St. Peter's Tomb

      Yesterday I taped the installation of Pope Francis as the Bishop of Rome.  This evening I have been watching it and at one point he walked down to the Tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope who was appointed by Jesus.  You can't help but wonder what was his prayer.

      Seeing this seemingly humble man kneeling there, it brought back memories from 1993 when I  went on a pilgrimage to seven countries in Europe in twenty-three days.  It was an amazing experience and one that I am eternally grateful. 

      One morning we had Mass at the tomb of St. Peter.  This is what I wrote in my journal.
  
      Rome     7-24-93
         Up this morning at 6:00 - and a brisk walk to the Vatican.  Our group were the first through the front doors this day.  Not many around at 7:00 except a few nuns and security.  The Swiss Guards wear navy colored uniforms in the morning and at night - only the colorful ones during the day - the navy ones look just like the others.  They are made from a beautiful material.
         We looked around the church until Father Mac (Father MacKinnon, our Chaplain on the trip) was led from the sacristy and they ushered our group to the altar in front of St. Peter's tomb.  Father was very pleased to get this spot even at 7:30 a.m.  A sister from Pittsburgh joined us for Mass.       
        Frank (was from Saipan in the Mariannas Islands.  He was the choir director at the Cathedral there)  had bought a chalice for a new priest in his diocese.  He said the man was very poor and only had a plain cup given to him by the diocese.  Frank wanted him to have a very nice one.  Frank is very generous.  From what he says, status is very important on Saipan.  Anyway, Fr. Mac used this new chalice at Mass and as it turned out Frank was the first lay person to drink from it.  The new priest was ordained July 9, my birthday.  As I took Communion, I thought about the incongruity of life.  His ordination on one side of the world on my birthday - my being at the first time the Chalice was used on the other side of the world.
       We came back for breakfast (to the hotel) and at 10:00 headed back for the diggings.  Under the Vatican about 1939, they discovered a Roman burial ground and also the site of the original St. Peters built by Constantine is partly there as well.  This was much more interesting then the catacombs.  We then went through the Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel.
       The museums are spectacular.  Sculpture from B.C., beautiful works of art and tapestries - too numerous to mention.  What a treasure trove. 
       I was a little disappointed in the Chapel.  It's so much to take in.  I always thought it was round - and there's no altar just benches along the walls.  The painting are spectacular - but not restful.
       While reading for this trip about Pilgrimages, I read about Islamic tradition having all Muslims come to Mecca in their lifetime.  Today at Mass in this holy place, I could understand their need.   We can be good Catholics and never come to Rome and the Vatican but being here makes you feel so privileged to be here.  Fr. Mac said the best thing we could do was to go home and serve the Lord by being the best we can be.

  While we were waiting for a Pope to be selected, I was asked several times who I wanted to take Benedict's place.  My prayer was that whomever was chosen would be the best for the Church.  I hope all of our prayers have been answered.