Life As A Blonde: Day 3 Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's

The Ross' and the Trevi

The Trevi Fountain

We rose early around 6:30 am. We had breakfast and started a major day of walking. First, we strolled upon the Trevi Fountain. There was no one there. I guess to early for normal tourists and Italians. There is a belief that if you throw a coin in the fountain over your shoulder, that you will return to Rome. We all tossed coins in, but Greg, Hum?

We began to head to the Vatican. Did you know that the word Vatican has no religious meaning what so ever. It is believed by Vatican Scholars that it is from the name of a family that first owned the land that St. Peter's now resides on.

We were completely confused at first, but God showed us the way. For example, Mrs. Citro, my son Spanish Teacher, called our room to tell us where to buy our religious items. 152 Borga Pio. It is where all the clergy go to buy. What a find. Then, when we got to St. Peter's, the line was really long. We went around to the left hand exit and showed the Security Guard our Scavi Tour passes. The guards let us in the exit. No line. God Wink. We went to check our back pack and get an audio tour of St. Peter's. We saw the Pieta, my favorite, there is something so powerful about that piece of art. It almost looks wet.

The Pieta

We travel through the right side of the Basilica to the St. Sebastian's Chapel. It is said to be the holiest place in the St. Peter's. If that is possible. We prayed in Eucharistic Adoration for a while. It was incredibly powerful to pray in front of Christ in the Vatican. God Wink!

We made it half way through the Vatican, when Greg wanted to take a break. So, the kids and I went to the Vatican Bookstore. I noticed a Dvd of a movie about Pope John Paul II. I told the kids how much I liked the Hallmark movie called Karol, Man who would be Pope, better. Standing in front of us was a Dominican Priest, and he agreed with me. He offered to give us some tips on Rome. God Wink, his name was Fr. John Paul Walker. Coincidence? He was very generous and explain some pretty cool things. For example, the actual steps Christ climbed to be judged by Pontius Pilate are here in Rome. You must kneel in pray as you ascend them. He also, told us that in a church called Santa Giavonni Il Laternano, it is believed to house the actual skulls of St. Peter and St. Paul in the high Altar. He finished by explaining the history of Saint Cecilia, Patron Saint of Musicians. She has a pretty unique story as well. I will fill you in on that later.