Good morning, everyone! I thought I would take a moment today to let everyone know that I did arrive in Rome last Thursday morning. Surprisingly, I was quite refreshed with only getting about an hour’s worth of sleep on the nine hour plane ride over. The seating arrangement was not very comfortable for me, especially since I am 6′4″ tall. I felt like I was being wedged. Hopefully, I can get a better seat on the trip back home.

Over the last several days, I have been taking a numerous amount of photos. In fact, before I left Miami about a week ago, I bought two more memory cards for my camera so that I didn’t have to risk having to delete photos while I was in Rome. I think I have about 600 pictures so far – and there are more to be taken over the next couple of days.

Yesterday, was truly remarkable! Got to see St. Peter’s Basilica in a very different light. I paid the €5 to travel up to the top of the Dome of St. Peter’s. What a tremendous view. Then, we spent the rest of the time in the Basilica, looking at the different statues, side altars, etc. Afterwards, we walked throught the sacristy museum and saw the Vatican collection of liturgical vestments, old artistic pieces, etc.

Today, the seven of us on the pilgrimage will be attending Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica – the most beautiful Catholic Basilica I have ever seen!! Then we are going into the Vatican museums and then to Paul Outside the Walls. So, the day is quite booked. (Tomorrow, we will spend a good portion of the morning in the Sistine Chapel!!!)

I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer so far!! I look forward to sharing my photos will all of you in the very near future. God Bless!!!

P.S. Thank you for all the prayers as I journey on this pilgrimage with six of my seminarian brothers! We do appreciate your prayerful support!!

Bye for now…..