Funerals and the Fourth of July

Friday we attended the Funeral of Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea.  He was a priest of Greensburg, PA - but had served in the Diplomatic Service for many years - including service as the Apostolic Nuncio in Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen and Qatar and the Delegate to the Arabian Peninsula from 2001-2005.  Thereafter, he returned to Rome and was a Canon at St. Peter's Basilica.  While here in Rome he also served for a time as the Assessore at the Order - assisting in the time of transition between Cardinal Foley and, then, Archbishop O'Brien.

Funerals at St. Peter's are reverent but to the point.  Archbishop De Andrea died on Wednesday night - his funeral was Friday.  It's a simple casket on the floor with a Gospel book placed upon it.  The Basilica's choir sings.  Mass it at the "Altar of the Chair."  Purple vestments to remind us of the penance yet to be done by many of us - even after death.  

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.  And let perpetual Light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.  May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

But that same day, we had the opportunity to say: Happy 4th of July!

We were invited to an official diplomatic celebration of the 4th at the Embassy of the United States to the Holy See.  As you can imagine with all that is happening in the world today - security was tight - but the atmosphere in side was very warm!  A Gospel choir singing, Marines in full dress uniform presenting the Colors, the National Anthem, speeches and, of course, FOOD: hot dogs, hamburgers - I even found a veggie burger - YUMMY!  A great way to celebrate the 4th!

Meeting of European Lieutenants

Also this week we had a big meeting at the headquarters of the Order - a meeting of all (less one) of the Lieutenants of Europe.  They came from England and Spain, Germany and Sweden, Russia and (of course) Italy and gathered in Rome to discuss issues of importance to the Order and the local Lieutenancies of the Order.  It is a great opportunity for the local leaders to network and communicate about what they are doing.  It was a great opportunity for me to meet some of the men and women with whom I work so closely in planning Investiture trips.

On Monday evening we had the customary banquet.  But we also had several surprises...

The newly appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem - with whom the Order will work VERY closely - came by for a visit.

Also, several members of the order received a special honor - being named Knights of the Collar.

Lastly, the Russian Lieutenant brought along a gift for His Eminence - a beautiful painting of the domes of Moscow.

Pompei Scavi and Investiture - Part 2

And in this portion of the post - the Investiture - the reason for our trip down south to Pompei.

We stayed at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei.  I never recognize how this popular image of Our Lady (seen all over the US) is a reflection of the Immigration that took place in the 1800-1900's from Italy (particularly this southern part of Italy) to America.  Here is information on the Shrine itself.

Well, this shrine to Our Lady of Pompei is where it all started.

After our visit to the Scavi of ancient Pompeii, we went to the Shrine and the Archbishop who is responsible for the Shrine - and its MANY charitable organizations - took us up the bell tower where we had a wonderful view of all of Pompei & Pompeii

Mount Vesuvius back there...

The buildings here are all part of the charitable outreach of the Shrine: school, prison, housing... it's incredible all the things they do at the Shrine.

Then Archbishop Caputo took is through the shrine and its many chapels.  It is a MAJOR pilgrimage spot for many Italians (and others) so there are various chapels all through the complex - in addition to the main shrine church.  In one of the chapels lies the body of Blessed Bartolo Longo - a member of the Order (the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem) and, really, the founder of the entire shrine and complex.

Then, on Sunday, was the event for which we had come to Pompei - the Investiture.  

Blessed Bartolo Longo's cause is still under investigation.  Perhaps you could ask his intercession - and maybe be part of him becoming a saint...

Pompei Scavi and Investiture - Part 1

Well, after the departure of our pilgrims on June 23 (by the way, some of those whose luggage was lost STILL have not received it at home - say a prayer for them), Cardinal O'Brien and I had a very busy week - thus the delay in my posting.

On Friday, June 24 we headed south to Pompei for an Investiture Ceremony.  While I'll describe the weekend here - one word can sum it up: HOT!  It was 33 degrees (about 91 degrees) and humid.  Throughout the weekend we were just hot and sweaty!  Yuck!  None-the-less, it was a great weekend Investiture with a special tour of the Scavi of Pompeii.

As I've been writing - I decided to split this post into 2 parts: Part 1 - the Scavi; Part 2 - the Investiture.

(Have you noticed the different spellings already?  The ancient city is "Pompeii" - the modern city is "Pompei.")

