Sooo today was spent just about all at the Vatican. Being a part of the Papal audience was a really really cool experience. Having the ability to say Pope Benedict XVI was XVI feet away from me is unspeakably amazing.
Observations about Benny...I wonder what horse he picked in the Kentucky Derby. His hat makes me wonder if Animal Kingdom was given a little special blessing by the head of the Catholic kingdom on earth ....Hmmmmm.
Also, there is no way that his shoes can stay that red. Seriously, I swear there are smurfs shining them 24/7...
___
Moving on though, if I was not blessed with the ability to participate in a papal audience, the highlight of my day would have been the excavations under St. Peter's. To make things simple, i'll just number some quick bullet points about the scavi.
1. There are actually three separate altars built on the grounds where the current altar stands. It is told that if one drops a rock from the direct center of the cupola, the rock would pass through the center of all three altars and land on the somewhat 'undisclosed' main attraction' of St. Peter's Basilica.
2. This main attraction is the resting place of our church founder and first pope, St. Peter himself. All evidence has led for archaeologists to come to the conclusion that Peter is in fact buried in that place. On the graffiti wall in front of the current resting place of his bones, many inscriptions are written in reference to Peter, but not actually naming him. However, it was found that one inscription names Peter. names him so much that it says that this place is the resting place of the apostle Peter. Specifically it says: Petros eni..."Peter is here"
3. The mausoleums in the scavi truly made what we saw in Ostia Antica and Pompeii come alive. Literally, a city of the dead covers the entire area underneath St. Peter's Basilica and Square. each mausoleum that has been excavated is a home for the dead, and some even have stairs for their souls to walk up and down for a little exercise and for their family to do maintenance work on the mausoleum. Thankfully, Constantine had a little respect for pagans, and merely took the top off of the mausoleums. The dirt and soil Constantine filled the necropolis with completely sealed the necropolis from the elements. Thus, near perfect preservations.
4. Also, a interesting find about the Necropolis is that in the 3rd Century, it seems as if a Christian mausoleum was built. Inside the mausoleum, we see Christ on the ceiling depicted as the Sun god Helios (remembering that Christians were persecuted for expressing their fait directly until Constantine came into power). Also, there seems as though there is a fisherman as well alluding to the "fishermen of souls and men" Jesus appointed his apostles to be.
See this link for more information about the necropolis. Thank you to Michelle Rau for sending this to me while I was writing this blog. Note, she had no clue that I was writing this specific blog when she sent it to me:
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/necropoli/scavi_english.html
An amazing day at St. Peter's Square, under St. Peter's Square, and in the presence of St. Peter himself.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day 22: Etruscan Museum
Soo today was very much so a recovery day and some much needed "me" time. The Etruscan Museum was quite overwhelming. I took Greek Mythology before, but the whole making connections thing was just not working at all. It would have been quite helpful to have a classicist on this excursion to point out the mythological scenes represented on the pottery. Nevertheless, I did fine one piece as striking. Again...no photos here....but I'll try to explain the piece as best as possible.
On entering the museum, the display case in the southwest far corner upon entering is a display of small pots. The small pots, most likely used for oil, could be dated to approximately 2nd Century. In this small display, one pot had an etched cross on the side. Nothing elaborate in any way, just a hand etched cross. The whole time from then on out in the museum, I was looking for christian symbols. I could not find any on any piece dated from pre-medieval times. I make the claim that this pot was either recycled from family to family or this pot was used in a family that was converted to christianity. Other than that....I've got nothing......Apologies.
On entering the museum, the display case in the southwest far corner upon entering is a display of small pots. The small pots, most likely used for oil, could be dated to approximately 2nd Century. In this small display, one pot had an etched cross on the side. Nothing elaborate in any way, just a hand etched cross. The whole time from then on out in the museum, I was looking for christian symbols. I could not find any on any piece dated from pre-medieval times. I make the claim that this pot was either recycled from family to family or this pot was used in a family that was converted to christianity. Other than that....I've got nothing......Apologies.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 21: Orvieto
For starters, thank you Dr. Bednarz for wanting to not go to Orvieto alone and taking myself, Chris, and Michelle along for the day trip. It's amazing how timing works out sometimes
Short and sweet: Orvieto was my first experience in small town/countryside Italia. It really get me amped up for Assisi....a couple observations jumped out.
1. The obnoxiously beautiful Basilica di Orvieto. Michelle pointed out that it looked like a prison, but in our learnings of prisons, that would be an awfully incorrect statement.
2. In Ostia Antica, Dr. Bednarz pointed out a "home" in the necropolis and references John 14: 2 ,"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." She referenced the "columbarium" as a place used to store urns filled with the ashes of the deceased. Those urns are placed in square niches in the columbarium, which were modeled in the same fashion as pigeon niches. The same style pigeon niches found in the "Underground Orvieto" tour. Those pigeons would be used as food...pretty much a never ending supply of food for the etruscans living in early Orvieto. The light in the upper right hand corner is where the pigeons would fly in and out of during the day.
3. Death Spectacles and Medieval Crucifixion:
Here are a couple photos (they're not that well snapped, because of a no photo policy).
The "death spectacles" were common acts in antiquity. It involves humiliating a criminal in front of a large group of people. One example: a criminal being hung from the top of the coliseum and told to flap his arms like wings or else he will fall 200 feet to his death. However, the most humiliating in an honor-shame society would be mocked as a king. The kings would be seen as divine and sent by the gods, and one proclaiming to be a god who is not (in the eyes of his or her persecutors) would be the most humiliating of all because it eternally loses honor for someone. Here is Jesus' death spectacle; mockery as a king.
Short and sweet: Orvieto was my first experience in small town/countryside Italia. It really get me amped up for Assisi....a couple observations jumped out.
1. The obnoxiously beautiful Basilica di Orvieto. Michelle pointed out that it looked like a prison, but in our learnings of prisons, that would be an awfully incorrect statement.
3. Death Spectacles and Medieval Crucifixion:
Here are a couple photos (they're not that well snapped, because of a no photo policy).
The "death spectacles" were common acts in antiquity. It involves humiliating a criminal in front of a large group of people. One example: a criminal being hung from the top of the coliseum and told to flap his arms like wings or else he will fall 200 feet to his death. However, the most humiliating in an honor-shame society would be mocked as a king. The kings would be seen as divine and sent by the gods, and one proclaiming to be a god who is not (in the eyes of his or her persecutors) would be the most humiliating of all because it eternally loses honor for someone. Here is Jesus' death spectacle; mockery as a king.
Here is another Medieval crucifixion: So realistic (minus the fact that he is completely covered), so detailed with each popping vein.... quite gory with paint tones showing blood covering his body.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Day 20: "Hey guys...that was beautifully painful."
Well, the day started with all the intention of going with Dr. Bednarz at 9:00am to checkout a 2,000 year old prison said to be where St. Peter was imprisoned....Chris and I woke up at 9:05am. Fantastic...
