Saints, Secrets and Tombs (September 11th)

Our first week in Rome has been filled with many exciting moments as well as the typical orientation type information: how you do laundry; where you can get a haircut; which restaurant has the best bruschetta? There were many important things to learn, but the highlights would have to be celebrating Mass at the tomb of St. Peter, visiting some of the Vatican Secret Archives, and exploring the tombs of the Ancient Etruscan civilization.

There are 33 priests from the US, Canada, New Zealand and the Solomon Islands studying here together at the Institute for Continuing Theological Education(ICTE). We are based in Casa O'Toole at the North American College which is technically part of Vatican City State.

Last Friday we had the opportunity to celebrate Mass together at the tomb of St. Peter.

 

It was a humbling experience to stand in front of Peter's bones and hear the Gospel which proclaims, "You are Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church".

Father David & St. Peter

We were also lucky to be able to see some of the documents from the Vatican Secret Archives that were on exhibit in Rome. The fallacy about the secret archives of the Vatican is that the Church is hiding something. The reality is that the archives are not hidden, but restricted to those who are doing research. Learn more about the archives here.

It was fascinating to read the letters from President Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis to Pope Pius IX responding to the Pope's efforts to encourage a peaceful resolution to the American Civil War. These letters and many other incredible documents of history are preserved for us today because of the foresight of many popes in establishing and preserving the secret archives.

Necropolis of the Etruscans

  

Estruscan tombs

The Etruscan people preceded the Romans and had an extensive culture in Italy from ancient times. In many ways they were like the ancient Greeks. On Saturday, I visited an Etruscan necropolis or cemetery that dates back to 700 B.C. The Etruscans buried many things with their loved ones because they had a strong belief in the afterlife. Their concept, however was very materialistic. They left farm tools and food for their ancestors so that they would feel comfortable in the next world.




Since today we remember the many people who lost their lives on September 11th, it seems like a good time to reflect on how we respect our beloved dead. What are our hopes for the next life and how do we prepare ourselves for it?

Our classes this week have been focused on religious art and architecture. Tomorrow we will take a break to attend an audience with Pope Benedict and then back to class to learn how to read art. I look forward to sharing some of what I learn with you.

Peace and Goodness,

FD