That's it for the canonization pilgrimage

Yesterday wrapped up the posts for our Canonization Pilgrimage. Watch for us to post photos from other activities including summer trips the teens make, summer service trips, and more!

Backtracking - Christian Rome

Our last full day of touring in Rome was Monday, April 28. We were taken to sites that included several churches, the Forum, and the Colosseum.

The spring flowers were in full bloom.

A beautiful Caravaggio at St. Augustine's of Mary with Jesus and two pilgrims.

The church of St. Lawrence, built on multiple other structures over the years.

A view of the Forum area.

Just enjoying a great afternoon in the Forum with new friends!

These few marble blocks are all that are left
to show us what the Colosseum would have looked like.

Backtracking - Canonization

Sunday, April 27 was the big day - the canonization of now Sts. John Paul II and John XXIII.

Setting up camp for the morning, at 4:30 am!

We found the pilgrim we felt would win the "Cutest Pilgrim" award!

We felt quite safe with all the emergency personnel around.

The view behind our seats.

After the canonization, we went to see the church of St. Cosmos and Damien.

It was a beautiful church.

The flowers in the inner courtyard were equally beautiful.

The courtyard of St. Cosmos and Damien.

A few tired pilgrims journeying to the bus and a good night's sleep!

Backtracking - Saturday at the Vatican

On Saturday, April 26 we journeyed to the immense crowds surrounding the Vatican. There we toured the museum followed by Mass (and rain) at St. Paul Outside the Walls.

The crowds were huge!
The line to enter the St. Peter's Basilica was over 2 hours long!

There were even a few brave furry pilgrims who trekked to the square.

One Polish pilgrim walked from Poland to Rome carrying this!

A model of the Vatican state in the Vatican museum.

In what was a necessity for us, Molly demonstrates
finding a seat during explanations from tour guides.

Backtracking - Free day!

Friday, April 25 was our free day. Most joined me for a morning tour of the catacombs (no photos allowed), then we split off to enjoy the afternoon!

The altar at St. Peter in Chains was beautiful with the morning light.

One of the angels that guards the steps to the chains that bound Peter.

Moses by Michelangelo

More detail of St. Peter's in Chains.

Enjoying the weather on a stroll past the Forum.

An angel on the Bridge of Angels

Dinners were always wonderful with great food and better company!

Thursday, April 24 took us to the major basilicas of Rome.

Here are some more photos of our day.

The exterior of St. Mary Major (where we had morning Mass).

The main altar of St. Mary Major.

The main altar at St. John Lateran basilica.

From St. Paul Outside the Walls basilica

The courtyard of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Flo enjoyed a rest after lunch in the area of Trastevere.

A few more enjoying the rest!

Backtracking - Our first full day in Rome

To help you see what we experienced a bit more fully, here are some more photos from our day on Wednesday, April 23.

Before leaving the area around St. Peter's Basilica,
it was fascinating to see the preparations for the canonization Mass.

Listening to the tour guide at the start of our tour of Rome's piazzas.

Crowds were immense.
Even at sites like the Trevi Fountain.

After the morning rain, we enjoyed the sun.

St. Mary and the Martyrs, or the Pantheon, is probably the only church you'll see
that purposely has a hole in the roof!

Time in Assisi

We returned safely yesterday. Thanks to the early start of flights home, this post is a bit late. As there are better internet connections available to me here, there will be additional posts with more photos of our trip!

However, this post will backtrack to Tuesday's trip to Assisi.

Our first stop in Assisi was Chiesa Nuova, the church built at the site of St. Francis' family home.
This statue greats you in the courtyard.

Fr. James giving his homily at morning Mass.

Hannah did an excellent job as our lector.

Jim had the right idea - finding a seat to listen to the tour guide!

A view uphill from St. Clare's.

Photos were prohibited of the interior of St. Clare's,
so the view of the facade will have to do.

A beautiful view of St. Francis Basilica

Fr. James with St. Francis Basilica behind.