Rome, here we come!
Friday, June 25, 2010
* Ana Rodriguez Soto
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Photographer: FILE PHOTO
That's me outside St. Peter's Basilica after covering the pallium Mass 15 years ago.
Fifteen years later, I am again traveling on a pallium pilgrimage to Rome, this time with Miami’s fourth shepherd, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, and about 250 other Catholics from the Diocese of Orlando and the Archdiocese of Miami.
I must admit I knew nothing about the pallium when I first made the trip 15 years ago. But it was quite an experience to celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica with the Holy Father -- John Paul II at the time -- and to watch as he placed the pallium on the shoulders of not only Archbishop Favalora but also more than two dozen other newly-named archbishops from around the world.
The pallium ceremony always takes place June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. The date was selected because a symbol-loving Church wants to stress the unity between the local archbishops and the successor of St. Peter.
It just so happened that, 15 years ago, the Patriarch of Constantinople took part in the ceremony – one of Pope John Paul II’s many gestures aimed at healing the 1000-year-old rift between the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches.
Back then, the pilgrimage included a memorable side trip to Assisi and the usual visits to the Coloseum, the Roman Forum and other icons of the eternal city.
I thought that was impressive enough, but Archbishop Wenski’s trip promises to be even more memorable: Along with the sights and sounds of both ancient and Christian Rome, we will be:
- taking a side trip to Castelgandolfo, the pope’s summer residence;
- celebrating vespers with the Holy Father the evening before the pallium ceremony and attending his Wednesday general audience;
- celebrating a very, very special vespers inside the Sistine Chapel; and
- gathering for a special reception at the home of the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Miguel Diaz, who happens to be a proud son of Miami: He graduated from our seminary, St. John Vianney, and St. Thomas University; and taught both at St. Vincent de Paul, the major seminary in Boynton Beach, and Barry University.
It all starts with our arrival in Rome on Saturday, June 26, and concludes with our departure from Rome on Friday, July 2. I will be keeping you “posted” (pardon the pun) with daily blogs and lots of pictures aimed at allowing you at home to participate in this pilgrimage in a “virtual” way, thanks to the advances of 21st century technology.
So let’s begin. I’ll check in with you after my 10-hour plane ride.
Arrivederci, Miami. Ciao, Roma!
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COMING UP…
For those of you who want to peek ahead, here’s the list of scheduled events:
June 26: Mass and welcome dinner with Archbishop Wenski
June 27: Tour of Christian Rome in the morning, reception at the home of Ambassador Miguel Diaz in the evening
June 28: morning Mass with Archbishop Wenski at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica; evening vespers with Pope Benedict XVI at St. Paul Outside the Walls
June 29: Pallium Mass (9:30 a.m. Rome time, 3:30 a.m. Miami time; catch it live on our website or catch the one and only replay at 6 p.m. that day); followed by reception at North American College
June 30: General audience with Pope Benedict in the morning; visit to Castelgandolfo in the afternoon
July 1: Tour of ancient Rome; vespers in the Sistine Chapel with Archbishop Wenski
Comments from readers
By the way have a picture taken at the same spot you were standing at 15 years ago!
Cecilia
:o)
Look forward to your reportage! Tom
I will be following everything through your good writing.
Araceli
This may not have been a once in a lifetime experience for you, but most certainly is
for the Archbishop! Unfortunately I can not be with you all in person, but will most definitely be with you in spirit! I look forward to your blog and photos! Safe journey to all.
My prayers for Archbishop Wenski and all the pligrims enjoying this wonderful, joyous
experience!
Barbara