Reflection by: Carissa
Chronicles of a pilgrim – Day 1 – Rome
Coming into this trip, I was feeling excited but also not knowing what to expect as I’ve not been to Italy before, or been on a pilgrimage like this before. As we went to each of the different locations, I was in awe and amazement.
Similarly, I was in awe of the gold details & the intricate mosaic tile paintings all around the churches. I particularly enjoyed the unique embellishments of the ceilings, adorned with decorated images of Christ, His Apostles and Mother Mary to name a few.
Our first stop was the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The grandness and intricacy of the designs were what stood out to me first. The wall around was initially built to protect against invasions towards the end of the 9th century, while the bell towel & Byzantine door were built in the 11th century.
Before converting the space for catholics, this basilica were initially designed more for political reasons than religious one; designed to look like the Roman and Greek courthouses. The structure and layout, with its large open spaces, allowed people to come and gather. During the time that this basilica was built, it was considered to be the largest Basilica of Rome, until the consecration of the new Basilica of St. Peter in 1626.
Next, we went to the Trastevere area, where we visited the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Church of San Francesco a Ripa, and the Santi Quaranta Martiri e San Pasquale Baylon Church.
Similarly, I was in awe of the gold details & the intricate mosaic tile paintings all around the churches. I particularly enjoyed the unique embellishments of the ceilings, adorned with decorated images of Christ, His Apostles and Mother Mary to name a few.
The Basilica of Santa Maria was first built by Pope Callistus I in the 3rd Century, and was completed by Saint Julius I in 340. The interior of the basilica is divided into 3 naves by columns from the Baths of Caracalla.
Next, the Church of San Francesco a Ripa was the first church in Rome dedicated to Saint Francis. Within the church lies the tomb of Saint Charles of Sezze, where his body lies incorrupt and covered in wax. He was a Franciscan Friar who was canonised by Pope John Paul XXIII in 1959.
Finally to end of the day, we had a lovely group dinner back at our hotel. Overall, it was a very eventful day of learning about these churches & basilicas — seeing these beautifully designed places of worship kept me in awe and wonder, and prompted me to ponder more on our Catholic history. It was a very blessed first night in Rome!
