Rome Liturgical Experiences!

With about 900 churches in the city itself, Rome is not shy of religion. In Italy about 90% identify themselves as Roman Catholic while just over a third practice regularly. In Rome, about 98% of the population would say they are Roman Catholic. So, it has been a real adventure- especially as a theology major- exploring the Roman experience of faith.

I would like to tell you about 4 particularly awesome experiences of faith that I have had here in Rome.

1. Mass & Reconciliation at St. Peter's  

St. Peter's is beyond beautiful - the Baroque art, the statues, the paintings, the altar, everything. Mass was a dream. It was in Latin, but the homily and readings were in Italian. I couldn't understand most of it but I'm pretty sure at one point the priest said, "Christ does not give mercy, He IS mercy." And even if he didn't, I think its still a nice message. Also, I went to reconciliation. The priest did not speak for a couple minutes so there was a moment I wondered if I was confessing to myself. No worries, he turned out to be very nice.

2.  Ecumenical Service at St. Gioacchino

 During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, St. Gioacchino, the parish down the street from St. Johns where we live, held an ecumenical prayer service. There was an Evangelical pastor, a Lutheran pastor, an Orthodox priest, and a Roman Catholic priest. It was an awesome celebration of Christian unity with readings, songs, homilies, and petitions that reflected on the theme "Christ cannot be divided". My favorite part by far was when we all said the creed together. It was so awesome to be a part of a Christian unity that, despite differences, worships the one same God.

3. Armenian Catholic Feast at St. Blaze

On the Feast Day of St. Blaze, I went to the Parish of St. Blaze for an Armenian mass. The priests and deacons were all decked out and the parish was packed. Interestingly, I found it more similar to the Roman Catholic rite than a Ukrainian Catholic rite I've been to. But they did have a large red curtain that they closed at certain parts of the celebration. I met a priest who blessed my throat with candles and blessed oil, since St. Blaze is the patron of throat illnesses. They also gave out free breads, a special tradition on St. Blaze's feast.

4. French Mass at Trinita dei Monti

Trinita dei Monti is a lovely church with a beautiful view from the top of the Spanish Steps. On Thursday (Feb 6), Kat, Delaney, Sarah, and I went to mass there in French. We walked in and saw 15 nuns in white and 15 priests in white kneeling and sitting in front of the pews. The nuns especially were so cute! They came and gave us the sign of peace holding both of our hands and smiling so sweetly. They also sang beautifully and harmonized with the men. After mass they sang a hymn and each verse a set of lights turned out until only candle light and a spotlight lit the monstrance. It was such a calming adoration. French nuns are wonderful!

Candle Offering in front of Crucifix at St. Blaze Parish