My first two days at the Vatican City was a time to spiritually reflect, as well as to appreciate the historical significance of St. Peter’s. James Martin described paths, or 6 ways in which people seek God. They included paths to belief, independence, disbelief, return, exploration, and confusion. With respect to my time at the Vatican City, the path of return is most analogous to my experience. I was brought up in a Roman Catholic household. I was baptized and sent to CCD until making my first holy communion. I regularly attended Church with the family. As the years passed, however, and I became a teenager, schoolwork became more time consuming. I began to overlook religious obligations, and the Catholic religion became distant to me. Going to the Vatican City was in many ways a returning for me. It was an opportunity to re-connect with my Christian faith. While at Vatican City, I became curious and more pensive about the Christian faith and specifically the Catholic religion.
I was fascinated to learn that St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world, and was the largest until 1989, and dates back to Roman architecture. Its dome and artistic beauty is inspiring to see. One can’t help feel like getting reacquainted with their Catholic faith after visiting such an impressive symbol of the religion. Considering my visit to Vatican City much as a spiritual journey or pilgrimage, I allowed myself time to think about the history it represents, including how the design was undertaken by the greatest designers of the day, like Raphael, and the art is by so many of the great masters, such as Michelangelo’s Pieta. It was interesting to consider that St. Peter’s is believed to have been built over the tomb of St. Peter, one of the 12 apostles. This led to other thoughts, such as how the whitish color seemed to stand for goodness, and its physical size seemed to symbolize the magnitude of what it represented to the Christian world. This all reflected an importance that made me re-consider the value of faith. While the building of St. Peter’s was an objectionable point by some, such as Martin Luther, it cannot be denied that its magnificence inspires greater spirituality.
I had a great experience in Vatican City. It was great to have visited one of the most visited “tourist sites” in the world and to receive a spiritual experience. On the first day, it was interesting to learn new facts about the Vatican, such that the statues all around the Vatican are saints. It was an amazing sight to see everyone gathered for the papal audience. I could feel the excitement and anticipation of the crowd as we waited to be let into the Vatican. I walked in and immediately saw the pope traveling through the crowd to greet everyone. He talked to the people and kissed children. I will always remember seeing the people’s faces light up when they were able to get a glimpse of the pope. It was also nice to see the joy on his face and to see how he cares about the people. I saw many pictures being taken during the papal audience. Everyone was excited to be there and celebrate the pope. Later, Pope Francis was led to the front of the Vatican to speak to the audience. I believe the pope was speaking Latin and Italian. I stood over to the right near the fountain and looked all around. It was a beautiful sight to see. The audience cheered for him and waved things in the air multiple times. It was fascinating to feel the importance of this man and reflect upon what he represents to many around the world. This was an unforgettable event. The second day, we visited the Vatican Museum and Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica were breathtaking. It was great to see many different people coming to experience these amazing sites.
Greta Jaye / Global Passport 