Day 18 and 19

July 11th, St. Benedict, and 12th

Sister Irene of Das Werk led us on a most amazing Scavi tour today (Friday)! Her knowledge of the history of excavations and building, her love of the Church and our first Pope St. Peter, and her beautiful spirit made this a "Multo bene!" day. This is the most informative website I could find on the necroplis beneath St. Peter's and the rediscovery of the tomb of St. Peter directly beneath the main altar. However, I promise reading this will not be as riveting or make much sense without Sister Irene. At the end, we prayed a fervent Apostles' Creed at the tomb of Peter and remembered all of your intentions for which we have promised to pray.

Because photos were not allowed during the Scavi tour we will show this picture of the Sisters with the motorini which are always parked just by the front door of the Domus. Yes, there may be some wishful thinking -- although I think you'd be looking for martyrdom to take one out on the streets of Rome.

We are down to our last few days in Rome -- and time to write is short. If I had time I would want to tell you about

+ the tour of the catacombs of St. Priscilla -- easier to get to than the other catacombs and has the oldest image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding Jesus and oldest image of the three kings. Our tour guide was great -- particularly because he knew the way out! (Seven of us on Thursday 7/10)

+ our near arrest -- we met at the obelisk in St. Peter's square for a photo and held up blank sheets of paper to use for a thank you. The Italian police were vigilant in their concern not to allow demonstrations within the square. We were so grateful that Sister Kathleen could explain our purpose. We dispersed quickly!

+ Father Bechina's talk to us at the Congregation for Catholic Education on Friday. We can feel a legitimate pride for the way the Church promotes human dignity through service to the world. (Father is in leadership in an international conference for education. He also explained the unique diplomatic role of the Vatican State since it is not bound by allies and has an interest in the rights of people everywhere.)

+ Father Bechina's four conferences on "The Joy of the Gospel." This would definitely be a great document to study and discuss with a group -- so practical, so real, so full of love for Christ, His Church, all the people of God. Father Bechina of Das Werk lives this document.

+ Mass on Saturday at San Andrea delle Valle, then time to pray at St. Philip Neri. We planned to join a 10:30 tour of the saint's rooms, but found out that in July and August you need an appointment. After interceeding with St. Philip Neri, he sent a young man who is a guest/candidate to give us a wonderful tour. His love for his spiritual father was so evident. Several of us continued on to pray at Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone.

+ An after dinner walk up the street to the Pantheon where a large group of singers were giving a concert. A few blocks away we stopped to visit Jesus at a church that has Eucharistic adoration. The Lord has tucked little surprises for us in every nook and cranny.

+ You'll be surprised to hear that we had some gelato -- the gentleman on the left is the owner. Another gentleman offered to take the picture for us and his family happily joined us. We see many Sisters daily and many people who are gracious to us. We have become part of the decoration of Rome and have probably been added to many Facebook pages of tourists as we often see cameras surreptitiously aimed at us and occasionally receive a direct request. May we be billboards for Jesus!