Day 8

July 1st, St. Junipero Serra

Our plan to "catch a Mass" at St. Peter's worked beautifully! Five missionary priests in the same community as Saint Damien of Malokai concelebrated a Mass in English at the altar of Pope Saint John Paul II! The congregation consisted of 26 religious Sisters and one layman. What a great way to pray for the intentions that we were asked to remember!

A few of us climbed to the top of St. Peter's cupalo! What an incredible view!

  

We then had the privilege of visiting Monsignor Steven Lopes at the Holy Office. Archbishop DiNoia and Father John Paul explained some of the history and procedures for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. God bless these men who offer their priesthood for the service of the universal Church!

The evening Holy Hour was at the small church a few minutes walking distance, San Paola alle Regola. We prayed in the small room where St. Paul lived when he was under house arrest. The history of the Church is hidden in every nook and cranny of Rome!

We marked the end of our first full week today -- with two weeks to go! Have we mentioned that we consider ourselves blessed among women! Thank you to CMSWR and our own communities for making this experience possible!