On Monday 8-7-19 a coach took us from ACU to the Vatican. We heard from 3 speakers, including an Archbishop, from the Pontifical Academy for Life. Topics included End of Life, Amoris Laetitia and the fundamental value of life. We need to abolish our notion that there is a date to the end of our life and see it as a passage to another life. the major focus of discussion was the need to unify the human race to see all of humanity as brothers and sisters so that we can care for one another.
We caught the Number 8 tram and then walked to San Clemente for a guided tour.
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| Discover 2000 years of history when you visit the Basilica of San Clemente. The basilica had spectacular mosaics and frescoes. From ground level we walked underground to the fourth century church and then descended even further down into the world of Rome in the first century where we were in a pagan temple. We walked upon paving stones from 90 AD and found the fresh water springs used at the time, still active. This basement level appears to have been a villa and warehouse that had been destroyed in the great fire of 1964 AD An amazing experience. |
After this tour we proceeded to St John Lateran where we celebrated mass n a side chapel.
In the early part of the fourth century, the Laterani family were stripped of their land as one of their members was accused of conspiring against the Emperor. It was given to the Bishop of Rome in order to build the first Roman basilica.
Throughout the centuries, St John Lateran has survived several fires and an earthquake in 897. Nevertheless, it still maintains its first form even though it has been reconstructed on several occasions.
The Basilica of St. John Lateran is where all popes were enthroned up until 1870. Now the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterno is where the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, celebrates Holy Thursday Mass.
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