However, our plans were flexible. Chris, Michelle, and I headed off to the Capitoline Hill Museum. Actually, that was the plan until on the Metro we realized that it was Sunday. Plan C: Find a church, then go to Capitoline. The next stop after this revelation was Repubblica, home of Santa Maria degli Angel e dei Martiri. Michelle has not been in this particular basilica, and it is without a doubt a great sight as I have talked about in a previous post.
As we approached the doors of the basilica, we saw multiple carabinieri officers outside and wondered what was possibly going on inside. To our surprise, nothing. Only a couple early birds there at 10:05am for a 10:30am mass, and the common tourist snapping pictures of every tile he or she steps on. But when 10:30 came around, we wondered why there were still groupings of what seemed to be upper class italians in dresses and suits sitting in the section of nice chairs near the altar rail...again, to our surprise, we find out that the mass was a celebration of 450 years since the founding of the basilica. Mass did not start until 11:00am, and finished up around 12:30pm, and was in all italian. Thus: "beautifully painful" and vice versa. Oh, and we got these little post card things which were pretty nice.
Allow me to say this about the mass though. Whoever is instructing the servers on the techniques of incensing...is not up to par. He had no slack on the chain, no click for dramatics, and no puffs of smoke to say the least. Abrupt movements left and right. You would think that by building a basilica over the Diocletian Baths that maybe, just maybe there would be a some secret passageway to get from one side of the altar to the other rather than having to non-discreetly walk a half mile from one side to the other. Just a thought, call in Indiana Jones for a little excavation work and a new underground tunnel.
So, after two and a half hours in church. We finally headed to Capitoline. Time for some connections
1. There were tons and tuns of busts, overwhelmingly amount actually. However, I was able to spot an element of my "expertise" on the armor of Hadrian. Pictured, you will see on Hadrian's chest, the head of Medusa. Medusa, Queen of the Amazons, was seen as a "shocking" figure. It's main purpose was to ward off evil from the soldiers fighting and bring good fortune to those whose chest she lies on.
2. Another depiction of Hadrian was rather odd. There is a section of the museum with statues of Roman rulers depicted with the attributes of the Roman gods. Before going an further, see the photo below:
However, our plans were flexible. Chris, Michelle, and I headed off to the Capitoline Hill Museum. Actually, that was the plan until on the Metro we realized that it was Sunday. Plan C: Find a church, then go to Capitoline. The next stop after this revelation was Repubblica, home of Santa Maria degli Angel e dei Martiri. Michelle has not been in this particular basilica, and it is without a doubt a great sight as I have talked about in a previous post.
As we approached the doors of the basilica, we saw multiple carabinieri officers outside and wondered what was possibly going on inside. To our surprise, nothing. Only a couple early birds there at 10:05am for a 10:30am mass, and the common tourist snapping pictures of every tile he or she steps on. But when 10:30 came around, we wondered why there were still groupings of what seemed to be upper class italians in dresses and suits sitting in the section of nice chairs near the altar rail...again, to our surprise, we find out that the mass was a celebration of 450 years since the founding of the basilica. Mass did not start until 11:00am, and finished up around 12:30pm, and was in all italian. Thus: "beautifully painful" and vice versa. Oh, and we got these little post card things which were pretty nice.
Allow me to say this about the mass though. Whoever is instructing the servers on the techniques of incensing...is not up to par. He had no slack on the chain, no click for dramatics, and no puffs of smoke to say the least. Abrupt movements left and right. You would think that by building a basilica over the Diocletian Baths that maybe, just maybe there would be a some secret passageway to get from one side of the altar to the other rather than having to non-discreetly walk a half mile from one side to the other. Just a thought, call in Indiana Jones for a little excavation work and a new underground tunnel.
1. There were tons and tuns of busts, overwhelmingly amount actually. However, I was able to spot an element of my "expertise" on the armor of Hadrian. Pictured, you will see on Hadrian's chest, the head of Medusa. Medusa, Queen of the Amazons, was seen as a "shocking" figure. It's main purpose was to ward off evil from the soldiers fighting and bring good fortune to those whose chest she lies on.
In some research, the only god I could come across that Hadrian would come across as would be Diana. A female god? Maybe this sculptor did not like Hadrian's political stylings, or maybe this sculptor is not portraying Hadrian as Diana. It is known that Hadrian was a triumphant leader of sorts, and thanks to our modern day depictions of Jesus, we see Jesus riding into Jerusalem triumphantly on an ass with a veil. (thanks Hollywood). Whether it is true or not that Jesus rode in with a veil himself, this statue is very interesting from that perspective. Hadrian was part of the persecution period, but it is said that he pitied Christians for than Jews. Thus, his persecution of Jews made the Christian population grow larger, not by design, but just by chance and by result of Jewish persecution. Hadrian represented as a triumphant leader/Jesus?
3... Oh there's good ol' Judith again
4. Okay, so where's "St. Paul's Outside the Walls"?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Day 19: Goodnight!
Okay blog readers....this day was very much a rest day for everyone. However, I was not cooped up in four walls all day. I figured it would be a great day to head over to Castel San't Angelo. I have three observations about the items in the castle. First, the guards were watching over everyone like hawks when it comes to the photos of artifacts in the museum.. I was able to snap one photo of an observation:
1. We first saw these jugs at our mini tour of the aqueduct system. Dr. Bednarz explained to us how the bottoms of the jugs (used for oils and wine) were pointed so that they could be placed into the sand. Well, there was not any sand in the castle, so Hadrian had these nice little stands made and niches carved out into the wall to display his oils and wines. I'd say that' s a pretty modern day practice as well. if one walks into a just about any home, there are more than likely to be a bottle of wine out in the kitchen for decorative purpose or for storage. Possibly to give some sense of "high class" to visitors. Okay, this whole theory is a stretch. But I still thought this stand was pretty cool.
2. The castle, like most castles, were built as a fortress to protect from invaders. besides sloped walls and archer holes, the best defense strategy I saw was a complete 360 degree inclined walk-way into the main area of the castle. Say an invading army were to make it into the castle, they would have to make their way around this rotunda for sacking purposes. Thus, allowing more time for those inside to either find safety or gather together to stop a militia from entering. Ohhh those Romans and their defense mechanisms.
3. A very interesting thing about the museum was that pieces of the museum were actually stolen at some point in time by Italian police forces in what they proudly called "lightning raids." One piece was a trifold medieval christian piece. In the center was mother and child, and on the sides of the piece were events from the Passion. A striking image on this piece was of the actual crucifixion itself. I have noticed that in medieval times, they were not afraid to show the reality of events. We give a lot of credit to later painters such as Caravaggio for their ability to show reality in facial expression, but the medieval artists really were able to capture reality in the actual event itself. What do I mean? I mean that in this particular depiction, Jesus' wounds were graphically spilling out blood in each of the five major wounds. Also, Jesus' tunic was present, but was so transparent that it took a few seconds to actually realize that he was covered. Striking.
