Yesterday, Thursday, was a very long pilgrimage on foot. We explored many places and, I am sure, put in about six miles of walking. We began our day, as usual, heading again to the Basilica of St. Peter. We started our day with mass on the tomb of Pope John Paul II. What a thrill that was for me to actually stand next to him and offer mass. After mass we went to the city beneath the Basilica - called Scavi. It was here that we looked at ancient burial tombs and the burial spot of St. Peter. Very interesting to learn that there are three layers on top of Scavi, each has an altar on top of the other, all directly above St. Peter's resting place.
Later we went to the prison where St. Paul and St. Peter were detained before their trial. These prisons were similar to the holding cell we witnessed in Jerusalem. It was here that St. Paul continued to baptize with the water that dripped from the walls of the prison. This was a very humid place, like a root cellar, and the water would pool in low spots. It was that water which St. Paul used to baptize guards and other prisoners.
We visited St. Peter in the Chains Church (San Pietro in Vincoli). This is one of the oldest churches in Rome, having been established in 431. It was originally dedicated to SS Peter and Paul, but when Pope Leo the Great was presented with chains which Peter was traditionally believed to have worn in the Mamertine Prison, St. Peter became sole patron of the church; the chains are now preserved as a precious relic in the high altar.
Thank you all for the wonderful feedback with this blog. I pray for many blessings for you and your family.
Peace,
Fr. John
No comments:
Post a Comment