, OSB, from St. Anselmo celebrating. Two other Benedictine monks joined us. Yesterday evening we had an agape service, followed by a wonderful meal, with our three pilgrim guides, Sisters Marcia, Karen and Kym, serving us.
Today we are having some time of reflection and sharing and are preparing to leave. This evening we'll have a picnic. During it we will present our pilgrim guides with a surprise present of gratitude and thank the Tutzing Sisters with whom w've stayed. Also, during our evening gathering some of us are also involved in a surprise, fun little skit to summarize our time together.
I have really appreciated each Sister here and hope that I will be able to see at least some of them again, including the Tutzing Sisters. Maybe some of them will come to visit us in Spokane and/or St. Gertrude's!
Tomorrow I will leave with the first three of us, at 3:30 A.M., to go to the airport! At 2:45 P.M. tomorrow I'll arrive at the Spokane airport!! What a time difference!!
Thank you for taking an interest in me, this trip, and this blog! I look forward to seeing all of you back in the States!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Jun 21st, 2008
Today has been our last day to go visit sites that we, as individuals would like to see. A number of us started out the day by going to an 8:30 A.M. Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. It was a simple Mass in Italian. I felt like it was a special way to say goodbye to St. Peter's, too.
After the Mass, four of us, Sisters Joan M., Marietta, Macrina, and me, went to the Catacomb of Callixtus, one of the largest and most beautiful catacombs. It is named after one of the popes who was buried there. We were told that about one million graves are in it. Among the graves there are nine third century popes. St. Cecilia's and St. Tarcisius's burial sites are here, although I heard that St. Cecilia's remains were moved to St. Cecilia's Church. We did see the original burial site of St. Cecilia and a staue of her and frescoes were at her site. As in some other places, I was moved by a very deep sense of appreciation and awe of these heroes of our faith.
On our way back to the convent where we've been living, we had a pizza and a gelato again!
After the Mass, four of us, Sisters Joan M., Marietta, Macrina, and me, went to the Catacomb of Callixtus, one of the largest and most beautiful catacombs. It is named after one of the popes who was buried there. We were told that about one million graves are in it. Among the graves there are nine third century popes. St. Cecilia's and St. Tarcisius's burial sites are here, although I heard that St. Cecilia's remains were moved to St. Cecilia's Church. We did see the original burial site of St. Cecilia and a staue of her and frescoes were at her site. As in some other places, I was moved by a very deep sense of appreciation and awe of these heroes of our faith.
On our way back to the convent where we've been living, we had a pizza and a gelato again!
Friday, June 20, 2008
JUNE 20TH, 2008
I'M USING THE ITALIAN COMPUTER AGAIN AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET SMALL LETTERS THIS TIME!
YESTERDAY AFTER WE LEFT MONTE CASSINO WE WERE ABLE TO STOP BY THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA AT THE TOWN OF SPERLONGO. THEY HAVE A WONDERFUL BEACH THERE (I HEARD IT'S ONE OF ITALY'S BEST ONES). WE STAYED THERE A COUPLE OF HOURS ENJOYING THE WATER... AND BOUGHT GELATOS (DELICIOUS ICE CREAM) BEFORE GOING BACK TO ROME.
TODAY WE STAYED HOME FOR CLASSES, LEARNING MORE ABOUT BENEDICTINE WOMEN AFTER THE 6TH CENTURY. IN THE AFTERNOON WE SPENT TIME SHARING IN OUR OWN FEDERATIONS AND THEN WITH THE ENTIRE GROUP ABOUT STORIES OF OUR OWN COMMUNITYS' HISTORIES. WE CERTAINLY HAVE MUCH IN COMMON AS WELL AS THINGS UNIQUE TO OUR OWN COMMUNITIES.
ONE OF THE SISTERS OF THE TUTZING ORDER OF BENEDICTINES HAD TAUGHT ENGLISH IN A UNIVERSITY IN CHINA AND SHARED HER EXPERIENCES WITH US.
YESTERDAY AFTER WE LEFT MONTE CASSINO WE WERE ABLE TO STOP BY THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA AT THE TOWN OF SPERLONGO. THEY HAVE A WONDERFUL BEACH THERE (I HEARD IT'S ONE OF ITALY'S BEST ONES). WE STAYED THERE A COUPLE OF HOURS ENJOYING THE WATER... AND BOUGHT GELATOS (DELICIOUS ICE CREAM) BEFORE GOING BACK TO ROME.