I'll try to get back over there to snap a photo of this particular piece. Since just about all of these were seized one of a kind works by unknown artists, photos are not online. That's a whole other rant I could make about museum security, but I digress......
2. The castle, like most castles, were built as a fortress to protect from invaders. besides sloped walls and archer holes, the best defense strategy I saw was a complete 360 degree inclined walk-way into the main area of the castle. Say an invading army were to make it into the castle, they would have to make their way around this rotunda for sacking purposes. Thus, allowing more time for those inside to either find safety or gather together to stop a militia from entering. Ohhh those Romans and their defense mechanisms.
3. A very interesting thing about the museum was that pieces of the museum were actually stolen at some point in time by Italian police forces in what they proudly called "lightning raids." One piece was a trifold medieval christian piece. In the center was mother and child, and on the sides of the piece were events from the Passion. A striking image on this piece was of the actual crucifixion itself. I have noticed that in medieval times, they were not afraid to show the reality of events. We give a lot of credit to later painters such as Caravaggio for their ability to show reality in facial expression, but the medieval artists really were able to capture reality in the actual event itself. What do I mean? I mean that in this particular depiction, Jesus' wounds were graphically spilling out blood in each of the five major wounds. Also, Jesus' tunic was present, but was so transparent that it took a few seconds to actually realize that he was covered. Striking.
I'll try to get back over there to snap a photo of this particular piece. Since just about all of these were seized one of a kind works by unknown artists, photos are not online. That's a whole other rant I could make about museum security, but I digress......
Days 16-18: Ohh Napoli
Okay......everyone has written their own opinions of the incident in Napoli. I have done a fair share of reflecting on this instance, so here we go......
NOBODY and I repeat NOBODY is to blame for what happened in Napoli. From the second we got off the train, there is NOTHING that could have stopped any sort of occurrence in Napoli. Not even getting lost five times. If people want to complain about our leadership's ability to logistically get things right, then how about he or she who decides to do the complaining, take the lead.
1. When we were trying to figure out where the hell the hotel was, I'm not sure if anyone caught this, but there were barely any street names for the area the hotel was even in! Therefore, Ipad/Google maps couldn't do shit.
2. When we were stuck wandering for an hour or so trying to figure out where the Pompeii archaeologist was, that was simply an issue of the archaeologist changing locations of where she wanted to meet us and not giving us sufficient directions to where her new location was. Our translator, you know, the one who actually speaks the language of the locals, was being sent in conflicting directions by the locals.
3. When we were trying to find that pizza place..... Sometimes even when you know where you're going, you get lost. Example....why hasn't gotten lost on the 3rd or 4th Floor of Bobet?
4. Now, the incident after Capri......THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ANYONE.....EVEN IF THE PROFESSORS WERE WITH US!! We were all obvious Americans/tourists. Hence, major targets.
Now, lets talk about Pompeii.
One could imagine our beloved Paul walking into towns such as Pompeii and seeing sights like these when he entered to town center. One could also imagine Paul walking down these streets of homes. Where his communities would have gathered.
Next, we have an example of what an antiquity fast food restaurant would have been like. Those holes in the cement were home to pots of soup. And like today's culture, one could either take away or dine-in. The gold-ish light in the rear is where the sitting area was.
NOBODY and I repeat NOBODY is to blame for what happened in Napoli. From the second we got off the train, there is NOTHING that could have stopped any sort of occurrence in Napoli. Not even getting lost five times. If people want to complain about our leadership's ability to logistically get things right, then how about he or she who decides to do the complaining, take the lead.
1. When we were trying to figure out where the hell the hotel was, I'm not sure if anyone caught this, but there were barely any street names for the area the hotel was even in! Therefore, Ipad/Google maps couldn't do shit.
2. When we were stuck wandering for an hour or so trying to figure out where the Pompeii archaeologist was, that was simply an issue of the archaeologist changing locations of where she wanted to meet us and not giving us sufficient directions to where her new location was. Our translator, you know, the one who actually speaks the language of the locals, was being sent in conflicting directions by the locals.
3. When we were trying to find that pizza place..... Sometimes even when you know where you're going, you get lost. Example....why hasn't gotten lost on the 3rd or 4th Floor of Bobet?
4. Now, the incident after Capri......THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ANYONE.....EVEN IF THE PROFESSORS WERE WITH US!! We were all obvious Americans/tourists. Hence, major targets.
Now, lets talk about Pompeii.
Next, we have an example of what an antiquity fast food restaurant would have been like. Those holes in the cement were home to pots of soup. And like today's culture, one could either take away or dine-in. The gold-ish light in the rear is where the sitting area was.
Directly above is an example of a painted-on lararium. Recap: lararium is what housed a mini statue of a lare, or a household god. The protectors of the household gods are two snakes. Protection from what exactly? If you guessed evil or the evil eye, they that would be correct.
_______
I usually don't like this "in conclusion" business, but..In conclusion, Napoli can't be avoided, because it how someone goes to Pompeii. It is also home to one of the best archaeological museums in the world.
The events that happened can't be avoided completely. There are no shark suits made to ward off "criminals." I would suggest everyone have chest plates or shields with a Medusa head, but that would be illogical and a packing nightmare.
Therefore....final words....shit happens, then we move on. I am thankful that nobody was traumatically injured physically, and I am thankful that we were able to get through the remainder of the trip without any issue.
_____
Day 15: Ostia Antica...the next Call of Duty map
It feels so good to get out of Rome for the first time. Ostia Antica is still technically in Rome, but it was great to leave the hustle and bustle of city life for peace and tranquility.
To understand the photo below, reference John 14:2. In the mind of the Johannine audience, this is the scene they would image from a necropolis. Each of the niches would house an urn filled with the ashes of the deceased ancestors. (one of two methods of burial, the other being exhumation in a sarcophagus). This style is called a columbarium, which originates from the housing of pigeons. Wow, I really wish that one day I can see these pigeon houses to really appreciate this part of the necropolis. (apocalyptic literature reference, see Day 21 blog)
In the photo below, I give my explanation as to why modern day folk have such weak ankles. Seriously....these things were difficult to navigate. The amount of crevices my feet just happened to find was mind blowing..Uh oh...Michelle just fell. Call the ambulanza.
Also....final observation for Ostia....don't climb on the ruins of a synogogue or else the archaeologist will swiftly instruct one to quit acting as Rafki....Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day 14: Have we seriously been here for two weeks?..
The time really has flown by thus far. My two week report: sensory overload and exhaustion....except for Pizza Colonna, home of the 2 euro pizza. As long as their elysian connections of dough and topping still exist for 2-4 euros, then that sense will never be exhausted.
I'll explain this masterful Monday in the same way I explained yesterday, in "three." Specifically, three churches.
