Rome 2013 — The First Day

Well, we arrived in Rome early, and had to wait on the tarmac for a goodly time until they had a gate open at Leonardo Da Vinci Airport.   Coasting to the gate, we found ourselves departing from the back of the plane down a stairs (just like the President from Air Force One), to the bus awaiting us.  We boarded, found ourselves passing through customs (a leer from the official and a stamp on our passport got us through quickly!)  And then we gathered around kiosk 5 for our luggage, which in Italian fashion SLOWLY descended onto the carrousel.  From there a long walk to the bus with our enthusiastic Italian guide, and off to the Catacombs of San Sebastian.

I have never been to these catacombs.   They lie just opposite of San Calixtus (which I experience on the 2006 Pilgrimage to Italy, the larger and more noted of all the 60 catacombs outside the old city walls of Rome).   Our group of 81 pilgrims and Archbishop Tobin learned that San Sebastian has over 7 miles of tunnels, 3 levels, and interred over 100,000 bodies at its zenith.  The original area was a Roman (pagan) burial area (200 A.D.) for mausolea (tombs for the ashes of families and citizens of Rome who were pagan).  By 300 A.D., the catacombs were hewn from the tufa (volcanic) rock, and the Christians buried the bodies of their dead in the niches and arched family areas below ground.  By 400 A.D., the mausolea were buried under debris and dirt, a veranda was built over this site, and finally a church was erected, first to Peter and Paul (whose remains had lain here for a time), and then to Saint Sebastian, a Milanese soldier of the palace guard who, upon becoming Christian, was shot with arrows and finally flayed alive (his remains are in the church over his tomb).

Ceiling of the Chapel of San Sebastian.  Wood, suspended.

The remainder of the day was spent gaining our hotels (2 for this large group) and resting until 4:15pm (10:15am Indy time).  We then went to the North American College (seminary residence for North American’s studying for the priesthood) to celebrate Mass for the day with Archbishop Tobin.  Finally, we spent a wonderful evening in the Piazza Navonna viewing the art works, the architecture, and sharing in a fine meal at a local restaurant (good mineral water, very good red wine, and a menu magnificent!)

Now, to bed and preparation for an early morning, with a 2 hour bus trip culminating with Mass at Orvietto.  Ciao!

Fr. Rick