TODAY WE STAYED HOME FOR CLASSES, LEARNING MORE ABOUT BENEDICTINE WOMEN AFTER THE 6TH CENTURY. IN THE AFTERNOON WE SPENT TIME SHARING IN OUR OWN FEDERATIONS AND THEN WITH THE ENTIRE GROUP ABOUT STORIES OF OUR OWN COMMUNITYS' HISTORIES. WE CERTAINLY HAVE MUCH IN COMMON AS WELL AS THINGS UNIQUE TO OUR OWN COMMUNITIES.
ONE OF THE SISTERS OF THE TUTZING ORDER OF BENEDICTINES HAD TAUGHT ENGLISH IN A UNIVERSITY IN CHINA AND SHARED HER EXPERIENCES WITH US.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
June 19th, 2008
Last Saturday we began four free days and we went to different places, as we liked, usually in groups. Four of us, Srs. Marilyn, Cecilia, Lia and I went to Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Island of Capri! On Sautrday we went to a late afternoon Mass, in Italian, and on Sunday we took off early in the morning on a tour bus. The weather was very beautiful. We went to one of the Blue Grottos, of the Capri Island. In small row boats, we laid down and went through a very small opening in the sea water, into a cave with a higher celiling. It was so exciting! Inside the cave the color was a beautiful blue! A shrine of Mary overlooks the area on the cliffs above. The day before people weren't able to go because of choppy water. We were told that about ten thousand people come everyday to see these areas. I can show photos later.
We finished our time at those places on Monday and returned to Rome. Then on Tuesday, Sr. Marilyn and I went to Tivoli to the excavations of Hadrian's Villa and the beautiful fountains at Villa d'Este!
On Wednesday all of us went to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. As you know, they are very beautiful with all of the art. We had learned the evening before about those places and some of the artists... so it became even more meaningful.
Today we went to Monte Cassino, where St. Benedict lived towards the end of his life and where he wrote his famous rule from which so many religious orders have received help. In World War II the monastery was bombed because the Allies thought German soldiers were hiding there. It was a mistake and no German soldiers were there. The monastery had also been destroyed three times before, by one or two invasions and by an earthquake. After World War II, the monastery was built again, much in the way it had been before the bombing. Of course, it was very special for us to be there, especially in the areas where Benedict had spent more time and which hadn't been destroyed. (One bomb fell just by the remains of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica, under the main altar of the church. The bomb didn't go off and the saints' remains continue to be there!)
We Sisters are very congenial as a group and we enjoy each other very much. We are blessed!
We finished our time at those places on Monday and returned to Rome. Then on Tuesday, Sr. Marilyn and I went to Tivoli to the excavations of Hadrian's Villa and the beautiful fountains at Villa d'Este!
On Wednesday all of us went to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. As you know, they are very beautiful with all of the art. We had learned the evening before about those places and some of the artists... so it became even more meaningful.
Today we went to Monte Cassino, where St. Benedict lived towards the end of his life and where he wrote his famous rule from which so many religious orders have received help. In World War II the monastery was bombed because the Allies thought German soldiers were hiding there. It was a mistake and no German soldiers were there. The monastery had also been destroyed three times before, by one or two invasions and by an earthquake. After World War II, the monastery was built again, much in the way it had been before the bombing. Of course, it was very special for us to be there, especially in the areas where Benedict had spent more time and which hadn't been destroyed. (One bomb fell just by the remains of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica, under the main altar of the church. The bomb didn't go off and the saints' remains continue to be there!)
We Sisters are very congenial as a group and we enjoy each other very much. We are blessed!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Commenting on Comments!! Also June 12th - 14th
Carolyn and Carly, see my comments concerning your comments related to the post before this one!
On June 12th we were able to go to Subiaco, where St. Benedict lived most of his life as a monk. The monastery has been restored at different times. The cave where St. Benedict prayed as a hermit in his early years is there and we were able to pray in it. St. Benedict lived in the late 400's -early 500's A. D., as you may know. The monastery clings to the cliff and has many small to larger rooms with many frescoes added over the years, depicting St. Benedict's life as well as other saints' and Jesus's lives. In the early days, frescoes helped to teach illiterate people ( of whom there were many) the stories of our faith.
Subiaco was a very special place for us. In the afternoon during the Italian's siesta time, we were able to be in the monastery by ourselves, almost completely, for about two hours for prayer and reflection.