1. Basilica San Clemente: Chris and I embarked on our first solo mission, free of professors, in hopes that we would be able to make our own connections. Thankfully, we started at San Clemente near the Colosseum, which is a church rich in history. In the first century, the original church has been proved to be a site of mithraic worship and education. The Cult of Mithra was a rival to christianity in the first century. In the 8th Century, a basilica was built on top of the old mithraeum. Then, in the 12th Century, the current basilica was built. The current basilica is heavy in pagan icons relating to christian figures in its mosaics and other forms of art. For example, in the photos below, we see a line of lambs and a center lamb with a halo ..Halo Jesus, how are you doing?..Other pagan depictions are the deer as Artemis. Also, in the far left corner of the right photo, we see an eagle with a halo (John). I was told to stop taking pictures, so I was not able to show the animal representations of the synoptics, but each of the synoptic writers in animal for with a halo.
2. Parrocchia San Eugenio: My first confession experience in Rome. It was a pretty awkward experience. No laminated sign on the confessional saying "English", but I saw that there was a priest. Figured, why not? It was a fun experience. He opened with something in Italian and I was like "inglese?" The priest chuckled and said "Ohh I'll try my best in a heavy Italian accent." But, as I said before. God has no boundaries.
3. Santi Giovanni e Paolo: First....Can I please have an explanation as to why the laws of physics much work perfectly in my disfavor. Somewhere along the line I must have upset Saints John and Paul, as they sent a small message from the posterior of a pigeon and onto my head. This, right after I removed my cap in reverence of the holy ground I was walking on. Keepin' it real J & P, much love.........
But in getting over this trauma, Chris and I journeyed to the scavi underneath Giovanni e Paolo. We begain to make as many connections as possible. We were able to point out which rooms were and were not living quarters, and which rooms were specifically the rooms for worship of sorts. However, one set of paintings were particularly striking. Supposedly, the scavi is dated to 3rd Century. The set of paintings are particularly interesting because they portray biblical scenes: the crucifixion of Jesus and the separating of his garments at a table. As in John 19:23-24, "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled." Again, I was asked to not take photos after this shot, but we see Jesus' crucifixion in the left hand corner. he is clothed modestly in what looks to be some sort of dyed tunic. At the table, according to archaeologists and scholars, is the dividing of Jesus' garments while he is on the cross and Mary at his feet. It seems that the earlier we go in Jesus' crucifixion depictions, the more clothing he has and the less torn he himself looks. Potentially a way to restore his honor and not to horribly remind his followers what happened to him.
I'll explain this masterful Monday in the same way I explained yesterday, in "three." Specifically, three churches.
1. Basilica San Clemente: Chris and I embarked on our first solo mission, free of professors, in hopes that we would be able to make our own connections. Thankfully, we started at San Clemente near the Colosseum, which is a church rich in history. In the first century, the original church has been proved to be a site of mithraic worship and education. The Cult of Mithra was a rival to christianity in the first century. In the 8th Century, a basilica was built on top of the old mithraeum. Then, in the 12th Century, the current basilica was built. The current basilica is heavy in pagan icons relating to christian figures in its mosaics and other forms of art. For example, in the photos below, we see a line of lambs and a center lamb with a halo ..Halo Jesus, how are you doing?..Other pagan depictions are the deer as Artemis. Also, in the far left corner of the right photo, we see an eagle with a halo (John). I was told to stop taking pictures, so I was not able to show the animal representations of the synoptics, but each of the synoptic writers in animal for with a halo.
2. Parrocchia San Eugenio: My first confession experience in Rome. It was a pretty awkward experience. No laminated sign on the confessional saying "English", but I saw that there was a priest. Figured, why not? It was a fun experience. He opened with something in Italian and I was like "inglese?" The priest chuckled and said "Ohh I'll try my best in a heavy Italian accent." But, as I said before. God has no boundaries.
3. Santi Giovanni e Paolo: First....Can I please have an explanation as to why the laws of physics much work perfectly in my disfavor. Somewhere along the line I must have upset Saints John and Paul, as they sent a small message from the posterior of a pigeon and onto my head. This, right after I removed my cap in reverence of the holy ground I was walking on. Keepin' it real J & P, much love.........
But in getting over this trauma, Chris and I journeyed to the scavi underneath Giovanni e Paolo. We begain to make as many connections as possible. We were able to point out which rooms were and were not living quarters, and which rooms were specifically the rooms for worship of sorts. However, one set of paintings were particularly striking. Supposedly, the scavi is dated to 3rd Century. The set of paintings are particularly interesting because they portray biblical scenes: the crucifixion of Jesus and the separating of his garments at a table. As in John 19:23-24, "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled." Again, I was asked to not take photos after this shot, but we see Jesus' crucifixion in the left hand corner. he is clothed modestly in what looks to be some sort of dyed tunic. At the table, according to archaeologists and scholars, is the dividing of Jesus' garments while he is on the cross and Mary at his feet. It seems that the earlier we go in Jesus' crucifixion depictions, the more clothing he has and the less torn he himself looks. Potentially a way to restore his honor and not to horribly remind his followers what happened to him.
Day 13: Sunday Sunday
For today is Sunday...the day of the Sabbath. A day of rest and of refection in the name of God....unnnnless you're on a study abroad trip. However, I'll never trade today's experience for a day of rest...I think the best way to highlight the day would be to break it up into three activities.
1. Santa Maria sopra Minerva (Basilica of St. Mary Above Minerva): No, this church is not saying that Mary is above Minerva..although she is...this basilica is built upon a Roman era temple to Minerva. Cool. Moving on....This place of worship contains three major pieces: the body of St. Catherine of Siena, the reconstruction of Catherine's study area, and Michaelangelo's "Cristo della Minerva." The body and the reconstructed study was quite moving, and that's all I'll say to avoid fluff. However, I was very struck by "Cristo della Minerva" or "Christ the Redeemer " (pictured below).
1. Santa Maria sopra Minerva (Basilica of St. Mary Above Minerva): No, this church is not saying that Mary is above Minerva..although she is...this basilica is built upon a Roman era temple to Minerva. Cool. Moving on....This place of worship contains three major pieces: the body of St. Catherine of Siena, the reconstruction of Catherine's study area, and Michaelangelo's "Cristo della Minerva." The body and the reconstructed study was quite moving, and that's all I'll say to avoid fluff. However, I was very struck by "Cristo della Minerva" or "Christ the Redeemer " (pictured below).
I spoke once before about crucifixion depictions in relation to actual relevance to the crucifixion process. Michaelangelo finished this piece in 1521, so roughly three years to complete. We see that christ in positioned in the contrapasso, showing his relaxed and confident nature (also in Michaelangelo's "David"). However, I would like to focus on the cloth placed around Christ's right thigh. This is actually a late addition the the piece during the baroque period after Michaelangelo's death. The original work was correct in its crucifixion depiction with christ completely exposed to the elements in the nude.....ohh baroque.
2. The St. Ignatius rooms: ...humbling...nerve racking...shaking...mind blowing....St. Ignatius of Loyola, who shared the same desire I do to go down in history as one of the most memorable men to ever live, gave all his fame, fortune, and glory to serve God. His vision shaped the world as we know it today, and thats the best connection to make there.
