If it’s not Baroque, don’t fix it!
Walking down the streets in Rome can be quite confusing. Streets are packed with buses and cars. Then these streets intercross with more narrow roads. There are mopeds beeping behind you trying to get through. A man offers for you to buy scarves on your right. The smell of scrumptious pizza tickles your nose from the left. Rome can be quite crazy sometimes, but in the craziness you can discover little gems in between. And to me, these little gems are the beautiful churches.
The churches in Italy are certainly something you don’t see in the States. They’re older. They’re full of art and history. And there’s so many of these wonderful churches! Every Tuesday at the JFRC campus, students had the opportunity to take a walk with Father Bosco. These walking tours have given me the chance to learn more about Catholicism and its history. All these churches were beautiful and I never knew I would spend so much time enjoying these tours. Not to mention, Father Bosco has particular knowledge of the most delicious gelaterias.
The Assisi Day Trip was another opportunity for JFRC students to see some churches outside of Italy. We visited the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, which included three churches. In addition, we visited Santa Maria degli Angeli. Why are all these churches so gorgeous? I honestly can sit inside for hours to look at every detail. The architecture of these churches is unbelievable sometimes.
Since we’re in the topic of religion, I have to mention my day at the Papal Audience last Wednesday. JFRC usually tries to arrange Papal Audience tickets for students. A group and I walked to the Vatican early in the morning and ended up being second in line. But, lines don’t necessarily mean order in Italy. As soon as the gates opened, the elderly women behind me began to push with much strength as I wiggled my way in through the running crowd. Despite the chaos, we managed to find seats in the first five rows.
The Papal Audience was certainly a unique experience as there were people from all over the world. Even during the blessings, it was translated in English, Italian, German, Spanish, and many more languages. The beauty of the ceremony made me realize how universal religion really is. Many people traveled around the world to see Pope Francis and to see people moved by the Pope made the experience even more extraordinary.
Next week will be my last days in Italy. I’m leaving on Friday morning and it’s weird to think how much I adjusted to the Italian life. There’s so much more I want to do even if I have done a lot in five weeks. I’m now off to Venice to celebrate the last weekend in Italy! Ciao!