Yesterday we were able to go to the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls and to St.Mary Major Church. They both have beautiful art work and are very large. They are both basilicas, two of the four in Rome. The other two are St. John Lateran and St. Peter's.
Benedictine monks live in a monastery attached to St. Paul's. The Abbot there, Abbot Edmund Power, very graciously spent about one and a half hours with us telling us about the basilica and its history.
St. Mary Major has a beautiful mosaic behind and above the altar area, in what is called the apse of a church. It shows Christ crowning his mother in heaven and sharing his throne with her.
On June 12th we were able to go to Subiaco, where St. Benedict lived most of his life as a monk. The monastery has been restored at different times. The cave where St. Benedict prayed as a hermit in his early years is there and we were able to pray in it. St. Benedict lived in the late 400's -early 500's A. D., as you may know. The monastery clings to the cliff and has many small to larger rooms with many frescoes added over the years, depicting St. Benedict's life as well as other saints' and Jesus's lives. In the early days, frescoes helped to teach illiterate people ( of whom there were many) the stories of our faith.
Subiaco was a very special place for us. In the afternoon during the Italian's siesta time, we were able to be in the monastery by ourselves, almost completely, for about two hours for prayer and reflection.
Yesterday we were able to go to the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls and to St.Mary Major Church. They both have beautiful art work and are very large. They are both basilicas, two of the four in Rome. The other two are St. John Lateran and St. Peter's.
Benedictine monks live in a monastery attached to St. Paul's. The Abbot there, Abbot Edmund Power, very graciously spent about one and a half hours with us telling us about the basilica and its history.
St. Mary Major has a beautiful mosaic behind and above the altar area, in what is called the apse of a church. It shows Christ crowning his mother in heaven and sharing his throne with her.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Thank you!
Thank you for your comments, including birthday greetings from those of you who knew of the day! Yes, Carolyn, the churches are certainly interesting and beautiful.
Carly, and Jason, wow! Snow in Moscow!! Summer will come! Yes it is amazing that we could see Pope Benedict!
Mom and Judy, I am appreciating this time in Europe!
Thank you all for your interest in my time overhere!
Carly, and Jason, wow! Snow in Moscow!! Summer will come! Yes it is amazing that we could see Pope Benedict!
Mom and Judy, I am appreciating this time in Europe!
Thank you all for your interest in my time overhere!
June 7th-11th,2008
As you may know, June 7th was my birthday. The Sisters here did celebrate so nicely with me, beginning with singing "Happy Birthday" after Morning Praise and having a very pretty table setting , even with beautiful roses from their garden. At different times during the day I was surprised by sisters in special ways. At the end of supper they had different types of little cakes and gelato for us all!
During the day on Saturday, we attended classes on the topic of "Cultivating a Monastice Instinct" by Sr. Karen Joseph,OSB. The classes were so good!!
Then, on Sunday we had our second Reflection Day. On those days we spend most of the day in silence. Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, OSB, who is the head of all Benedictines in the world - Sisters, Monks, and Oblates- celebrated Mass for us. He gave a wonderful homily. Later he ate with us and then led an open discussion with us, answering our questions. He was very interesting and seemed to have a very good grasp of the challenges as well as beauty of our Benedictine vocation. He was also very encouraging.
On Monday and Tuesday we had more classes, with the topic, "Obedience according to the Rule of St. Benedict." Sr. Manuela Schieba, OSB, was our presenter. She is from a monastery in Berlin, Germany and is just completing her doctorate with a thesis on our class topic. We found her classes very good with much research on how the Rule has been interpretated over many years.
Today we went to a large Audience with Pope Benedict in St. Peter's Square. Sr. Marcia had gotten tickets (free) for us and we were all surprised at how close we were to him, our chairs being on close to the same level as him, above the main part of the crowd. There were probably at least two hundred others on the same level as us! It was wonderful how each group was introduced to him, with clapping.. ., sometimes with beautiful singing and much gusto, from the different groups. He acknowledged each group with a wave and smile . He addressed us in different languages. Later we ate at little eating places in small groups and then could do what we liked. Like some of the others, I did a little shopping and went back to St. Peter's. There is so much to see there and they have a beautiful Blessed Sacrament Chapel in which to pray there, too.
I hope you are all well! God bless you!