3. Mass.:....Well, I knew when to make the sign of the cross? I guess that counts for mass participation....Okay Fr. John and Fr. Joseph, y'all can settle down if you're reading this. I actually DO know the order of the mass enough to follow it in Italian.....The observation that came back to me again, is the notion of universality. I've participated in many masses in Belize, but every time I go through a mass outside of my home parish, I still am somewhat excited by the universality of the Catholic church. Granted: Catholic does mean universal.
I know we are in the hub of the Church. I guess it's just amazing to see a world so torn apart by hatred and violence, and united by means of a mass.
Day 13: Sunday Sunday
For today is Sunday...the day of the Sabbath. A day of rest and of refection in the name of God....unnnnless you're on a study abroad trip. However, I'll never trade today's experience for a day of rest...I think the best way to highlight the day would be to break it up into three activities.
1. Santa Maria sopra Minerva (Basilica of St. Mary Above Minerva): No, this church is not saying that Mary is above Minerva..although she is...this basilica is built upon a Roman era temple to Minerva. Cool. Moving on....This place of worship contains three major pieces: the body of St. Catherine of Siena, the reconstruction of Catherine's study area, and Michaelangelo's "Cristo della Minerva." The body and the reconstructed study was quite moving, and that's all I'll say to avoid fluff. However, I was very struck by "Cristo della Minerva" or "Christ the Redeemer " (pictured below).
1. Santa Maria sopra Minerva (Basilica of St. Mary Above Minerva): No, this church is not saying that Mary is above Minerva..although she is...this basilica is built upon a Roman era temple to Minerva. Cool. Moving on....This place of worship contains three major pieces: the body of St. Catherine of Siena, the reconstruction of Catherine's study area, and Michaelangelo's "Cristo della Minerva." The body and the reconstructed study was quite moving, and that's all I'll say to avoid fluff. However, I was very struck by "Cristo della Minerva" or "Christ the Redeemer " (pictured below).
I spoke once before about crucifixion depictions in relation to actual relevance to the crucifixion process. Michaelangelo finished this piece in 1521, so roughly three years to complete. We see that christ in positioned in the contrapasso, showing his relaxed and confident nature (also in Michaelangelo's "David"). However, I would like to focus on the cloth placed around Christ's right thigh. This is actually a late addition the the piece during the baroque period after Michaelangelo's death. The original work was correct in its crucifixion depiction with christ completely exposed to the elements in the nude.....ohh baroque.
2. The St. Ignatius rooms: ...humbling...nerve racking...shaking...mind blowing....St. Ignatius of Loyola, who shared the same desire I do to go down in history as one of the most memorable men to ever live, gave all his fame, fortune, and glory to serve God. His vision shaped the world as we know it today, and thats the best connection to make there.
3. Mass.:....Well, I knew when to make the sign of the cross? I guess that counts for mass participation....Okay Fr. John and Fr. Joseph, y'all can settle down if you're reading this. I actually DO know the order of the mass enough to follow it in Italian.....The observation that came back to me again, is the notion of universality. I've participated in many masses in Belize, but every time I go through a mass outside of my home parish, I still am somewhat excited by the universality of the Catholic church. Granted: Catholic does mean universal.
I know we are in the hub of the Church. I guess it's just amazing to see a world so torn apart by hatred and violence, and united by means of a mass.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Day 12: Everybody's Working for the Weekend
Saturday is here! Thus, the weekend. An early morning start took us to the Catacomb of San Callisto. I'm not "catacomb-ed out" by any means, but this catacomb was nothing surprising. Yes, there were at one point nine popes buried there and the original tomb of St. Cecilia as well, but I was not super surprised. All of the tombs were completely empty, and the frescos were typical run of the mill frescos that we have seen in other catacombs or early christian communities. Jonah was still being spit out of a sea monster, which as we know is reference to the earlier myth of the god Juno....
My day really started when we popped out of the catacomb and I saw "San Giovanni in Laterano: Autobus 618). I turned to Chris and said, "Screw food, we're going there first." Dr. Bednarz has this on the list of things to do in Rome, so why not when we are already this close. So, we walked down the Appian Way (a road that Paul most likely traveled on as referenced by Acts 28), to the bus stop....
Arrival at St. John Lateran, Benedict XVI's Bishop seat, was absolutely stunning. As we turned right into the Piazza Giovanni, we stared down what is the largest obelisk in Rome. Standing at 45.7 meters high...Then, we saw the beautiful facade (much mimicking the facade of St. Peter's)....everyone kept attempting to capture the entire front of the church, but had to stand at least a football field or two away from the entrance to get a photo in its entirety....Massive.
Observations from St. J....Above are two photos depicting St. John the Evangelist, of who the church is named after. Both, although different mediums, show John with an eagle at his side or behind him. Irony..this symbol associated with John is said to be because of his high theological style in his gospel; a gospel which is actually written by who we think is John the Less, a scholastic of sorts under John the evangelist. At the same time, John is notorious for giving symbols in his apocalyptic literature that is the Gospel of John and Revelation. A large symbol in this case would be an eagle symbolizing Rome. The evil force and cause of all evil in the world, the nation persecuting christians during the time John writes his bible, uses the eagle as its main protector or symbol. Therefore, in John's apocalyptic literature he uses the eagle as Rome...Back to the original point, it's interesting how we see depictions of an eagle with John. Much to the Roman ignorance at the time, they probably read John's gospel, recognized the triumph and victory it portrayed, and slapped an eagle to his name.
On our way back home, Dr. Bednarz decided to take me, Chris, and Jacob to Santa Maria degli Angeli...Most churches here in Rome have baroque-style facades in front of your basic "gaudy baroque mess" interior we are so used to seeing by now. However, this church is built over the frigidarium (cool baths) of the Baths of Diocletion. The facade is brick ruin,and upon entering, is another gaudy baroque-mess. However, this mixing is absolutely beautiful. Not only did this church meld the architecture and design of Roma and modern eras, but also the ideals...Galileo seemed to have a huge hand in this church. Could he have been a patron looking to gain honor from a church? It was true that his heliocentric ideals, borrowed from Copernicus, were seen as heresy. The patron-client relationship would attempt to praise Galileo in hopes that he would support the church and the church would speak well about Galileo in time of inquisition. Below are a couple photos depicting the astrological ideals meshing with the catholic, and captions below each.
OHHHHHHHH and one more thing happened today ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
nam nam nam!
My day really started when we popped out of the catacomb and I saw "San Giovanni in Laterano: Autobus 618). I turned to Chris and said, "Screw food, we're going there first." Dr. Bednarz has this on the list of things to do in Rome, so why not when we are already this close. So, we walked down the Appian Way (a road that Paul most likely traveled on as referenced by Acts 28), to the bus stop....
Arrival at St. John Lateran, Benedict XVI's Bishop seat, was absolutely stunning. As we turned right into the Piazza Giovanni, we stared down what is the largest obelisk in Rome. Standing at 45.7 meters high...Then, we saw the beautiful facade (much mimicking the facade of St. Peter's)....everyone kept attempting to capture the entire front of the church, but had to stand at least a football field or two away from the entrance to get a photo in its entirety....Massive.
