Year 5 2015: Day 13

Our last day in Rome!

We started the morning with Mass in the Basilica of St Peter, in the Popes Grotto. It was tremendous and uplifting experience to celebrate mass in front of St Peter’s tomb. This tomb encases the bones of St Peter.

Father spoke to us about the importance of remembering that Christianity is not about the relationship between just us and God but a relationship between ‘we and God’. It is through communion that this can occur. He also reminded us that the ornate, beautiful churches we see are not meant to be a sign of power in the church but should be seen as a sign of mystic power. As we enter the church or in your case look at the photos it is important to remember all of the artists, architects, builders and writers that worked together to create the churches as this is a sign of community and also shows the ‘we’ element of our faith.

He also spoke of the sign of the cross being a great symbol reminding us of the community within our church. When you make the sign of the cross the vertical part is about God and me and the horizontal part reminds us of the God and us. Where we meet is at the heart.

When Mass had ended we were able to spend some reflective time in the basilica. To be given the opportunity to spend time in the presence of our Lord without the crowds that consumed the church later in the day was breathtaking.

St Peter's Basilica

The Nave of the basilica

Michelangelo's -'Pieta'

All artwork are glass mosaics not paintings

Vatican

In Roman times the area where the current church sits was a hillside. It was used as a raceway. The obelisk once stood at the centre of the area but was used and can now be seen at the front of the basilica.

When St Peter was crucified and killed he asked to be hung upside down as he didn’t want to be crucified the same way as Christ. His body was placed in a grave in the hill. Over two hundred and fifty years late Emperor Constantine built a enormous wooden basilica which held the remains of St Peter. Unfortunately it was not very stable and seventy three years later it could not longer be restored so was demolished. A succession of architects contributed to the designing and building of this spectacular building, including Michelangelo. It took 176 years to complete and is the greatest church to Christianity.

Today the Vatican museum holds many beautiful pieces of artwork and tapestries which stand as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the many people involved in building the church and working in community to celebrate their faith.

The Sistine Chapel is one such area. I remember studying the great work of Michelangelo when I was at school, especially the creation of Adam which depicts God reaching out to Adam and giving him life. Today my dream of seeing this remarkable artwork came true. We were not able to take photos of the painting as the flashes can ruin the artwork. I stood staring upwards and although many other people crowded me I truly felt as if I was alone thanking God for this wonderful opportunity. I will let the pictures of the rest of the area speak to you. Take some time to think about the question found in Luke 9:20 He said to them, But who say you that I am?