Today I wanted to share some photos of my trip to see St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. (St. Paul's, by the way, is considered to be one of the four great churches/basilicas in the Catholic faith.)
This basilica is built over the place where Paul was believed to have been crucified. The front is picturesque with the palm trees, statue, mosaic and pillars...
The back of the basilica is equally beautiful...
Inside, there is a huge tabernacle that marks the spot where St. Paul was believed to be beheaded...
A closeup of the ceiling shows the exquisite detail (I don't know about you, but my church doesn't look like this!) ...
In 2006, the Vatican announced that it had found the sarcophagus believed to contain the remains of St. Paul himself! There is only a small part visible to the public, and it is behind a gated area, so you will have to excuse the poor photo...
It was a very moving experience, to say the least, especially given that it was during the Jubilee Year. If you ever have the fortune to go to Rome, don't miss St. Paul's. It it outside the city walls (thus the name), but a quick 20 minute subway ride lets you off right across the street from the basilica.
St. Paul, please pray for us.
God Bless.
6 comments:
What a wonderful post and what breathtaking pictures! Just beautiful! No, I've never been to Rome but it is a dream of mine. The front of the basilica, with the palm trees and that awesome blue sky are really nice. Yeah, I'd have to agree with you that the interior of my parish does not measure up to the interior of St. Paul's, lol! Thanks for sharing the pictures with all of us. Have a blessed weekend.
How jealous I get when I see personal pics of Rome. One day...
What an absolutely amazing experience you must have had! The pictures are sooo beautiful. I can only imagine what it would be like to actually be there. Thank you so much for sharing.
Michael don't know if you are a father, or not, but if you are I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day. If your not then I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! These are beautiful pictures. Did you know that this past Wednesday the Vatican announced the Cathedral of St. Paul (in St. Paul, MN) as the first national shrine to St. Paul? Very exciting for us Minnesotans - it's a beautiful place!
Saint Paul was beheaded during the reign of Emperor Nero around 65-67 A.D, not crucified.
Thank you everyone for your comments!
And Fr Shaw - thanks for the correction (I must have had St Peter on the brain). I've made the correction.
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