Sunday Mass at Santo Spirito, Angelus Address, St. Cecilia

On this glorious Sunday, the day of the Lord's Resurrection, we enjoyed sleeping in a bit and then attending Mass once more at Santo Spirito in Sassia where Mass is celebrated for English-speaking pilgrims each Sunday.  St. Peter's was just a short walk away, so we waited in the shade for the Pope's Angelus address.  In the meantime, it seemed like a great opportunity to take a photo of our three "Gunnison natives."  At supper one night last week, it came up that Sister Mary Hanah, RSM, (center) and Sister Mary Faustina, SJW, (right) discovered that their dads were from the same small town of Gunnison, Colorado.  To which Sister Veronica Catherine, cfr, (left) exclaimed, "My dad's from Gunnison, too!"  This just goes to show that the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways and that His call can be heard anywhere!

Clock above St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis giving the Sunday Angelus address.

 As the clock struck 12:00, Pope Francis appeared at the window. Although we had already seen him on a couple occasions now, it didn't dampen our enthusiasm.
The Holy Father spoke of the Gospel of the day and how Jesus was not accepted by the people of His hometown.  In the same way, we can sometimes miss Jesus' presence and workings in our lives because He comes in unexpected and surprising ways.
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Sisters listening intently to the Holy Father.

The afternoon held more "holy adventures" as we have been calling them.  One that was particularly fun was crossing paths on our way to St. Cecilia's in Trastevere.  Several Sisters decided to take the bus while others walked.  As the walkers came up to a stoplight, we spotted those riding on the bus and waved enthusiastically.  (So what if the Romans think we're crazy!)

On the bus to St. Cecilia's

En route to St. Cecilia's along the Tiber River

Praying at the tomb of St. Cecilia in the crypt.

Marble statue of St. Cecilia in the position she was found in the 1500's when her incorrupt body was exhumed.  The artist captured her head turned to the side showing the wound in her neck where they unsuccessfully tried to decapitate her.  Her hands demonstrated her faith in the Trinity with one finger extended on her left hand and three fingers extended on her right hand.

A little fun on the way home!  Sister Mary Hanah demonstrates how to plug the flowing fountain to shoot out a spring of water.  Watch out, passers by!