Observations from St. J....Above are two photos depicting St. John the Evangelist, of who the church is named after. Both, although different mediums, show John with an eagle at his side or behind him. Irony..this symbol associated with John is said to be because of his high theological style in his gospel; a gospel which is actually written by who we think is John the Less, a scholastic of sorts under John the evangelist. At the same time, John is notorious for giving symbols in his apocalyptic literature that is the Gospel of John and Revelation. A large symbol in this case would be an eagle symbolizing Rome. The evil force and cause of all evil in the world, the nation persecuting christians during the time John writes his bible, uses the eagle as its main protector or symbol. Therefore, in John's apocalyptic literature he uses the eagle as Rome...Back to the original point, it's interesting how we see depictions of an eagle with John. Much to the Roman ignorance at the time, they probably read John's gospel, recognized the triumph and victory it portrayed, and slapped an eagle to his name.
On our way back home, Dr. Bednarz decided to take me, Chris, and Jacob to Santa Maria degli Angeli...Most churches here in Rome have baroque-style facades in front of your basic "gaudy baroque mess" interior we are so used to seeing by now. However, this church is built over the frigidarium (cool baths) of the Baths of Diocletion. The facade is brick ruin,and upon entering, is another gaudy baroque-mess. However, this mixing is absolutely beautiful. Not only did this church meld the architecture and design of Roma and modern eras, but also the ideals...Galileo seemed to have a huge hand in this church. Could he have been a patron looking to gain honor from a church? It was true that his heliocentric ideals, borrowed from Copernicus, were seen as heresy. The patron-client relationship would attempt to praise Galileo in hopes that he would support the church and the church would speak well about Galileo in time of inquisition. Below are a couple photos depicting the astrological ideals meshing with the catholic, and captions below each.
 |
| Facade of Santa Maria degli Angeli |
 |
 |
| Photos above and below this one show the complete astrological calendar. It is read with a light beam shining in through the upper left hand corner of the photo above. |
 |
| Lastly, the ring of the cupola (symbolic of churches) is a beautiful stained glass of the planets and stars. |
OHHHHHHHH and one more thing happened today ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Day 11: Oh...My...God x 6
That's the easiest way to put this day into words. Usher couldn't have said it any better, and Henry Rowengartner of "Rookie of the Year" couldn't have made the string of OMGs more famous.
The Vatican Museum was the main attraction of the day, and the root of most OMGs. Here are a few
"CONNECTIONS!", if you will.
1. Depicted on the walk towards the Sistine Chapel...a long walk towards the Sistine Chapel filled with rubber-necking tourists who just have to swing their esophagi left and right to see carpet hanging on the walls. Jeez, give a cajun woman a front porch, a rocking chair, and a knitting kit..she'll have one of those monstrosities done in a week.---Anyways--- in a dome there is a depiction taken out of the Book of Revelation. The Seven Archangels are slaying the Seven Demons. Fun fact/observation as well: The angels are all depicted as Roman soldiers of sorts.
2. Moving onto the Sistine Chapel, Dr. Sebastian put into perspective a piece of the altar painting. Depicted in the lower right hand corner is Charon beating sinners into his boat with his oar; a scene taken directly out of Canto 3 of the Inferno. Another observation about Mr. Mike's painting of the SC, adorning the walls are could be biblical depictions (couldn't tell for the short time we were in there)..mixed with different time periods. In one depiction, we see Jesus and his twelve disciples on the left side of the painting, and a group of what looks to be Middle Ages people on the right. All of those on the right are bowing down to Jesus. I'll be back there at some point to look farther into that picture. Mr. Mike has something going on there.
3. Dr. Bednarz stopped a small group of us at one point to show us what must have been Christian equivalents of Roman household gods, or lares. It made me connect a modern practice much like the household god practice: Mary or Joseph statues in gardens, or maybe depictions of St. Francis of Assisi.
4. Finally, in one of the Raphael rooms, there is a wall piece titled "Deliverance of St. Peter." Interesting about this is the guards sleeping...I'll add more to this with some more thinking time, but there is a connection here to not knowing when the time or the hour is when God will come to save.
Lastly: Not all of the OMGs were of sheer amazement of beauty in the museum. My last OMG moment was in my rejection at the Scavi Office..Okay....so is there any particular reason why one extra person on a tour is such a burden on an archaeologist and the Scavi staff? Seriously, what is the reasoning behind an access denial of a university student studying early Christianity? Please Mr. 6'2 Scavi gatekeeper, can I have an explanation of why a group of three fanny pack tourists would have any type of qualifications to see the necropolis below that trumps a university student seeking knowledge of the ancient world? Oh powerful Charon, with your mighty Mont-Blanc Oar, please hop off of your power trip for a moment and have mercy on my soul, accept my offering of 15 euros, and let me into the depths of your illustrious lair. GRRRRRR!
The Vatican Museum was the main attraction of the day, and the root of most OMGs. Here are a few
"CONNECTIONS!", if you will.
1. Depicted on the walk towards the Sistine Chapel...a long walk towards the Sistine Chapel filled with rubber-necking tourists who just have to swing their esophagi left and right to see carpet hanging on the walls. Jeez, give a cajun woman a front porch, a rocking chair, and a knitting kit..she'll have one of those monstrosities done in a week.---Anyways--- in a dome there is a depiction taken out of the Book of Revelation. The Seven Archangels are slaying the Seven Demons. Fun fact/observation as well: The angels are all depicted as Roman soldiers of sorts.
2. Moving onto the Sistine Chapel, Dr. Sebastian put into perspective a piece of the altar painting. Depicted in the lower right hand corner is Charon beating sinners into his boat with his oar; a scene taken directly out of Canto 3 of the Inferno. Another observation about Mr. Mike's painting of the SC, adorning the walls are could be biblical depictions (couldn't tell for the short time we were in there)..mixed with different time periods. In one depiction, we see Jesus and his twelve disciples on the left side of the painting, and a group of what looks to be Middle Ages people on the right. All of those on the right are bowing down to Jesus. I'll be back there at some point to look farther into that picture. Mr. Mike has something going on there.
3. Dr. Bednarz stopped a small group of us at one point to show us what must have been Christian equivalents of Roman household gods, or lares. It made me connect a modern practice much like the household god practice: Mary or Joseph statues in gardens, or maybe depictions of St. Francis of Assisi.
4. Finally, in one of the Raphael rooms, there is a wall piece titled "Deliverance of St. Peter." Interesting about this is the guards sleeping...I'll add more to this with some more thinking time, but there is a connection here to not knowing when the time or the hour is when God will come to save.
