February 5, 2011
One of the most beautiful and powerful experiences that I’ve had thus far in Rome is walking through the ancient Christian catacombs. Though I was unsure of exactly what to expect when I arose that morning, I knew that I was about to be in a place that was part of the very foundations of the Christian Church.
In order to get to our destination, we were able to travel along the Appian Way. The Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica, is the ancient highway of the old Roman Empire. Sts. Peter and Paul, as well as hundreds of other martyrs and saints, would have walked along this road themselves, their light sandals brushing over the dark cobblestones. To be able to travel along this sacred road, following the steps of the great servants of God, was a wonderfully moving experience and a great preparation for what we were about to see at the catacombs.
Our first steps inside the catacombs opened our eyes to a whole new world. The underground tunnels were dark, damp, and cold. The passage way was narrow with slots lining either side where graves used to be. The size of the catacombs and the number of graves was almost shocking! Our tour guide explained the different symbols that were engraved into the walls and stones to remind the Christians of the ultimate purpose of their lives.
The thing that struck me the most during my time in the catacombs was the depth of the faith of the early Christians and the power of that faith to still speak to my heart, thousands of years later. These early followers of Christ were willing to take great risks and go to great extremes in order to celebrate their faith. They lived secret lives, building underground tunnels in order to bury their dead and practice their faith. Yet the dim lights and gloomy atmosphere seemed to be considered as nothing to the Christians who looked to the light of Christ with childlike trust. What an incredible experience for me to be in such a holy place and to be inspired to trust in the Lord in the same faithful way as these Christians did! I think that it would be hard to find a place where I would feel more moved to expand my heart for the Lord.
For me, the catacombs have proved to be a wealth of graces and a great witness of what it means to have a vibrant and living faith.
In order to get to our destination, we were able to travel along the Appian Way. The Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica, is the ancient highway of the old Roman Empire. Sts. Peter and Paul, as well as hundreds of other martyrs and saints, would have walked along this road themselves, their light sandals brushing over the dark cobblestones. To be able to travel along this sacred road, following the steps of the great servants of God, was a wonderfully moving experience and a great preparation for what we were about to see at the catacombs.
Our first steps inside the catacombs opened our eyes to a whole new world. The underground tunnels were dark, damp, and cold. The passage way was narrow with slots lining either side where graves used to be. The size of the catacombs and the number of graves was almost shocking! Our tour guide explained the different symbols that were engraved into the walls and stones to remind the Christians of the ultimate purpose of their lives.
The thing that struck me the most during my time in the catacombs was the depth of the faith of the early Christians and the power of that faith to still speak to my heart, thousands of years later. These early followers of Christ were willing to take great risks and go to great extremes in order to celebrate their faith. They lived secret lives, building underground tunnels in order to bury their dead and practice their faith. Yet the dim lights and gloomy atmosphere seemed to be considered as nothing to the Christians who looked to the light of Christ with childlike trust. What an incredible experience for me to be in such a holy place and to be inspired to trust in the Lord in the same faithful way as these Christians did! I think that it would be hard to find a place where I would feel more moved to expand my heart for the Lord.
For me, the catacombs have proved to be a wealth of graces and a great witness of what it means to have a vibrant and living faith.
February 23, 2011
Through my travel to one of the sights at the heart of the Benedictine order, Subiaco, and my study of Benedict’s Rule, my heart has been opened and enlightened in a new way to the beauty of monasticism.
At Subiaco we were able to have a special encounter with Benedict himself when we sat in the very cave he lived in for three years. Though the day started with an early morning and included a hike up the side of a mountain, I felt very awake and alive when we reached the monastery. St. Benedict must truly be present in a particular way to those hearts who beg for his intercession in this holy place. As I sat in this special place, I was able to soak in the words of the Benedictine rule, which was being read aloud.
My eyes were opened to the roots and foundations of monasticism and I came to realize the higher purpose toward which it was directed, which is so much a part of my life also. I learned that monasticism is ordered in a way to lead us to heaven, where we enjoy great unity with God. I realize that that my life should also be led in such a way as to aim toward my final home in heaven. Discipline and order in my life is for a higher purpose. One word of Benedict’s rule that still rests in my heart and probably always will is the word ‘listen.’ It seemed to be a bit easier to listen to the voice of God in the quiet sacred space of the cave. I know though, that the challenge for us students is to learn to listen to the soft voice even amidst our daily lives. Our time in Rome, visiting the holy sites and learning about our faith and our selves, is teaching us to do just that.
“Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” What a beautiful challenge that Benedict gives to the heart of each of us studying in Italy this semester.
At Subiaco we were able to have a special encounter with Benedict himself when we sat in the very cave he lived in for three years. Though the day started with an early morning and included a hike up the side of a mountain, I felt very awake and alive when we reached the monastery. St. Benedict must truly be present in a particular way to those hearts who beg for his intercession in this holy place. As I sat in this special place, I was able to soak in the words of the Benedictine rule, which was being read aloud.
My eyes were opened to the roots and foundations of monasticism and I came to realize the higher purpose toward which it was directed, which is so much a part of my life also. I learned that monasticism is ordered in a way to lead us to heaven, where we enjoy great unity with God. I realize that that my life should also be led in such a way as to aim toward my final home in heaven. Discipline and order in my life is for a higher purpose. One word of Benedict’s rule that still rests in my heart and probably always will is the word ‘listen.’ It seemed to be a bit easier to listen to the voice of God in the quiet sacred space of the cave. I know though, that the challenge for us students is to learn to listen to the soft voice even amidst our daily lives. Our time in Rome, visiting the holy sites and learning about our faith and our selves, is teaching us to do just that.
“Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” What a beautiful challenge that Benedict gives to the heart of each of us studying in Italy this semester.
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