How a Trip to the Eternal City Helped Me Keep Christ in My Heart at Work
“Let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
As a tourist who likes to carefully plan itineraries to ensure that no items on the to-do/to-see list are missed, I still find that it is sometimes the visits to unplanned sites that end up being the most memorable.
A Long-Awaited Journey
A year and a half ago, my husband and I took a week off to fly to Rome—the “Eternal City.” Before this trip, which I had dreamed about for years, I felt overwhelmed by all my looming work deadlines. My focus had strayed away from my prayer life and receptivity to Christ. I felt grateful to finally make this pilgrimage, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
When in Rome, we ate delicious Italian food and visited the various tourist sites, soaking in the atmosphere mainly by foot. Without a doubt, our time spent at many of the must-see attractions, notably the Vatican, were powerful experiences. It is hard to find the words to describe the experience of gazing, alongside a crowd of silent visitors, at the breathtaking Biblical scenes adorning the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Little effort is needed to keep Christ in one’s heart in such a prayerful setting!
However, I want to highlight three places in Rome that may not routinely make it onto a standard must-visit list. These three sites each have their charm and extraordinariness cloaked with the rich history and tradition of the Church, and their quieter atmospheres helped me focus on my relationship with Christ.
Hidden Gems
The morning of our first full day in the Eternal City, we hopped on the subway and eventually exited at the San Giovanni station. After checking the impressive Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (Basilica of St. John Lateran) off our list, we came across the Sancta Sanctorum, a short 100 meters from the Basilica.
Previously the chapel of the popes, this site is home of the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs). According to tradition, these 28 marble steps were the ones that Jesus climbed when he met Pontius Pilate, later moved from Jerusalem to their current location. Given the significance of the stairs, they are to be climbed on the knees. It was an emotional experience to climb the stairs next to my husband. We prayed on each one, feeling in awe and present in the moment. My knees were sore when we reached the last stair, a physical reminder of this special experience.
Easily overlooked due to its location within the impressive ruins of the ancient Foro Romano (Roman Forum), the Carcere Mamertino (Mamertine Prison) is another site that we stumbled upon and soon realized was very much worth the visit. Saints Peter and Paul, among others, were held in this prison, which is now a museum. Climbing down the stone steps, we passed an inscription in Latin marking the spot in the wall against which Peter's head was forced by the authorities during his confinement. The museum was particularly quiet when we visited, providing us with a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Rome and some quiet time to ponder and appreciate the significance of our surroundings.
Finally, the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a massive ancient Roman bath house-turned-basilica, was also not on our list of places to see. The sight of the weathered façade of the Basilica, with its exposed ancient brick, led us to assume that we were looking at ruins rather than a functioning Basilica. Upon entering the Basilica, however, we heard the deep bellows of the massive organ, situated to the left of the elaborate altar, fill the vast space. Sitting in the presence of the blessed Sacrament while listening to the harmony reverberate off the walls was an unforgettable experience. We returned later in the day to attend the vigil Mass.
Continuing to Be Receptive to Jesus
I checked off most items on my list of sites to visit in Rome, but I was thankful for our unplanned explorations that led us to several amazing locations, including the three touched on here. My trip to the Eternal City left me refreshed from the bustle of work mentally, physically, and spiritually. Setting foot within important, yet less frequented, sites from our rich Catholic tradition added to the awe-inspiring trip. It also helped me spend some quiet time with Christ and focus on Him rather than my own pursuits.
Since returning home, I have strived to maintain my receptivity to Christ, which I felt in Rome, at home and at work. As we prepare our homes and our families for Christmas, may we all keep Christ as the focus of our hearts and our minds!
Sarah Gagliano Taliun is a genetics professor with many interests in addition to studying DNA. She and her husband now call Montreal home. When she is not reading a scientific article or meeting with students, Sarah can be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, reading her Bible or taking a walk in nature.