Lastly: Not all of the OMGs were of sheer amazement of beauty in the museum. My last OMG moment was in my rejection at the Scavi Office..Okay....so is there any particular reason why one extra person on a tour is such a burden on an archaeologist and the Scavi staff? Seriously, what is the reasoning behind an access denial of a university student studying early Christianity? Please Mr. 6'2 Scavi gatekeeper, can I have an explanation of why a group of three fanny pack tourists would have any type of qualifications to see the necropolis below that trumps a university student seeking knowledge of the ancient world? Oh powerful Charon, with your mighty Mont-Blanc Oar, please hop off of your power trip for a moment and have mercy on my soul, accept my offering of 15 euros, and let me into the depths of your illustrious lair. GRRRRRR!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Day 10: Oh! He's Uncircumcised!
Soooo, today's itinerary: Borghese Museum and Catacombs of St. Priscilla. This has by far been my favorite day from the standpoint of sights. Yes, my first glimpse of Vatican City was awesome, but the sights today were a tad less traveled than those of The Vatican and Colosseum.
The Borghese Museum is home to many famous works of art/artists, namely: Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
I have heard of Bernini's representations of mythological occurrences and other christian pieces, but never thought I would actually be within arms reach of any of them. "Pluto and Proserpina" (Hades dragging Persephone to the underworld), is a masterpiece of detail and emotion. One is able to see the squeezing of Persephone's thigh, the tear dropping from her face, and the laughter of Hades in this act. Proportianally, Hades is much bigger than persephone, and is a anatomist's dream. Every muscle in Hades' body, every vein, is completely distinct. Masterful.
Bernini is also famous for "Apollo and Daphne." According to the myth, Apollo attempts to take Daphne as his lover, but when he tries, Daphne is transformed into a tree. When looking at this statue straight on, this is not completely visible Rather, it just looks like an unfinished work. (The photo above is aided with lighting. The statue is also so massive in person that it is hard to see the work as a whole at first) However, when one goes to the back side, Daphne's fingers are transforming to twigs with leaves, and her legs have completely become the trunk of a tree. Like Pluto and Proserpina, Apollo's longing for Daphne, and Daphne's fright of the situation is displayed.
Before anything, no the mound of dirt in the photo above is not part of the Borghese Museum. However, it is a museum for the early christian origin enthusiast who is not completely enthralled with staring at a piece of canvas (with a material value of no more than $50) for an hour at a time. Antonia filled us in on some more pagan symbols incorporated into christianity. Jonah and the Whale made another cameo in fresco form, and we were able to see the supposed earliest depiction of Mary holding baby Jesus. Red flag. I'll go out on a limb and say that this is not the earliest depiction made of Mary and Jesus. Oldest in existence, ehhh maybe. Why would the earliest depiction be in Rome though? It would make more sense for earliest depictions of Mary and Jesus to be around Jerusalem and other parts of what was Galilee. I'll take snippet that with a grain of salt. Plus, our guide was already mad at us for cutting into his lunch break. However, back on subject, whether or not the painting is the earliest depiction, it was a very very early piece and very very mind blowing.
Other observations on that day:
2. Also in the Borghese Museum, I found a rather interesting depiction of Jesus and John the Baptist in their infancy. There were no photos allowed in the museum, so I will do my best to describe the painting. It was of Baroque style, and depicted Jesus on Mary's lap and looking down upon John the Baptist. John is making a gesture somewhat like one a priest does when giving a blessing. Both babies have hair, and are not newborns by any means. In the Jewish tradition, on the eighth day, a baby was to be circumcised. Well, both babies were flaunting the foreskin. Way to go, unknown artist.
The Borghese Museum is home to many famous works of art/artists, namely: Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
Before anything, no the mound of dirt in the photo above is not part of the Borghese Museum. However, it is a museum for the early christian origin enthusiast who is not completely enthralled with staring at a piece of canvas (with a material value of no more than $50) for an hour at a time. Antonia filled us in on some more pagan symbols incorporated into christianity. Jonah and the Whale made another cameo in fresco form, and we were able to see the supposed earliest depiction of Mary holding baby Jesus. Red flag. I'll go out on a limb and say that this is not the earliest depiction made of Mary and Jesus. Oldest in existence, ehhh maybe. Why would the earliest depiction be in Rome though? It would make more sense for earliest depictions of Mary and Jesus to be around Jerusalem and other parts of what was Galilee. I'll take snippet that with a grain of salt. Plus, our guide was already mad at us for cutting into his lunch break. However, back on subject, whether or not the painting is the earliest depiction, it was a very very early piece and very very mind blowing.
Other observations on that day:
1. In the Borghese Museum, a thought was inspired by a tunic Jesus was wearing in a middle ages burial depiction. The tunic Jesus was wearing had a decorative gold lining on it, probably about an inch wide in proportion. Questions, what is the artist saying here? What was the actual dress of one being crucified? Where are the earliest depictions of Jesus?...I was able to find one very early crucifixion depiction. Funny enough, the depiction is actually a mocking of Jesus. The "Alexamenos Graffito" (below) shows a donkey crucified. The inscription most likely translates to"Alexamenos worshipping his God." This etching is located in the Palatine Antiquarium Museum in Rome.
2. Also in the Borghese Museum, I found a rather interesting depiction of Jesus and John the Baptist in their infancy. There were no photos allowed in the museum, so I will do my best to describe the painting. It was of Baroque style, and depicted Jesus on Mary's lap and looking down upon John the Baptist. John is making a gesture somewhat like one a priest does when giving a blessing. Both babies have hair, and are not newborns by any means. In the Jewish tradition, on the eighth day, a baby was to be circumcised. Well, both babies were flaunting the foreskin. Way to go, unknown artist.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Day 9: Back on U.S. Soil
I am completely unable to describe the experience with Ambassador Miguel Diaz. He encompasses my dream of what I would like to be in life. A brilliant man, who is able to use his tools in Theology to move towards change in the world.
Dr. Bednarz urged us today to begin really making connections to the different sites we visit. My mind was racing with the ability to make a physical connection with ambassador, and caused a blockade in my ability to see connections such as the pagan symbols on sarcophagi (the Bacchanal Procession).
After our visit with Ambassador Diaz and our tour of the Doria museum, I will claim that the rest of the day was a complete waste. A complete waste thanks to my own personal ambitions to simply rest up. I could have ventured to other churches and to other sites, but did not....
I'm starting to really get what this trip is about. We go to sites not for the ability to say that we visited a beautiful Roman villa (turned museum), but rather for our own personal ability to grow as scholars. Although we are traveling the streets of Rome as a group, we are mainly traveling as individuals. Out individual connections we make is collectively brought together to form a picture of the ancient world.
All this said, I would like to make my own theory on these sarcophagi we are seeing. Could these sarcophagi, with pagan representations such as a Bacchanal Procession (showing the procession of the god Bacchus, Jesus, riding with an ass and surrounded by those closest to him), be safeguards to the wellbeing of tombs during persecution? A thought to end on in this rather topsy-turvy whirlwind of a blog post that probably makes no sense. Then again, does anything?
Day 8: Rest time, ish
Finally, an opportunity for the group to relax after seven days of hustle. Now, the weight we have all lost in the first week due to a workout routine Richard Simmons would consider "bun blasting", will soon come hurling back onto our bodies much to our dismay. Yay carbs, lack of protein, and cheese.
