Sunday June 13th, 2010

Today Chris and I left the apartment for the Vatican at 7:30. It was our intention to climb the cupola of St Peter. We cabbed over and were there just as it opened. We rode the elevator to the first roof and entered the dome of the basilica.




Words once again could not do justice to the beauty, enormity and spiritual essence of this new experience. Looking below into the nave, it seemed that people were unaware of the existence of the “catwalk” around the dome. We took our time at this level, trying to absorb it all. Many pictures we took as well as the mental memories to keep.
Then we began the climb. Around, and around we went, molding our bodies to the interior curvature of the dome. The final spiral staircase was narrow sans handrail. For visitors’ safety there was a vertically dropped rope to hold onto. Pretty funny stuff. We arrived at the top, slightly breathless, but so happy to achieve our reward. The view was breathtaking, as was the proximity to heaven!!





The journey down went much faster (of course) and then we went in search of Fr. Douglas and the rest of our party. We were to meet at 10:00 for Mass at the altar of the chair – behind the main altar of St Peter. Fr Douglas was to concelebrate it along with other clergy including bishops and cardinals. The procession was long, liturgy was in Latin, music Gregorian, with readings in Italian. To our surprise and delight, Douglas had been selected to do a prayer of the faithful. The solemnity and incense brought all of us back to an earlier time. It was quite moving.
After mass, we hustled out to the piazza for the papal audience. Talk about special. He had a few words for the people, recitation of the Angelus, and the blessing. I have to say, that tears once again, threatened. It was at this time, that Nancy and John joined us. Then as planned, we met Franco Ponzo and wife, Rossanna (cousins). Truthfully, when Douglas said we would all meet at the obelisk, I thought he might be a little “limited”. I never thought we would find anyone in such a throng!!! Oh me of little faith!!
Franco took us to a restaurant and what a fine time we had!!! We spoke (or tried) and listened to the beautiful lilt of Italian. We exchanged news of family, learned of connections and fully enjoyed each other’s company. The food was plentiful and the wine was flowing. We swapped e-mails etc with the hope of seeing each other again. In summary– tutti magnifico!!





After our dinner, we strolled through the Campo di Fiori to the bus stop. When we arrived back in the area of the apartment, things were hopping. There was a naval choral group on the steps and a party feeling in the air. We ambled back to the apartment, stopping in shops along the way. We arrived, tuckered out. Funnily enough, our stomach clocks went off yet again, so Chris whipped up a frittata and we enjoyed another pranzo!!