During the day on Saturday, we attended classes on the topic of "Cultivating a Monastice Instinct" by Sr. Karen Joseph,OSB. The classes were so good!!
Then, on Sunday we had our second Reflection Day. On those days we spend most of the day in silence. Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, OSB, who is the head of all Benedictines in the world - Sisters, Monks, and Oblates- celebrated Mass for us. He gave a wonderful homily. Later he ate with us and then led an open discussion with us, answering our questions. He was very interesting and seemed to have a very good grasp of the challenges as well as beauty of our Benedictine vocation. He was also very encouraging.
On Monday and Tuesday we had more classes, with the topic, "Obedience according to the Rule of St. Benedict." Sr. Manuela Schieba, OSB, was our presenter. She is from a monastery in Berlin, Germany and is just completing her doctorate with a thesis on our class topic. We found her classes very good with much research on how the Rule has been interpretated over many years.
Today we went to a large Audience with Pope Benedict in St. Peter's Square. Sr. Marcia had gotten tickets (free) for us and we were all surprised at how close we were to him, our chairs being on close to the same level as him, above the main part of the crowd. There were probably at least two hundred others on the same level as us! It was wonderful how each group was introduced to him, with clapping.. ., sometimes with beautiful singing and much gusto, from the different groups. He acknowledged each group with a wave and smile . He addressed us in different languages. Later we ate at little eating places in small groups and then could do what we liked. Like some of the others, I did a little shopping and went back to St. Peter's. There is so much to see there and they have a beautiful Blessed Sacrament Chapel in which to pray there, too.
I hope you are all well! God bless you!
Friday, June 6, 2008
June 3rd, Eve. - June 6th
On Tuesday evening, June 3rd, we went to Evening Prayer at Santa Maria Church in Trastevere, one area of Rome. Santa Maria is the oldest church dedicated to our lady in Rome, predating the "Peace of the Church" in 313. It is a beautiful old chruch. (I'm typing on an Italian computere and I don't know what I did to have this different kind of type!) The prayer service was also beautiful. It was started by someone who was concerned about the poor in the area and has been going on since 1968. Some of you may have heard of this community which is now an international group called Sant' Egidio Community and it was started in this area of Rome. They are very involved in helping the poor besides having beautiful evening services.
On Wednesday we had classes on the subject of "Getting in Touch With the Person of Benedict in the Social, Political, and Ecclesiastical Context," again with Sr. Aquinata Boeckman,OSB. She is an excellent teacher and of, couse, it is a subject that is so appropriate to us, in this Benedictine Renewal Program.
We went to Sant Eutizio, Norcia (the birthplace of saints Benedict and Scholastica -twins), and to Santa Scholastica which is outside of Norcia, on Thursday. These places and their churches and art are extremely precious to Benedictines. The little town of Norcia is so enjoyable with its little shops and friendly people. We also were able to eat at the guest quarters of a group of Benedictine nuns at Norcia, visit with their hospitality nun, and see some of their monastery.
Today we went to St. John Lateran Church, the first cathedral of Rome, since 312. Fr. Dan McCarthy,OSB, again talked to us about the significance of this and other churches in the area. There is a beautiful baptistry there and outside in a huge obelisk, the oldest one in Rome and the largest in the world. Made of red granite about 1500BC, it once stood before the Temple of the Sun at Heliopolis, where Moses could have seen it!!! Constantius II had set it up in the Circus Maximus about 357. Sixtus V found it in fragments in a swamp and had it transferred to the area of St. John Lateran in 1588.
Later on Friday morning we went to San Clemente Basilica. It is the best preserved of the medieval basilicas in Rome. Below the present church are excavations that we could enter that go back to the first century, with four layers of excavations from four different times.
Following this, we could decide where we'd like to go and three of us went to see the inside of the Colosseum, taking a guided tour. I am especially in awe of the great courage and faith of the early Christians who became martyrs.
The last church that we went to today was Sant Peter in Chains, which has the chains that St. Peter wore while in prison. It also has a huge and beautiful statue of Moses, sculptured by Michelangelo.
Sisters Adrian, Marietta, and I then found our way back to St. Peter's area and had pizza... before returning to our Casa.
On Wednesday we had classes on the subject of "Getting in Touch With the Person of Benedict in the Social, Political, and Ecclesiastical Context," again with Sr. Aquinata Boeckman,OSB. She is an excellent teacher and of, couse, it is a subject that is so appropriate to us, in this Benedictine Renewal Program.
