Today we headed to Firenze (Florence for my American friends). I must say, Fr. Kevin had it right going to Assisi and taking day trips. That bus ride to Florence was brutal and we didn’t get nearly enough time there to see everything and shop.Upon arrival, we headed to the Academy and saw David. To our Indy friends, be thankful you got to take pictures because they don’t allow it now. This one is from Piazzale Michelangelo above Florence and ...

My guess is our guest blogger is one tired traveler. We've been doing just fine here on the stateside front...thanks to some really great friends and family who have pitched in to help at just the right moment. You know who you are - a bazillion thank yous.So, in the time that Scott's been gone, Clare has learned to climb even higher than before. This girl's a monkey. And she learned a new word, when asked, "Where's Daddy?" Her response ...

For all you fans of the movie Gladiator, you know about the glory of Rome. Today we visited the Forum and Coloseo and many other sites. Lots of walking! I wish I had that pedometer to know how many miles we walked.We started the day with Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore. What a beautiful place. Legend has it that Rome prayed for a sign as to where to build a Basilica. It snowed on this very site and SMM was ...

Once our tour of the Vatican was finished, Bishop Aymond and I headed out for some shopping! We were on a mission. He was looking for "bishop stuff" and I was just tagging along. We also had another idea - travel to the Vatican photo shop and find the photos from the general audience.Many of you know the "Sam's Club" of religious goods near the square but Bishop Aymond introduced me to the "Super Target". This store is much nicer ...

As you read in my earlier post, you know how excited I was to have Mass this morning at the tomb of St. Peter. Well, Jesus was present today in the Eucharist and He allowed me to slow down for just about 30 minutes and enjoy some time with him. What a great start to the day.I can't imagine what it must feel like as a priest to actually celebrate the Sacred Mysteries just a mere 20 yards from the ...

Today is a special day for us on the pilgrimage. We visit St. Peter's and Bishop Aymond will celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. Peter. While I was unable to get a tour of the Scavi (we have been before and it is fantastic), we will be very close to Peter's actual burial site. I found this information in case you want to know more. "What we know today as St. Peter's used to be called New St. Peter's ...