Day 7

June 30, First Martyrs of Rome

In just a few hours we received so much today. The Spanish Steps was a more touristy stop -- known by many of us as the the place where Audrey Hepburn sat and ate gelato during the movie "Roman Holiday." Our activities there were curtailed by a sign informing us that we were not allowed to shout, squall or sing. So much for that!

Close by the original of the DIME pillar at Mundeleine Seminary  (listing Marian prophecies by David, Isaiah, Moses and Ezekiel). Beautiful!

From there, Msgr. Michael Osborne waved to us from his window in the Propagation of the Faith building, then welcomed us to the chapel of the Three Kings where John Cardinal Newman was ordained. Since St. Therese is a patroness of the missions, they house one of her two habits still in existence, a blessing for all especially the two Sisters in our group named in her honor and our Carmelite.

Our next visit was to S. Andrea della Fratte church where the only approved Marian apparition in Rome occurred. It is simple and beautiful story of conversion of an anti-Catholic through the intercession of Mary. 

Our last and powerful stop was at the simple Church of the First Martyrs of Rome on the patronal feast. I am quite sure that when we sang "Faith of our Fathers" for Vespers this afternoon I could hear a greater strength of conviction and prayer for perseverance.

We close with one thought from a powerful conference by Monsignor Lopes who explained the Transfiguration in terms of relationship. Enjoy!


We must certainly enter into mystery of committed love
if we are to understand that the Transfiguration is not
an impossible unveiling of the light of the Word to the eyes
of the Apostles, but rather a moment of intensity
in which the entire being of Jesus is utterly united
with the compassion of the Father.
During these decisive days of his life He becomes transparent
to the light of the love of the One who gives himself to men
for their salvation.


If, then, Jesus is transfigured,
the reason is that the Father causes his own joy to flame out in him.
The radiance of the light in the suffering body of Jesus is, as it were,
the thrill experienced by the Father in response
to the total self-giving of his only Son.
This explains the voice that pierces through the cloud: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favor. Listen to him’ (Mt. 17:5)
(Jean Corbon, The Wellspring of Worship, 93).