Because this was my first trip - the local Lieutenant of the Order had arranged for the Cardinal and I to have a guided tour of the excavations.  Here are some photos as we started out into the area of ancient Pompeii.

As you can guess, this photo shows Mount Vesuvius in the background - because of the heat and humidity - it's a bit hazy - but you can see how close it is - only 8 kilometers (5 miles) away from the ancient town of Pompeii.

I learned that these big blocks were a normal part of Roman streets in Pompeii.  The purpose was simple - to keep chariots and carts out of the public pedestrian areas - like the town square.

This is the Roman bath.  Just look at the frescos and details in these next few photos!  Incredible!

This is the ceiling in the Bath

This is a home that had been converted into a business

The "hole" in the roof allowed water to gather in the basin below.

Exquisite tile work

 The theater

We did see the famous casts of people who died at Pompeii - the people who simply lay down in their place and whose bodies, covered by ash for centuries, left "holes" in the ground where their bodies had been.  When the area was excavated they found these "caverns" where intact (but now decomposed) bodies had lain - and they poured plaster into the holes - leaving us with the perfect casts of their exact position as they died.

If you'd like to learn more about Pompeii - here's a LINK to a History Channel website.  I don't really like the "scare tactic" at the end... but...

June 23 - Reflections and Return to USA

Well, it has been a wonderful 10-days on pilgrimage.  It certainly has not been without challenges and difficulties, but as I wrote the pilgrims prior to departure - ANY pilgrimage has its struggles and difficulties... it is one way the devil tries to destroy the graces that people receive during their journey.  So, interspersed with photos from throughout our trip - let me (from my perspective) try to share some of my thoughts on the graces of our trip.

On the bus on arrival in Krakow

Mass in the Divine Mercy Shrine

The Barbican in Krakow - part of the old city walls of fortification

Krakow was a time of great blessing.  Beginning our pilgrimage at the Divine Mercy Shrine itself was a clear sign of God's presence with us on this journey.  The first group to arrive was able to join in the 3pm Divine Mercy devotions in the convent chapel - where the earthly remains of St. Faustian rest - and where the image of Divine Mercy is located.  Once our second group arrived, we were able to celebrate Holy Mass in this very special place.

Then we were able to enjoy and tour the wonderful city of Krakow - then reflecting on the horrors of Auschwitz - while recognizing the many Graces that God offered to its victims.  

Contemplating the realities of Auschwitz

Listening at Birkenau - Auschwitz 2

Then traveling to Wadowice - the place where Pope Saint John Paul II was baptized and raised.  We visited the wonderful new John Paul II museum next to the church - in a building what used to be his home.  These days, too, were days of grace and an awareness of God's nearness and God's mercy.

Church where JP II was baptized.

Altar of JP II

Baptismal font in which JP II was baptized

THEN - after such graced moments - the devil began his attacks.  Due to a strike at Italian airports (we have heard rumors that it was due to the Italian soccer game at the Euro Cup), our connecting flight from Vienna to Florence was cancelled.  This caused rebooking... which were not very "user friendly" - but everyone and our itinerary was profoundly impacted.

• We were split into 3 groups: a group of 4; a group of 21; and a group of 8.
• Groups 1 & 2 flew, as scheduled, on the first flight from Krakow to Vienna - but then had a 9 (or 10) hour layover until our next flights:
• Group 1 to Rome then to Florence - arriving about 11pm
• Group 2 to Stuttgart then to Florence - arriving about 10pm
• Group 3 had to remain in Krakow yet another day - but they shared that they had a WONDERFUL extra day in this city - exploring Schindler's factory (where he helped save many Jews from the Nazi camps) and exploring the city of Krakow some more.  But then, the devilish attacks began on this group...
• They flew from Krakow to Frankfort - although their flight was delayed about 40 minutes, causing them to miss their connection to Florence.  They were diverted and rerouted to Amsterdam - yes, Amsterdam - then to Rome - arriving 7 hours later than had been scheduled.  
• AND, 5 of the 8 people arrived, but their luggage did not.  In fact, although they left for the US this morning - they left without luggage.  THIS was a special attack on our pilgrims - as some had put some important items in their checked bag which they'll need (and will not have) on their return.  