We went to Sant Eutizio, Norcia (the birthplace of saints Benedict and Scholastica -twins), and to Santa Scholastica which is outside of Norcia, on Thursday. These places and their churches and art are extremely precious to Benedictines. The little town of Norcia is so enjoyable with its little shops and friendly people. We also were able to eat at the guest quarters of a group of Benedictine nuns at Norcia, visit with their hospitality nun, and see some of their monastery.
Today we went to St. John Lateran Church, the first cathedral of Rome, since 312. Fr. Dan McCarthy,OSB, again talked to us about the significance of this and other churches in the area. There is a beautiful baptistry there and outside in a huge obelisk, the oldest one in Rome and the largest in the world. Made of red granite about 1500BC, it once stood before the Temple of the Sun at Heliopolis, where Moses could have seen it!!! Constantius II had set it up in the Circus Maximus about 357. Sixtus V found it in fragments in a swamp and had it transferred to the area of St. John Lateran in 1588.
Later on Friday morning we went to San Clemente Basilica. It is the best preserved of the medieval basilicas in Rome. Below the present church are excavations that we could enter that go back to the first century, with four layers of excavations from four different times.
Following this, we could decide where we'd like to go and three of us went to see the inside of the Colosseum, taking a guided tour. I am especially in awe of the great courage and faith of the early Christians who became martyrs.
The last church that we went to today was Sant Peter in Chains, which has the chains that St. Peter wore while in prison. It also has a huge and beautiful statue of Moses, sculptured by Michelangelo.
Sisters Adrian, Marietta, and I then found our way back to St. Peter's area and had pizza... before returning to our Casa.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Cats and other Sites...
One of the fun sites that we have seen is a park just for cats!! I remember Carly mentioning when she was in Rome how she thought she took more photos there than anywhere else! It is a great place for cat lovers and cats! Some of us have gone there more than once!
On Sunday, June 1st, we had a nice morning and early afternoon of leisure, prayer, and the like. A Benedictine abbot, Abbot Edmund Power, celebrated Mass for usl Later in the day we went to two beautiful little churches, Santa Prassede and Santa Pudentiana, in honor of two women by the same names who were very hospitable to Saints Peter and Paul when they were in Rome. Later they were all martyred. Their stories are very inspiring. The women sometimes took sponges during the Christian persecutions and wiped up the martyrs' blood from the streets to show respect for the Christians who were killed there.
Later that evening we went to Trevi Fountain and enjoyed it with many other people who were so happy and peaceful, giving each other time at the water before moving on. The gelatos were again delicious and we found some affordable souvenir shops in the area, too, besides very expensive ones.
On Monday, June 2nd, we had classes on "Getting in Touch with the Person of Benedict in the Social, Political, and Ecclesiastical Context" with Sr. Aquinata Boeckman, OSB, as the presenter. Last evening some of us watched an old movie, called The Scarlet and the Black" which is a true story about a priest (Monsignor) who helped to hide people in Rome during World War Two. Many of you may have watched it. Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer acted in it.
This morning we had a continuation of yesterday's classes and will get more of the same this afternoon.
Have a good day!
On Sunday, June 1st, we had a nice morning and early afternoon of leisure, prayer, and the like. A Benedictine abbot, Abbot Edmund Power, celebrated Mass for usl Later in the day we went to two beautiful little churches, Santa Prassede and Santa Pudentiana, in honor of two women by the same names who were very hospitable to Saints Peter and Paul when they were in Rome. Later they were all martyred. Their stories are very inspiring. The women sometimes took sponges during the Christian persecutions and wiped up the martyrs' blood from the streets to show respect for the Christians who were killed there.
Later that evening we went to Trevi Fountain and enjoyed it with many other people who were so happy and peaceful, giving each other time at the water before moving on. The gelatos were again delicious and we found some affordable souvenir shops in the area, too, besides very expensive ones.
On Monday, June 2nd, we had classes on "Getting in Touch with the Person of Benedict in the Social, Political, and Ecclesiastical Context" with Sr. Aquinata Boeckman, OSB, as the presenter. Last evening some of us watched an old movie, called The Scarlet and the Black" which is a true story about a priest (Monsignor) who helped to hide people in Rome during World War Two. Many of you may have watched it. Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer acted in it.
This morning we had a continuation of yesterday's classes and will get more of the same this afternoon.
Have a good day!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Replying to Carly and Jason, the Scavi under St. Peter's...
