November 2016
Now, a little bit of Rome first from Wikitravel:
Rome (Italian: Roma), the Eternal City, is the capital and largest city of Italy and of the Lazio region. It's the famed city of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita (the sweet life), the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain. Rome, as a millenium-long centre of power, culture (having been the cradle of one of the globe's greatest civilisations ever) and religion, has exerted a huge influence over the world in its roughly 2800 years of existence.The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With wonderful palaces, millennium-old churches, grand romantic ruins, opulent monuments, ornate statues and graceful fountains, Rome has an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it one of Europe's and the world's most visited, famous, influential and beautiful capitals. Today, Rome has a growing nightlife scene and is also seen as a shopping heaven, being regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world (some of Italy's oldest jewellery and clothing establishments were founded in the city).
With so many sights and things to do, Rome can truly be classified a "global city".
(Aerial photo of Rome from veretanstoday.com)
On our first day in Rome, we explored the city on foot. ALL DAY! So just imagine the pain our legs and feet endured but our eyes and stomach feasted a lot!
Let us start by exploring The Capitoline Hills.
From aviewoncities.com:
The Capitoline Hill is the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome. As the political and religious heart of Rome the hill became a symbol of Rome's reign as Caput Mundi, capital of the world.
Today only traces of the ancient temples are visible. Instead a huge nineteenth century monument built for Italy's first king dominates the north slope.
As impressive as this monument may be, the highlight of the Capitoline Hill however is now undoubtedly the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio, masterfully designed by Michelangelo. It can be reached from the foot of the hill by ascending the majestic Cordonata stairs.
The square is bordered by three palazzos, all with facades designed by Michelangelo. The central one is the Palazzo Senatorio, the city hall of Rome, which was built on top of the ancient Tabularium. The other two, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, are home to the Capitoline Museums.
Click the upper right corner of the main photo to view slideshow.
After Capitoline Hills, we walked going to The Forum. Here are some photos along the way.
Click the upper right corner of the main photo to view slideshow.
Roman Forum, Latin Forum Romanum, most important forum in ancient Rome, situated on low ground between the Palatine and Capitoline hills. The Roman Forum was the scene of public meetings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats in republican times and was lined with shops and open-air markets. Under the empire, when it primarily became a center for religious and secular spectacles and ceremonies, it was the site of many of the city’s most imposing temples and monuments.
Photo below is from Reid's Italy
More info from http://www.reidsitaly.com/destinations/lazio/rome/sights/forum.html
As we explored the place, I cannot help but wonder the life the Romans had before. The buildings, the cobble stoned pathways, the artworks and the architecture burst of rich culture and heritage.
The Roman Forum is one of the most visited places in the city. Well, I will not argue with that. The place has its own charm and heritage to showcase.
These photos are taken with the Vestal Virgins. It was said that "Vestal Virgins were chosen as priestesses between the ages of six and ten, and sworn to celibacy for 30 years. It was their duty to keep the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta burning. The fire was believed to be linked to the fortunes of ancient Rome, so punishment was severe if it ever went out – vestals who neglected their duty would be beaten or flogged. Those who broke their vows of celibacy were buried alive." (theculuturetrip.com)
Argh! Me ganon!
Photos: Sacred Temple, original pathway/stones, the statues of the Vestal Virgins
The city is full of arches, here and there!
Another info:
Built in 203 AD, the Arch of Septimius Severus celebrates the victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, over the Parthians. After Severus’ death in 211 AD, the brothers became co-emperors. It was an uneasy arrangement and one that ended in Caracalla ordering the assassination of Geta, followed by the removal of the latter’s name and image from the family arch. (theculturetrip.com)
And so we continued walking until we reach the Altar of the Fatherland.
We walked further and reached Campitelli. We had our photo first in front of the arch near the Colosseum.
All martyrs and holy men and women of the Colosseum, pray for us.
Every Good Friday, the pope leads the Way of the Cross procession in the Colosseum. The early Christians that died in the arena are remembered on that day. (rome.net)
After the Colosseum, we AGAIN walked further and reached Monti. We passed by a church known as Santa Maria ai Monti, a cardinal titular church. The church was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII to celebrate the discovery of a miraculous 15th century image of our Lady with Saints Lawrence and Stephen.
(Check wikipedia to know more. :-) hehehe!)
We continued our pilgrimage and stopped at the Scala Sancta also known as the Holy Stairs. According to Roman Catholic tradition, the Holy Stairs are the steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial during his Passion. The Stairs reputedly were brought to Rome by St. Helena in the fourth century. For centuries, the Scala Sancta has attracted Christian pilgrims who wish to honor the Passion of Jesus Christ. (www.wikipedia)
I am still weak physically because of my operation but I decided to go up the sanctuary on bended knees. Walking on your knees is already a challenge but I never imagined how difficult it was to go up the stairs using your knees until that time. As I go up, I offered one Hail Mary for every step to make it to the top. Upon reaching the top level I can't help but cry (again!) and be emotional.
