We began Mary's journey at Stazione Termini, the main Railway Station. It is certainly different today to the station that Mary would have seen in 1873. Then we were off to the Hotel Anglo Americano. The hotel where Mary stayed and the hotel where we are staying! It is now beautifully refurbished you will alll be pleased to know! Opposite the hotel is Scot's college where Mary's father studied whilst in Rome for the priesthood.
That was where the bus left us and we took to the streets on foot with Sr Mary Cresp, a Josephite sister who led us on this part of the pilgrimage. The next point was Sant' Andrea del Qurinale. Here is the tomb of St Stanislaus Kostka.
From here we went on to the Quirinale Gardens where Mary would come for some quiet personal time to reflect and pray. The little chapel is no longer there having made room for the statue of Kaiser Willhem II 15 years after Mary's stay in Rome.
Isabel and Mum heading into the gardens.
This is our friend Karen being interviewed by a reporter from the ABC. There are many media people here!
From the gardens we headed down the cobble stone streets to Sant' Agata dei Goti. A beautiful little church tucked away in the streets of Rome.
Isabel and Mum in the church.
The beautiful art work and architecture of this ancient structure.
Cousins, Grace and Isabel, taking the Pilgrim's Walk together.
Our next stop on the pilgrim's walk was Convitto San Tommaso. This was where Mary stayed in a nice little room with views to the many old ruins of Rome and the ancient Coliseum. Mary was most unwell whilst in Rome and it was here that the sisters took great care of her.
In the small chapel we took part in a Liturgy of Thanks using Psalm 46. This was most moving as petitions were given and the group prayed for Uncle Geoff on his passing that morning.
Perhaps Cesar's castle were some of the ruins Mary could see from her small room.
We continued to the Gesu. This is a Jesuit Church where Mary went to mass. She believed that she had never seen anything so beautiful as the paintings on the ceilings and the altars to the saints. It is indeed a beautiful place.
It was here that our pilgrim group ran into Sophie Delezio.
Our final stop on the pilgrimage was to the rooms of St Ignatius. It was here that Mary met with two priests, Father Anderlefy and Father Lambert who were to become good friends and mentors of Mary.
Again we shared a short liturgy. The art work that adorns the walls and roof of Ignatius's rooms is certainly something to behold.
Some of the art work where the perspective is incredible.
Isabel and I standing next to the mask of St Ignatius. This is actually how tall he was. Not a very big man at all!
Mum in prayer within the rooms of Ignatius.
When the pilgrimage ended we headed off for our own time at the Trevi fountain. We shared pizza just down the road from the fountain. What a great day!
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