Despite these attacks, we continued on and grew closer together as pilgrims as a result.  We were not about to allow the devil to steal from us the many graces of our journey!

Florence - which Group 3 was unfortunately not able to experience - was nice...  A closed Baptistry due to Jubilee Year activities...  And we had hoped to renew our baptismal promises inside.  But this didn't stop us from renewing our commitment to Christ!

Visiting the museum in Florence

Assisi was, as always, WONDERFUL!  It is a place of such peace and calm.  Our visit to Maria degli Angeli provided a good start - then going up to the old town (after waiting for the rain to end) - visiting the churches of St. Claire and St. Francis - our beautiful hotel - the wonderful view - and an evening out on the balcony with our fellow pilgrims.

Then, off to Rome - the Eternal City!  Again, there are so many graces - and temptations to lose them.  Our visit began at the beautiful Paul Outside the Walls - then a bit of rain (which was fine) and St. Mary Major.  All very good - at each place going through the Holy Door, praying for a moment, and moving on.  But the "lost luggage" continued to haunt us.  We have only a 1-hour window in which the airline allows you to call to inquire about your luggage - and judging from the wait time, a LOT of people were effected by the strike on Friday.  Temptation after temptation to despair or become angry because of "things."  But we continued to find ways to overcome our doubt and fear by focusing on God's love and mercy.

At St. Paul Outside the Walls

Looking down toward the tomb of St. Paul

Tuesday was Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the grotto of the Popes.  Here, too, problems.  Because of a "backlog" that morning, Fr. Richards and I waited in the sacristy for more than 1/2 hour - then when we were finally ready - we were told we had missed our time and would not be allowed to celebrate Mass.  Fortunately, the other group's priest (scheduled after us) was kind and merciful - and we promised to finish in 1/2 hour, so they could also have their opportunity for Mass.  The devil is foiled again!

At this point, I went to work - while the pilgrims had a chance to visit the church and shop.  Then I showed them around our office - which is very near to St. Peter's Basilica. 

Our office is the one on the left with the flag on the roof

The afternoon was a visit to the Vatican Museum.  It's HOT!  It always adds to the atmosphere where there is little sleep and lots of people...  We walked through the heat and crowds to the Museum.  The paperwork I was told to bring was not sufficient... one of our pilgrims fell ill... the crowds pushed in on us... the museum was PACKED... the Sistine Chapel was less than spiritual... but we persevered on!

Lunch, then a visit to the roof of the North American College.  Again, attempts to derail us!  There was a miscommunication and the bus driver took us to the American University - not the NAC.  But we got turned back around and arrived at the correct place, went up the elevator to the roof, and enjoyed a beautiful view of the city and St. Peter's.

I was getting distracted, and this is the only photo I have (via Kristlyn) of our time on the roof.

The audience was on Wednesday.  Again, I went to work while the pilgrims awaited the arrival of the Holy Father.  They got a VERY good glimpse as he went by in the Pope-mobile.  They had a good - albeit hot and sunny (and "pushy") experience.  Lunch, the last Papal Basilica - St. John Lateran - the Holy Stairs - and attempt to visit the Gesu (but it was CLOSED - go figure), then Mass with Cardinal O'Brien.  All through this: heat, tired people, lost luggage, lost sleep, lack of public restrooms... but we continued on - not allowing the evil one to win.

the CLOSED Gesu

After Mass with Cardinal O'Brien

And today - arrival at the airport HOPING luggage will be available - but nothing.  Getting on a flight for home without your important and earthly belongings...  one last attempt by the evil one to destroy the graces of our Year of Mercy Pilgrimage.

Throughout the journey I tried to remind our pilgrims of these attacks - and that we discover our true freedom when we can recognize and confront those attacks - and choose God instead.  Perhaps, reflecting on the past 10 days - perhaps this was the lesson - at least for me.

God's grace, God's mercy is ALWAYS available - it is WE who must choose it - or lose it.

Thank you to all who joined me here in Rome - whether here on pilgrimage - or spiritually being united with us through this blog.  Thank you for your prayers and spiritual closeness.

One last reflection... a personal one.  Seeing everyone from "home" - spending time with Fr. Richards... it brought all my emotions back to the surface this morning... But it is God who has me here for some reason He will reveal in due time.

Now, I prepare for my next work trip - Pompei.  I'll blog again next week!