"And so we came to Rome" - Acts 28:14

Friday, January 20, 2012

Scavi tour

Yesterday afternoon we experienced what many of us will likely consider the signature event of our time in Rome: the Scavi (Italian for "excavations") tour beneath St. Peter's Basilica.  For those unfamiliar, only 250 visitors/day are allowed to go on this tour, which takes a group through the underground necropolis where St. Peter was buried after his crucifixion at the hands of the Romans during the persecution of the Emperor Nero.  Tradition had always held that the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles was to be found directly beneath the High Altar of the Basilica, but only in the 20th century did archaeologists begin to unearth and study, and ultimately locate, the relics of St. Peter.  After rigorous scientific study, the relics found were conclusively determined to be those of the first Pope.  This experience really defies explanation on a blog; suffice it to say that this writer was moved to tears when he saw the mortal remains of the man who walked on water with the Lord, confessed him to be the Son of God, denied him in his Passion, and ultimately pledged his love to the Lord again and would "feed his sheep".  As men who are soon to be ordained priests, and completely give ourselves to the service of the Church and the Gospel of Christ, I cannot think of a better thing to do than to see the Rock upon which that Church is built.  Indeed, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  Ubi Petrus, ibi Ecclesia!

The class in the Clementine Chapel, immediately after seeing the bones of St. Peter, which are located just on the other side of the wall seen through the grille above the altar in this picture.  No photography is allowed during the actual tour, which is just as well, since the experience defies description. 

2 comments:

  1. I am so happy for the opportunities you are experiencing.
    God Bless all of you. Thank you for answering God's call
    for your life... only a few more months to go... from Deacon to Priest!
    Look out Diocese of Duluth!

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  2. My brother seminarians,
    I am sure words would be inadequate to describe what you seen under the great Basilica. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to do the same. God bless you all, and I will see you when you get back.
    Andrew Stueve

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