That is my favorite saying by Saint John Paul II. I even have it tattooed on my foot. And it's definitely something I've had to be since I came to Italy. And I finally had the chance to see where John Paul lived. Rome was such a holy place, you could feel it. Also what was amazing was I got to be in Rome for the Fest Day of Saint John Paul II. Which is October 22nd. God definitely worked some things out for me while I was there :)
I woke up at 4am to catch my train to Rome on October 21st. It took about 5 hours to get there. I got into Rome around 12pm and went to my hostel to check in, then got on a train to go to the Vatican! I could see the top as I was walking to it, then I turned a corner and there is was...
When I first saw the Vatican it brought tears to my eyes. It was so amazing, I still can't believe I saw it. I spent the afternoon walking around St. Peter's square, and then went inside the Vatican. It was the most beautiful church I have even seen. I spent over 3 hours inside just soaking it all in.
After the Vatican. I went to go see Trevi Fountian. Unfortunately they are restoring it, so it's mostly covered up. But still was cool to see that. I wondered around some more, then headed back to St. Peter's square to meet a friend of mine Courtney who is studying in Rome. So we could hangout and have dinner. It was so great to see her! After that I headed back to my hostel, and got super lost :/ I got on the wrong train and ended up about 45 mins outside of Rome. In the middle of nowhere and no more trains were running that late. So thank goodness for Courtney I was able to get a taxi. 70 euro later I got back to my hostel and went to sleep.
Day two in Rome was super exciting for me. Because I got to see Pope Francis! On Wednesday's there is the Papal Audience. It starts at 10am, but if you want to get close you need to get there really early. I got to the Vatican around 6:30am and there was already a pretty long line. They opened the gates around 8am and it took forever to actually get in. I ended up getting a pretty good seat near the front middle where he would drive up in the Pope mobile. Once he came out everyone quickly stood up on chairs to try and see him. I couldn't see him at first then he came up near where I was sitting and I saw him and just cried.
He was hugging and kissing children from the crowd, blessing people. It was amazing. We did prayers and he did a blessing over everyone in the crowd.
So grateful I had the chance to see him.
After that I went to the Vatican museums and Sistine chapel! I loved all of the art and different sculptures.
So we weren't allowed to take pictures in the Sistine chapel. But I snuck this really bad quality picture of the "Creation of man" I have wanted to see this for so long.
Later that afternoon I met with one of my moms friends son, (who I guess I knew when I was a kid. But I don't remember.) Who is a seminarian in Rome. Brother Jonathan showed me around and took me to some of his favorite churches. He was such a nice guy and it was great to see/meet him again.
I didn't stay out very late, I went back to the hostel and went to bed early.
My final day in Rome. I got up early and went to the Vatican one more time. I sat outside drinking my cappuccino, just looking and thinking. I stayed there for a few hours then sadly left the Vatican. I headed to the main part of the city to go see the Colosseum. It was huge!
I walked around just looking at different places the rest of the day. Then I had to get to the train station to go back home. I had the most amazing time in Rome. I'm so grateful and blessed to have had this chance to see such a holy place. It definitely help my faith a lot. I will never forget it. And I look forward to when I can go back!
So happy for you Dehvin! You must have had to be very brave with the confusing train trip! I am glad it worked out ok and you made it back safely! You Rock!
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