The culture, history, art and architecture that Rome has to offer is like nothing one will ever witness except here. It is so amazing. To be a witness of it is so eye-opening! I feel like my world-view has been broadened as I am able to experience, in a sense, the history of the ancient world. To see how and what the Western world was built from and how the Roman Empire influenced not only Rome but the entire world up until this point is amazing!
Dr. Connell, our professor, has emphasized over and over that there is something about Rome, from the beginning until now, that makes in the greatest city of all time. Reading "The Aenead" has broadened my historical understanding of Rome and enhances my experience being here. Seeing sights such as Largo Argentina where Julius Caesar was murdered or visiting the Forum create a living history book as I imagine the lives of those who lives before me. To think Rome has survived until now--throughout history, the good emperors and the bad, which there have been plenty of--demonstrate Rome's lasting prominence in the world! The history of Rome has shown me the importance of Rome--the importance that it has existed as such a powerful city and why it necessarily exists today as the center of the Catholic Faith!
Yesterday was a particularly overwhelming and emotional day for me. Upon rising at 6:30 a.m. to attend Mass in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, I didn't know what to expect. St. Peter's Square reflected a calm magnificence about it so early in the morning when hardly a soul could be seen walking its vastness. With the exception of few people, the Square itself was able to show off its grandeur in a different way than I had witnessed before, namely due to the absence and disruption of people. There's a certain beauty and innocence about the morning--the beginning of a new day. St. Peter's stood before me in this innocence and radiance for my eyes to see! Walking inside, the lights were dimmed. The Pieta was more emphasized by the dim lighting that hit the different angles of the sculpture. I felt again, as I always do walking into St. Peter's, a feeling of wander and awe. I somehow always feel a deep connection to my faith especially in this place. My faith becomes more real in a sense--I feel as if I'm a part of something so much bigger than myself. The Catholic faith is amazing like that. Because it is universal, we share a commonality, namely Christ as our head, the faith spreads not only to the faithful here on earth, but with the communion of those in heaven. We share in something so much deeper than ourselves and something even deeper than our personal relationship with Christ. We share TOGETHER in union with Christ. Experiencing that in such a powerful way ordains St. Peter's to be my most treasured experience in all of Europe. It's not only seeing its earthly radiance and splendor in all that it is, for it is definitely a structure of great architectural achievement and beauty, but it is entering into the faith of St. Peter who is buried there, it is entering into the faith of the people who helped construct it, it is entering into the faith of the saints who have walked before us and those living today, that makes such an experience one that enraptures the entire being--mind, body and spirit.
Descending the stairs to the crypt area of St. Peter's was an indescribable experience. I was already emotionally moved by stillness of St. Peter's so early in the morning and beholding the Pieta without crowds surrounding it. I remember thinking as I was walking down the steps what an amazing opportunity I was about to experience: Mass in the crypt. It was beautiful and very moving. It wasn't until afterwards that I began tearing up upon seeing JPII's tomb. The presence I felt moved me to tears. I knelt down. I prayed. I cried. What a start to a beautiful Saturday! I remained in a contemplative state for the rest of the day. I needed to be alone so I set myself apart from the group. Everything seemed touched me in a deeper way that day--everything I saw and every person I came in contact with. I sat for hours to think without feeling the need to go anywhere or do anything.
I made my way to Piazza Garibaldi, which overlooks the city. The view from the top is indescribable. I had been wanting to go up there and just sit. That day was the perfect day to do so. Brown leaves covered the ground. A hint of coolness was in the air as the Fall sun gently warmed Rome. I thought this as I wrote: "How do I describe what's before me?" I often wonder what is going to happen in two months--six months--a year from now. What am I going to remember? The memory lasts only for so long. Memory is our connection to the past. Apart from words and pictures, it's all we have. What things will I remember most? I wish I could write every feeling, emotion, sight and sound I experience so I can remember it forever.
I'm so grateful for this time: moments such as the one on top of Piazza Garibaldi and in the crypt of St. Peter's where I can truly appreciate and contemplate the life God has given me. I know that looking back I am going to appreciate this experience so much more. Now, I'm just trying to enjoy it and take in as much as I can. I heart Rome! It think it's safe to say that it's my favorite city. I'm in love. I would be content to live here my whole life.
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