Spirituality – re-Discovering Catholicism

Thursday September 25, 2015

Rome, Italy

Another Glorious Day

I had a pleasant dream last night. So happy and pleasant that when I woke up, I wanted to tell my sister about it. As I was waking up, something inside me told me she is gone, but I told myself she can’t be gone so I must have been dreaming. When I was fully awaken, I realized she was really gone so could not tell her about the happy dream I had. I cannot remember the dream, but remember the urge to tell her about the dream. Once fully awake and back to reality, the wave of sadness overwhelmed me again where I felt I was drowning. But somehow found the strength to put away the sadness in a box, wrap it up and put it away.

So its with this heavy heart I go to on a tour of the Vatican with my BFFs Bob and Rick. Rome was my sister’s favorite city in the world so I am embracing it to experience the love she felt for the city. One of the most precious gifts she gave me, was a rosary blessed by the Pope. I still have it and thought about bringing it to Rome but decided against it as I was afraid to lose it.

Our guide Louisa met me at the hotel and we took a cab to the Vatican and picked up Bob and Rick on the way. Louisa was fabulous. She studied art in Florence so was very knowledgeable. Given she got the tickets beforehand, we did not have to wait in line to start our tour which began at the Vatican museum. Founded by Pope Julius in early 16^th century, it contains one of the world’s greatest art collection. It’s pretty overwhelming as it is the second largest art museum after the Louvre.

After getting overwhelmed it was time to enjoy the Sistine Chapel which is a sacred sight and home to one of Michelangelo’s greatest works. Here we learned how Michelangelo created his famous frescoes and probably one of the most famous pieces of artwork in the world – The Last Judgement. The Sistine Chapel is to be enjoyed quietly and without taking photos. I also learned how difficult it is to make frescoes. First, one creates an outline of the painting on a piece of paper. Then the artist, traces the outline to the wall. Wet plaster is applied to the wall a little at a time and before it dries, the artist must complete the painting. This way the paint is “absorbed” by the wall so the “paint” does not chip. Of course, if the plaster falls off, that is another problem. In many areas of the museum, we saw specialized artists carefully restoring frescoes and another pieces of art. A very tedious process.

After thoroughly absorbing Michelangelo’s masterpiece, it was time to go to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic Church in the world and home to Michelangelo’s hauntingly beautiful Pieta. This is where St. Peter was buried after he was crucified by Emperor Nero. St. Peter is the Catholic church’s first pope.

After visiting the Vatican and also watching the new Pope Francis on the news while visiting America, I could not help but feel comfort and hope in Catholicism. I went to a Catholic school and during college “abandoned” the religion. Yes it’s not perfect as many people use religion as a weapon. But when visiting the Vatican and also hear the new pope speak, it really is about living in peace and by giving to those who are in need, you fill your life with more happiness and peace.

May Peace be with You.

Entrance to the Vatican museum. To the left is Michelangelo and to the right is Raphael