Walk walk walk walk

   Today was a day of touring. As much of a pilgram as I am, I at heart am still a tourist. First us was Mass at St. Paul outside the Walls. What a GIGANTIC church. We had Mass in English and then it was off on a 3 hour walking tour! Really what this means is Franciscan takes us to about a gazillion churches. I will give some brief details of each, but I seriously cannot cover all the interesting and beautiful attributes of everything I saw.

 First up second major basilica of the day, Mary Majors. It is an impressive baroque church, but what is more impressive is what it contains. Along with a few Holy saints buried there, the Church highlights under the main alter actual pieces from Jesus Christ's manger.

   Next was the Basilica of St. Prassede. Prassede was a roman Senator's daughter. In this church was the pillar at which Christ was scourged. It was pretty intense to pray in front of that.
   Walking more.. (oh joy) we headed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This church has the Icon of our lady holding Baby Jesus who is completely dependent on her, and scared for his impending passion. But she looks at us confidently urging us to be brave.

   We took a quick peek into St. John Lateran (but we are going to have Mass there later this week so not much detail here) Then it was off to get Gelato at Old Bridge (the best biggest serving cheapest price Gelato in Rome). Otherwise none as the PERFECT excuse to buy more gelato.

  After the quick gelato break, and a nice rest for our feet, I was again off on another three hour tour. This time of the Vatican Museum. At first I was not too thrilled for this because I figured it would be a boring tour of art and I don't have too big of an appreciation for art. However, as soon as the tour begin i was immediately fascinated  I had many 'jaw dropping' moments, and little gasps i couldn't help but let out! It was just so beautiful. I learned that Italy, the country, is only 81 years old! The Vatican museum, however is the 2nd oldest in the whole world!

  Our tour guide explained the Sistine Chapel before we went in, and without even seeing it I was amazed. Michelangelo was incredible. He painted the Sistine Chapel pretty much as a penance. I can't even begin to explain all of the work and effort and beauty and intricacy went into that chapel. A couple cool things, you know the famous painting of God and man touching fingers? Their fingers are actually over a foot apart!! They seriously look like they are an inch from touching, but because the ceiling is curved, it plays a trick on your mind!

  After three hours of mind blowing information like that, a few of decided to trust Rick and get back into St. Peter's without having to go back through security. Rick told me that there is door in the back of the Sistine Chapel that leads straight to the Vatican. Well, there was a guard there and the door said 'authorized tours only' but Rick said to power on through them. So we did. After a few narrow hallways, walking past a few more guards we came out RIGHT in the foyer of St. Peters. Perfect end to the night. Thanks, Rick.