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Canonizations, Crowds, and Angst.

As I ready myself for a jaunt to Rome and Vatican City I find myself experiencing more of a desire to stay home. Don't get me wrong, I am very appreciative of my family making the sacrifices for my trip. And I look forward to seeing a part of the world that has, in many ways been on the geographic periphery of my life (for obvious reasons). But it wasn't supposed to be this way.  I wasn't supposed to be heading there without my son and my lovely wife. While the friendship I share with my old classmate is what provided this opportunity--I am just a little out of place. Allow me to explain... The purpose of the trek is to go and participate as part of the cloud of witnesses to the canonizations of Popes John 23 and John Paul 2. My friend and old seminary classmate proposed this adventure a few months back. He had reserved space at a religious house in Rome and asked if I wanted to accompany him.  The plan is to be at the Vatican for a few days then on to visit his c...
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Beatification...an unexpected but perfect view

I awoke early this morning on Divine Mercy Sunday...the day of Beatification of John XXIII and John Paul II.   I headed towards the Vatican...knowing I wouldn't get too far.  Within one mile I hit a road block of humanity.   I could get no further than the far side of the castle de Angelo .   I watched as valiant men from all nations held their flags high and forged onward...like A civil war general leading the charge at Gettysburg.  With courage and valor they met the pointy elbows of  little Italian women...and fell. I had enough.  I grabbed a free bottle of water, turned and swam upstream. Nothing new to my life. I arrived at Mary Queen of Apostles church in time for Holy Eucharist. I knelt, prayed and offered intentions. I went to my room, turned on the tv and watched the liturgy happening blocks away. My wife and I conversed via text as she watched in the states.   Bells tolled in the city announcing the moment in time. It was th...
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John XXIII and a possessed woman

My day in the Eternal City.... Lines at security at 7 am to get into St Peters. Holy Mass over the body of S. John XXIII....pretty cool considering he will be canonized in 48 hours. Since it was my first time in front of the actual Chair of Peter, I meandered for some time and watched the sunlight light up centuries of inspired and perspired creations.....Bernini and Michelangelo and so many more. The crowds poured in. I waited in line to order a 'new' papal blessing. Found a pizzeria and had a cappuccino with a simple pizza while gypsies with accordions worked the street. I  witnessed young seminarians or priests walk by, all day, in their best attire, clean shaven with combed hair. Young couples holding hands, musicians and acrobats and men fixing streets I walked through town over the Tiber and through some churches and basilicas...offering prayers, wondering, watching, praying. Gazed at three Caravaggios and fell in love with good live art. I prayed before crosse...
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