(Thank you to Fr. Kiko and Ms Ruby Caderna for taking the photos. I will forever cherish the memory of Scala Sancta.)
After the Scala Sancta visit, we went directly to the basilica of St. John Lateran.
Info about the basilica:
This is the oldest, and ranks first among the four great "patriarchal" basilicas of Rome.
The real name of the church is Basilica of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Evangelist and the Baptist.
From iubilaeummisericordiae.va:
“This is the door of the Lord”, pronounced the Holy Father in the meaningful rite of opening the Holy Door in the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran, which preceded the celebration of Mass. “Open to me the doors of justice”, he added, “In your great mercy I will enter your house, O Lord”. Then he pushed the door open and paused on its threshold in prayer before entering the Basilica.
The main altar is just magnificent!
We explored the interiors of the basilica. My eyes feasted on the different sculptures, pillars, paintings, chandeliers, statues, and architecture. Grabe naman sa ganda!
Gr. Gabo and Fr. Kiko celebrated mass for us. It was, indeed, a grace filled moment.
It was already evening but we have one more stop - the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Pope Francis' favorite churches. He would pass by here and pray before the Blessed Mother before and after his apostolic journey outside of Rome.
Again, we didn't miss the Jubilee Door of Mercy, the Porta Sancta of the basilica.
From the catholicherald.co.uk:
During his homily, Pope Francis said those who cross the Door of Mercy’s threshold are “called to enter into the merciful love of the Father with complete trust and freedom from fear”.
“They can leave this basilica knowing that Mary is ever at their side. She is the Mother of mercy, because she bore in her womb the very Face of divine mercy, Jesus, Emmanuel, the Expectation of the nations, the ‘Prince of Peace’,” he continued.
This basilica is one of the oldest and most important shrines in the world dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In fact, it was built at her request!
According to tradition, a Roman Patrician, Giovanni and his wife, were childless and prayed to the Blessed Mother that she would designate an heir for them to bequeath their wealth. They had a vision in which the Blessed Mother told them that she wished to have a church built in her honor on the Esquiline Hill and the sign to verify this dream the prospective layout of the church would be outlined in snow.…..this in the month of August!
When Giovanni approached his friend, Pope Liberius, with this news he was amazed to find out that on the night of August 4th, 352, the Virgin Mary had appeared to Pope Liberius (352-366) as well. She said a miraculous snowfall would occur that would outline where the church was to be built in her honor.
The next day August 5th, snow indeed did fall on the Esquiline Hill in Rome in the middle of a heat wave. The people staked off the outline of the future Basilica before the snow could melt. Pope Liberius immediately ordered the basilica to be built.
The event provided us with one of Our Lady’s oldest titles, Our Lady of the Snows.
From aviewoncities.com:
The basilica has a beautiful coffered ceiling designed by Giuliano da Sangallo and created in the sixteenth century. It is said to be gilded of gold that was brought from the Americas by Christopher Columbus and presented to pope Alexander VI by the Spanish king.
The famous altar is where Pope Francis would pray before and after his apostolic travels outside of Rome.
What a day! And for the record, I clocked in 16,000+++ steps today! Winner!
That was Rome in one day. We still have a lot to see. We only covered some tourist and pilgrim spots. You need a few more days just to explore the city. We thank our guide, Chiara, for giving us a glimpse of Rome. I will be back, definitely. When? Well, in God's time that's for sure.
(Siguro naman Lord, sa canonization ni Notre Pere pwedeng bumalik, di ba?Hehehe!)
Oh Mary, lady of the greatest heights,
teach us to climb the holy mountain of life in Christ.
Guide us along the paths of God,
marked by your maternal footprints.
Teach us the path of love,
that we might always live in love.
Teach us the path of joy,
that we might bring joy to others.
Teach us the path of patience,
that we might welcome everyone in generosity.
Teach us the path of goodness,
that we might serve our brothers and sisters in need.
Teach us the path of simplicity,
that we might enjoy the beauties of creation.
Teach us the path of meekness,
that we might bring peace to the world.
Teach us the path of fidelity,
that we might never tire of doing good.
Teach us to raise our eyes to the heights,
so as to never lose from our sight
the final goal of our lives:
eternal communion with the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Ah! Caput Mundi
Overwhelming in history
Medieval beauty
- At yan ang sabi ni Manang!
Nov. 2016