Hello again!
Carly and Jason, we have bought gelatos at various places. I didn't get one near the Pantheon but maybe I'll have an opportunity to eat at Giolotti's another time. Thank you for the suggestion! We had gelatos near the Piazza Novona including at the "Blue Ice." We were there one evening. A young man had a mummy-like outfit on there and stood for an hour, then a break, then an hour... very still. People would try to get him to move or respond. The only time he would move was to give a little bow of his head if someone took a photo of him and put some money in a basket for him. I've seen this type of thing in various places in Rome. Sometimes people dress like Egyptian pharoah mummies. Men were dressed like gladiators at the colosseum.
We haven't been out very much in the later evening. One time we did come back from the Piazza Novona after dark. We had a rather wild ride back on a tram and made the most of the fun. The driver turned the corners quite fast.
Yesterday we went to the Scavi under St. Peter's. They showed us excavations of ancient burial places of pagans and early Christians, including the confirmed burial place of St. Peter, along with the site of bones which are believed to be his. This area was not open when Mom and I were at St. Peter's in 1999. Yesterday we were in the Scavi for 1 and 1/2 hours with wonderful history given of the area. The work that went into these excavations and the research that was done was remarkable. The early Christians kept alive the memory of St. Peter's death and burial in such a secretive and good way until Constantine made the Roman Empire Catholic and a basilica was built directly over the burial site. You may recall that it has been said thatNero blamed the early Christians for the burning of Rome and then a great persecution of the Christians broke out. Peter was among those that were killed in Nero's circus which was right in the area of where St. Peter's is now. To keep his body from being eaten by wild animals or thrown into the sewer, the Christians secretly and hurriedly got it off of the cross and buried it in an unmarked and simple grave that wouldn't be discovered by Nero's people.
We are in the area of so many courageous Christians who were martyred. It gives me much food for thought and prayer. Today is a day of reflection for us.
Our regular daily schedule includes 7A.M.: Mass, Morning Prayer after Mass, then breakfast, 9:30:class or out to see a site...,12:30: lunch, then continue at a site or if at home we may have a siesta until 3P.M. , 3:15: class or site. 5:45: supper, 6:45:Vespers. This varies somewhat from day to day. Sometimes we also pray Compline in the evening. Of course, we do get to visit, both among ourselves and the other Sisters who live here and have sometime for ourselves. There are also beautiful grounds in which to walk around the Casa where we live.
Have a good day!
P.S. For anyone who may be having a difficult time in publishing comments, you may need to know that you must use your e-mail address for the address (user name)that is requested. Then just follow the instructions for creating your blog password.
Carly and Jason, we have bought gelatos at various places. I didn't get one near the Pantheon but maybe I'll have an opportunity to eat at Giolotti's another time. Thank you for the suggestion! We had gelatos near the Piazza Novona including at the "Blue Ice." We were there one evening. A young man had a mummy-like outfit on there and stood for an hour, then a break, then an hour... very still. People would try to get him to move or respond. The only time he would move was to give a little bow of his head if someone took a photo of him and put some money in a basket for him. I've seen this type of thing in various places in Rome. Sometimes people dress like Egyptian pharoah mummies. Men were dressed like gladiators at the colosseum.
We haven't been out very much in the later evening. One time we did come back from the Piazza Novona after dark. We had a rather wild ride back on a tram and made the most of the fun. The driver turned the corners quite fast.
Yesterday we went to the Scavi under St. Peter's. They showed us excavations of ancient burial places of pagans and early Christians, including the confirmed burial place of St. Peter, along with the site of bones which are believed to be his. This area was not open when Mom and I were at St. Peter's in 1999. Yesterday we were in the Scavi for 1 and 1/2 hours with wonderful history given of the area. The work that went into these excavations and the research that was done was remarkable. The early Christians kept alive the memory of St. Peter's death and burial in such a secretive and good way until Constantine made the Roman Empire Catholic and a basilica was built directly over the burial site. You may recall that it has been said thatNero blamed the early Christians for the burning of Rome and then a great persecution of the Christians broke out. Peter was among those that were killed in Nero's circus which was right in the area of where St. Peter's is now. To keep his body from being eaten by wild animals or thrown into the sewer, the Christians secretly and hurriedly got it off of the cross and buried it in an unmarked and simple grave that wouldn't be discovered by Nero's people.
