Inside: Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square
This week, a pontiff -the head of the Catholic Church- retired from his post. A first in more than 600 years! The Holy Father is currently in the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. He bid the faithfuls goodbye last February 28, 2013. It is said that it could be his last public appearance and would then lead a life of study and prayers in seclusion.
This blog post I guess is in response to such a historical event. I’m fortunate enough to have seen Pope Benedict XVI when he celebrated the canonization mass of 7 blessed person, one of which is a Filipino – Pedro Calungsod – last October 21, 2012. I flew to Rome from London just for that celebration along with thousands of Filipinos.
The sun hasn’t even risen yet and the place is already teeming with people eager to attend the canonization mass!
As was pointed out to me by locals in the area, the Pontiff is now awake! hehe The room with the lights on is (was) his room.
Filipinos from all over the world came for such a joyous occasion! Some of whom we’ve talked to were living in Rome, some flew from Canada, many from the rest of Europe and of course, the Philippines!
The cardinals
As much as we wanted to cheer for our fellow Filipino, it was requested that everyone observe the sanctity of the celebration. Cheers were allowed after the mass.
The square was packed! We were informed that we’d be needing a ticket to secure our seats. Oh no! I didn’t knew that! But everyone was just so kind -we were offered tickets for free, flags to wave etc!
Pope Benedict XVI up close! :D
It was my fourth visit to the eternal city of Roma. On my first visit, I tried to see as much of the Vatican as I could. To visit St. Peter’s Basilica is free. One only has to be mindful of one’s clothing, no bare shoulder and no shorts/ skirts above the knee. There is a (seriously) long queue for security purposes but the line is quick! Entrance to the Basilica is free.
THE queue.
St. Peter
Taking pictures is allowed as well. It’s just with the clothing that they are very particular about.
The tomb of the late Pontiff, John Paul II
People I’ve met kept recommending that I go up the cupola as one can see the whole of the Vatican from there. Do take note that once you’ve decided to go up, there literally is no turning back as the passage goes one way and many people are heading up. The view from above is really nice though!
Reminders!
Looking down the Basilica from high up!
Time to head up the cupola :D
It was a bit of a squeeze.
St. Peter’s Square as seen from the top of the Basilica
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Oh you’re so lucky to have witnessed that, dear! What a blessed and beautiful experience!
I have to agree! It isn’t in every generation that we get to have a fellow Filipino canonized! :D