Day 4 ...

This is the eve of the Canonisation. We went on tour this morning. First of all to a magnificent church which is the Cathedral of Rome. Within this Cathedral are the relics of St Peter and St Paul.

The Basilica of St John Lateran - one of Rome's four major basilicas.

Massive brass doors into the basilica

Mum, Isabel and in front of a statue of Constantine. One of the few pagan statues in a religious building. 

A fascinating baptismal door. These are only opened on Jubilee occasions. Behind this door is a solid cement wall (below) and every 25 years the door is opened and the cement wall is broken down. It is like a rebirth. Such incredible symbolism of faith.

The solid cement wall.

Next we headed off to the Holy Stairs. These were brought back to Rome from Jerusalem by St Helena in 326AD. You can't climb the stairs by foot but rather on your knees. You then continue on your knees to the prayer place at the top of the stairs. We took the stairs on either side where you can walk! I don't think Grandma's knees would have made the climb! Another example of such incredible faith in prayer.

The Holy Stairs

Grandma just before boarding the bus to the next stop ... the Catacombs!

If you say it with an accent you'd have to spell it like this!

The final destination of the morning was the ancient catacombs. We had a guided tour here that was just so interesting. The underground burial tunnels for the Christians and the Hebrews. There is certainly no OH&S issues here!

Our afternoon was free time so once again we went to the Trevi Fountain had a panini and another gelato! In the evening we joined all the other pilgrims for a special vigil presentation of Mary's Life. This was held at the Conciliazione Auditorium - just down the road from St Peter's Square. We had fantastic seats - second row from the stage and sat behind the Delezio family. Kevin Rudd spoke, Tim Fisher was in the audience the Sisters of St Joseph were there. The performance was put on by ACU. It was a great night that prepared our hearts for the celebration of the Canonisation.

There has been massive media attention over here. Mum and I just happened to run into Pete Stefanovic - European correspondent for Channel 9!

Grace and Isabel just before going into the celebration.

The leader of the Sisters of St Joseph - Sr Anne Derwin

Minister Kevin Rudd.

Back to the hotel by bus to sleep and prepare for the day we had come for.