We are in the area of so many courageous Christians who were martyred. It gives me much food for thought and prayer. Today is a day of reflection for us.
Our regular daily schedule includes 7A.M.: Mass, Morning Prayer after Mass, then breakfast, 9:30:class or out to see a site...,12:30: lunch, then continue at a site or if at home we may have a siesta until 3P.M. , 3:15: class or site. 5:45: supper, 6:45:Vespers. This varies somewhat from day to day. Sometimes we also pray Compline in the evening. Of course, we do get to visit, both among ourselves and the other Sisters who live here and have sometime for ourselves. There are also beautiful grounds in which to walk around the Casa where we live.
Have a good day!
P.S. For anyone who may be having a difficult time in publishing comments, you may need to know that you must use your e-mail address for the address (user name)that is requested. Then just follow the instructions for creating your blog password.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Visiting Benedictine and Church Sites
Hello again!
On Monday, May 26th, we had classes in the morning on "Rome in the New Testament" and in the afternoon we were able to visit the place where it is said that St. Benedict lived during his time as a young student in Rome. We also visited a church where he probably would have prayed. The buildings are so ancient here, with buldings built over older buildings. One can go downstairs and see the ancient ruins if they are not above ground.
On Tuesday we left early to go to Sant Anselmo, where the Benedictines have a famous college. Fr Dan McCarthy, OSB, gave us tours and classes concerning liturgy. He is getting his doctorate in liturgy.
We had wonderful classes on "Monastic Life before the Rule of St. Benedict" on Wednesday morning and afternoon. They were very interesting.
Today we visited different sites, including the Church of St. Maria del Pianto, the Church of St. Cecilia, and Saint Ambrogio. I am so inspired by the courage and dedication of these people who have gone before us.
Later in the day, we visited the ancient Pantheon and did a little shopping.
On different days we have enjoyed wonderful ice cream, called gelato. They Italians seem to have more cream in it than our ice cream in the States.
The Sisters here are so good and joyful, those who live here during the year as well as those of us who are here for the program. Our prayer life here is beautiful - Divine Office, Eucharist...
God bless you!
On Monday, May 26th, we had classes in the morning on "Rome in the New Testament" and in the afternoon we were able to visit the place where it is said that St. Benedict lived during his time as a young student in Rome. We also visited a church where he probably would have prayed. The buildings are so ancient here, with buldings built over older buildings. One can go downstairs and see the ancient ruins if they are not above ground.
On Tuesday we left early to go to Sant Anselmo, where the Benedictines have a famous college. Fr Dan McCarthy, OSB, gave us tours and classes concerning liturgy. He is getting his doctorate in liturgy.
We had wonderful classes on "Monastic Life before the Rule of St. Benedict" on Wednesday morning and afternoon. They were very interesting.
Today we visited different sites, including the Church of St. Maria del Pianto, the Church of St. Cecilia, and Saint Ambrogio. I am so inspired by the courage and dedication of these people who have gone before us.
Later in the day, we visited the ancient Pantheon and did a little shopping.
On different days we have enjoyed wonderful ice cream, called gelato. They Italians seem to have more cream in it than our ice cream in the States.
The Sisters here are so good and joyful, those who live here during the year as well as those of us who are here for the program. Our prayer life here is beautiful - Divine Office, Eucharist...
God bless you!
Monday, May 26, 2008
More of Sarnen, Bavaria, and Rome
I wish you could all be here with me!
In Sarnen, Switzerland, I experienced a cloistered life with our Sisters. They are very kind and I experienced much joy from them. They prayed Divine Office at least six times during the day and I was usually praying with them. They also have daily Mass. The liturgies are all in German. (Sister Bernarda and Sister Rut Maria, especially, speak English.) Meals are in silence with spiritual readings during the noon meal. On Sunday we listened to music during some of the meals. There is such a wonderful atmosphere of prayer there.
I was able to see the areas where St. Nicholas de Flu lived near Sarnen. Sister Philomena's niece, Elaine, took me there. St. Nicholas was a person of great prayer and wisdom who assisted in creating peace in Switzerland in different ways.
On Sunday, May 18th, Fr. Lucas, a friend of our Sister Cecile, took me in the afternoon to the Benedictine Church and monastery where he and his monks live and minister. We also saw the beautiful lake of Sarnen and had a very nice visit.
While in Sarnen and Bavaria, there were usually clouds in the sky so that the mountains were usually obscure. Yet, I did get a sense of their vastness at times and of course, their beauty.
