Today to Mass at St Peters and maybe to see the Pope

Today, Sunday, we will attend Mass and go to Communion at St Peter's Basilica. We hope, following the Mass, to join thousands to whom the Pope will speak and extend a blessing. We rise early, have breakfast, check out of the hotel (we go to Naples this PM), and get a taxi to take us to St Peter's. The streets are blocked near the Vatican, so we walk the last mile. We are early, Mass begins in an hour, and the Pope is set to appear nearly 4 hours later, 12:00 PM. We are not sure we will be able to do any of that for which we have come.

Mussolini's Avenue to St Peter's is quiet as we walk Via della Counciliazione to the Basilica.

As we enter the line of those seeking to enter the Basilica to attend Mass, we see the early arrivees gathering in hopes of seeing the Pope.

We get to attend Mass and recieve Communion. We offer our attendence for our families and in thanksgiving for being able to be there.

The Mass was offered in back of the main alter. This is looking back to the main alter, which is used only by the Pope.

The alter where we attended Mass and recieved Communion.

The canopy over the main alter.

Linda reaches for holly water as we prepare to leave the Basilica to go to the Square.

Vatican City's Heraldry Shield.

The Swiss Guard keeping things in order for the anticipated appearance of the Pope.

The crowd is now growing and the excitement is palpable. Will he appear.

The Pope's carpet is dropped. The Pope will be appearing today! And, we are there.

The crowd has now become huge...more than 250,000...in all directions.

Anticipation grows. Banners are everywhere. Songs are sung. Everyone looks to the second window from the rightmost.

The Pope appears and speaks. In his talk Linda's family, the Sassis, is mentioned to the cheers of those there with a banner from San Giovanni in Persiceto, Linda's family town. Yes, we did hear it right. We are seeking a translation of what was said. Nona is in near tears.

The Pope is about to bless the crowd. We bow and make the sign of the cross.

Once the Pope concludes, the bells of St Peter's ring in joy. We are stunned at what happened.

We leave in disbelief we were there and what happened.

We visit Vatican City.

A very full day, beginning at 6 AM so we can get to Vatican City for a very extensive tour: the gardens, the museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Crypts, and St Peter's Basilica; followed by our own side trips. It is good we are both in good physical shape with no foot or leg issues. Miles and miles.

Linda and Stan in St Peter's Square in front of St Peter's Basilica.

Linda by the main alter in St Peter's Basilica. Only the Pope says Mass there.

Linda viewing the Sistine Chapel. It is absolutely stunning. To think one man did this 500 years ago.

Dinner at a very nice typical Rome sidewalk restaurant. The food was terrific. Had a nice talk with some people who were just coming from Naples. Some good cautions.

Stan and Linda Enjoying Italy

Italian Coffee really is Great!

Shopping in Bologna

.....and Linda met with the 4 Families.

.......the Serras (and Allisio Bussolari)......

........the Sassis and the Scagliarinis.......

........and, the Bussolaris.

Tomorrow, Sunday, 13 Octber 2013, a Very Special Day

San Matteo Della Decima: Linda's Family Church

We have much to tell about Linda's visit to her mother's mother's (maternal grandmother) Church. This part needs to lead the many beyond all expectations experiences.

On Friday we asked the parish priest if we could arrange for a Mass to be said for Linda's family. We understood we would not be there at the time but we still would like to do it. The priest, after couciltation, told us he would be pleased to fulfill our request. And, the Mass would be done this Sunday at 10:00 AM. We were stuned. We had to ask later of one of his assistants to ensure we understood correctly.

So, tomorrow we are attending 10:00 AM Mass at San Matteo della Decima. A Mass that will be said on behalf of Linda's family. A Mass we are told that is normally attended by 800 parishioners. 

Linda Learns to do the Bologna Way

Thisnis how we roll dough in Bologna.

Linda gets some coaching on her technique.

Linda earns her Master Rating!

Linda learns about Venus' Belly Button

Do it with this little twist. Ahhhhh.........sooooooo!

Venus' Belly Button

Our Food Tour

Our food tour was very private; it was just us and the guide really personalized it to what we (Linda) wanted. To me it was fascinating and really showed Linda's extensive food knowledge. Linda discussed with our guide, Marcello Amadori, the regional differences in many Italian dishes, even the names. They covered Italian breads, cookies and pastries, pastas, vegetarian and lighter versions, and the importance of truly fresh.