The pilgrims and I rose at 5:45 a.m. to catch the bus the Vatican to attend the general audience with Pope Francis. It was an hour wait in line and then about another 2.5 hrs waiting inside the St. Paul VI Audience Hall to meet (well sort of) Pope Francis and listen to his address to his audience. We had great seats along the aisle of his entrance into the hall, most of us either had an opportunity to just touch Pope Francis' hand or arm and some of us were able to shake his hand and speak to him. I was one of the lucky ones and was able to shake his hand. What a thrill! Before his address the groups in the crowd were recognized as pilgrims. We were one of those groups and he gave us all special blessings for making the pilgrimage. After his address, we prayed the Our Father in Latin, he blessed us and our families back home - that is you! - and any religious items we had with us.
At the conclusion of the general audience we all had time to do some shopping and have lunch. We met again after lunch to visit the Basilica of St. Paul outside the wall of the old city. This is the largest church in Rome. The Basilica houses the tomb of St. Paul. It also has the portraits of every Pope including Pope Francis.
Our last stop was to view the catacombs. Unfortunately, they do not allow photos, so I will not have any pictures for you. It was nice to celebrate mass in the catacombs and head back to our hotel for dinner and a good nights rest. Tomorrow is another early start as we will go to St. Peter's Church in the morning and celebrate mass above Saint Pope John Paul's tomb. Another amazing day in store for us.
Peace,
Fr. John.
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