In Bavaria, Sally was also very hospitable. She surprised me with the relatives of another friend of mine, Maria Welch. Margot and Seppi grew up in Salzburg, Austria and the three of them gave me a wonderful tour of the beautiful and historical areas of Salzburg. Also, Sally gave me a tour of the magnificent countryside of Bavaria. We went to a very beautiful recital of a piano student of the Mozart Institue of Music. He looked like he was in his twenties and he played as though he were playing sixteen pianos at once instead of one!!
In Rome, so far we have visited St. Peter's and some of the area around that, the Roman Forum, the Colloseum, the prison where Sts. Peter and Paul were.... And we've had orientations and a great class on Rome during New Testament times.
I feel so blessed! Thank you for your support and care and interest!
In Sarnen, Switzerland, I experienced a cloistered life with our Sisters. They are very kind and I experienced much joy from them. They prayed Divine Office at least six times during the day and I was usually praying with them. They also have daily Mass. The liturgies are all in German. (Sister Bernarda and Sister Rut Maria, especially, speak English.) Meals are in silence with spiritual readings during the noon meal. On Sunday we listened to music during some of the meals. There is such a wonderful atmosphere of prayer there.
I was able to see the areas where St. Nicholas de Flu lived near Sarnen. Sister Philomena's niece, Elaine, took me there. St. Nicholas was a person of great prayer and wisdom who assisted in creating peace in Switzerland in different ways.
On Sunday, May 18th, Fr. Lucas, a friend of our Sister Cecile, took me in the afternoon to the Benedictine Church and monastery where he and his monks live and minister. We also saw the beautiful lake of Sarnen and had a very nice visit.
While in Sarnen and Bavaria, there were usually clouds in the sky so that the mountains were usually obscure. Yet, I did get a sense of their vastness at times and of course, their beauty.
In Bavaria, Sally was also very hospitable. She surprised me with the relatives of another friend of mine, Maria Welch. Margot and Seppi grew up in Salzburg, Austria and the three of them gave me a wonderful tour of the beautiful and historical areas of Salzburg. Also, Sally gave me a tour of the magnificent countryside of Bavaria. We went to a very beautiful recital of a piano student of the Mozart Institue of Music. He looked like he was in his twenties and he played as though he were playing sixteen pianos at once instead of one!!
In Rome, so far we have visited St. Peter's and some of the area around that, the Roman Forum, the Colloseum, the prison where Sts. Peter and Paul were.... And we've had orientations and a great class on Rome during New Testament times.
I feel so blessed! Thank you for your support and care and interest!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thanks Be to God!
Hello Everyone!
Here I am in Rome! We are just completing our first full day of the Benedictine Program. I've made all of my connections so far! Thank you for all of your prayers!
The Sarnen, Switzerland Sisters were wonderful and so was my friend, Sally, in Bavaria. I'd like to send more to you now, but the time for working on the computer is just about up for this evening at the Benedictine Convent. I'll send you more later.
I hope you are fine now. God bless you!
Love and prayers,
Sr. Mary Frances
Here I am in Rome! We are just completing our first full day of the Benedictine Program. I've made all of my connections so far! Thank you for all of your prayers!
The Sarnen, Switzerland Sisters were wonderful and so was my friend, Sally, in Bavaria. I'd like to send more to you now, but the time for working on the computer is just about up for this evening at the Benedictine Convent. I'll send you more later.
I hope you are fine now. God bless you!
Love and prayers,
Sr. Mary Frances
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Tales of a Benedictine Sister
Hello Everyone! I am preparing to take a trip to Europe soon! On May 15th I fly from Spokane and on May 16th I will be at St. Andreas Convent in Sarnen, Switzerland! Our Sisters from St. Gertrude's came from St. Andreas in the 1800's! On the 19th of May I will take off on a train for my friend's, Sally's, who lives in Laufen, Germany. We will meet at the train station in Salzburg, which is about a half an hour drive from Laufen. Then, on May 22nd I will fly to Rome where I will be involved in a Benedictine Renewal Program for English speaking Benedictines! This program will last until June 24th, when I'll return to Spokane. I am very blessed to be able to do this. Being in the renewal program is a gift from my Benedictine Community and also from those with whom I work and minister, who will be filling in for me while I am gone. God bless all of you - Sisters, family, and friends -who have and are supporting me in this in various ways!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
