Papal Audience, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and a history of the City of Rome from the Jianiculum Hill

Today was a day of many travels to different parts of the City!  Although we took numerous bus rides, one Sister who has a Fitbit reported that we walked 6.4 miles today. Even with modern transportation we are apparently still able to experience some of the walking aspect of the ancient Roman pilgrimages.

We started with Mass at the Carmelite church of Santa Maria in Traspontina very near St. Peter's square. 

Santa Maria in Traspontina

After Mass, we hurried to join the line to enter St. Peter's Square and accompany the thousands of other pilgrims waiting to see the Holy Father, hear his words, and receive his blessing.  We were fortunate to get seats near the barricade on the center aisle.  At the beginning of the audience, the Popemobile drove very near to us and we were able to see Pope Francis from about 10 feet away!

What is the best way to get the Holy Father to stop and greet people longer near where you are standing?  Hold a baby up in the crowd!  About 10 rows in front of us there were two sweet toddlers who captured the Pope's attention to receive his blessing.

Pope Francis stopping to greet two babies near where we sat

After the audience, we wiggled our way out of the crowd and on to our next adventure!  

On the bus

Although not currently on the General Roman Liturgical Calendar, June 27th is historically the feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  Sister Maria Socorro's feast day is today and we were very happy to be able to join her in making a pilgrimage to see the original image.

Image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

In front of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The afternoon marked another trip the Janiculum hill above Trastevere to see the city of Rome and listen to a brief synopsis of its 3,000 year history from Father Luke Sweeney.

Overlooking the Janiculum with Father Sweeney

We took the scenic route home and enjoyed the fresh evening air as we walked down the Janiculum hill.  We even found a hidden staircase to shorten our trek back to the tram stop which took us home to the Domus.

At the Audience this morning, Pope Francis spoke at length about God's generosity to each of us, that He first blesses and wants to bless us always.  He asked each of us to reflect in our own hearts:  "'How many beautiful things has God done for me?' This is the question.  In silence, each one of us answers." (See full English translation of Italian text https://zenit.org/articles/general-audience-on-the-commandments-ii/) 

Certainly, today was filled with many beautiful gifts of God, and we take with us in our hearts and prayers all our loved ones, those in need, and those who have asked us to pray for them.