Day 8: Class in the morning was followed by an announcement by Dr. Bednarz that we have the whole day free to do whatever we want. Namely, The Roman Forum due to our passes' validity. So, a group of us headed to the Forum, amidst a cloud of mist and the surefire guess of rain in the future. I quickly learned how weather in Rome is very similar to the weather in New Orleans. While walking across the Forum, a itsy-bitsy cumulonimbus decided to release it's mighty withholdings. The ground... wet. The air...misty to dense. The oxygen... non-existent. The sun...there doing its job of warming those precious beings on earth called human. As far as we may go from home, we may seem to forget that we are all part of this world. All part is this interconnected irregular sphere. We see the markets, the shops, the cars, the public transportation, the homeless, the rich, and the Italian middle class. Much of the same, we see back at home. Connections.
Travel back to the time of the flourishing Forum. It was the center of life for the Romans. It was the center of all executive decisions made, whether they be for the betterment of the empire, or whether it be the judgement of a convicted person. It also housed temples to the gods and goddesses (like Vesta, Venus, and Roma). Interestingly enough, the Forum also was home to the Temple of Caesar. Caesar, was looked upon by the Roman Empire as a god and one appointed by the gods to be the all powerful ruler. Interesting fact. Much like the Pope is today. The divine inspiration that comes from a smokestack when electing a new pope, can go all the way back to the Roman election of a new emperor. Not like the practice we have today exactly, but the theological beliefs we have for a figurehead appointed by God or the gods to have divine power.
Hail Caesar!................................any takers? Okay, thought not.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Day 6 and 7: What just happened?
As I stood atop St. Peter's Basilica on the Cupola: Thoughts were racing through my mind, thoughts even after an entire day of acne breakout couldn't even begin to answer......this "will" be edited. I'm not sure when. I'm not sure how.
As I stood atop The Coliseum: Thoughts were racing through my mind, thoughts even after an entire day of acne breakout couldn't even begin to answer......this "will" be edited. I'm not sure when. I'm not sure how.
The question remains: What is it that God as called me to be? Rather...Who is it that God has called me to be?
My words to the group on my personal standpoint only a week into this trip: No words
On day 8..."normalcy" of my blogging continues......but to lead into what tomorrow brings. I got hit by a car today while crossing the street in front of the Vittoro Emmanuel II Monument.
Mom and Dad, if you're reading this, I'm perfectly fine. It's just the ebb and flow of life. It's the experiences in life that years from now i'll look back and say "Jeff, you got nudged by a Jaguar in Rome." In the narrative arc of our lives, we learn from our naive convictions to sophisticated convictions by process of refection. Simple Physics: Force= Mass x Acceleration.
In relation to the past two days, the experience of being hit my a car is only a simple reminder that the world is not a stagnant obstacle. Rather, the world is a static obstacle in which we change ourselves with it. All of this in attempts to change the world in which we live.
As I stood atop The Coliseum: Thoughts were racing through my mind, thoughts even after an entire day of acne breakout couldn't even begin to answer......this "will" be edited. I'm not sure when. I'm not sure how.
The question remains: What is it that God as called me to be? Rather...Who is it that God has called me to be?
My words to the group on my personal standpoint only a week into this trip: No words
On day 8..."normalcy" of my blogging continues......but to lead into what tomorrow brings. I got hit by a car today while crossing the street in front of the Vittoro Emmanuel II Monument.
Mom and Dad, if you're reading this, I'm perfectly fine. It's just the ebb and flow of life. It's the experiences in life that years from now i'll look back and say "Jeff, you got nudged by a Jaguar in Rome." In the narrative arc of our lives, we learn from our naive convictions to sophisticated convictions by process of refection. Simple Physics: Force= Mass x Acceleration.
In relation to the past two days, the experience of being hit my a car is only a simple reminder that the world is not a stagnant obstacle. Rather, the world is a static obstacle in which we change ourselves with it. All of this in attempts to change the world in which we live.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Day 5: I'm Sorry, I was Talking to Jesus
I would like to take this opportunity to shy away from my normal stream of consciousness type of blog. This will be rather short.
June 4th, 2011: Carlyn Worthy, author of Carlynssssssssssssss blog, was so rudely interrupted in her daily one on ones with Mr. Jesus, by the stylings of Lauren and Michelle Brenes. This statement pretty much concluded a fantastic day of excavations and aerobic activity. Excavations: San Crisogono en Trastevere and Santa Cecilia. The incorruptible body of Blessed Anna Maria Taigi was hands down the highlight of the day. At one moment, Chris and I were sitting in the Anna Maria Taigi chapel in front of her incorruptible body, sitting in pure amazement and reverence.
Dr. Bednarz brought up a great point a couple days ago when she spoke about light pollution. I have been down to Belize four times on Ignacio Volunteer Immersion Programs. Belize, a third-world country, is one of the few places on earth where light pollution still has not damaged the night sky. So much so, that every five minutes, a shooting star flies across the moon-lit sky of a Mayan village....God. I take this opportunity to relate Belize and Ancient Rome. Dr. Bednarz said early Roman churches were often built to face Jerusalem. In Belize, all of the Mayan temples built in the pre-conquistador era were built to face exact North, and all structures were built symmetrical to the sun's setting and rising. Both cultures relied so much on the alignment of the stars, planets, and the central sites to their individual beliefs.
In relation to what Carlyn said, these ancient cultures each had their own individual ways of talking to their God/god/gods. Early C.E. epitomizes beauty, whether it be in Rome or in the Mayan rainforest of Belize. Beauty is not found in the structures we see today. Beauty is in the culture, the people, and in nature.
Day 4: Healing
One may wonder, "healing?" It's been a looooong four days. Filled with draining of the senses, emotions, and draining of muscles and organs. Michelle has a tweaked ankle, and all the boys are showing signs of blisters on their feet, just to name a couple ailments. However, to mothership of all traveler's illness has been affecting me. So much to the tune that it has blockaded my ability to absorb the images and allow myself to be astonished by the sights I have seen. The culprit of this has a government name of "Tinea cruris." It's street name the kids on the corners are calling it is "chafe." Yes, this astronomically limiting factor in my experience has go so far as to make Poseidon mourn for me. Thus, the Trevi Fountain.
This adventure Dr. Bednarz and Dr. Sebastian had for us was not my greatest hope to do tonight. Our first stop was Trajan's Market, an absolutely stunningly large Roman Era structure that again never ceases to amaze. I guess I appreciated it even more, because I would go at my own pace and even at times rest my bum on a nice warm ledge. And while resting my bum on that ledge, I gazed into the skyline of the ancient city. Seeing each cross atop each dome and seeing the clotheslines hung outside of windows, beauty and the love of, for, and within this city truly came to life. I see my trip-mates bubbled with happiness and their own individual loves and astonishments. 
With a flick of his trident, Poseidon washed away the moisture, and washed away the damned Tinea Curis. A sunset over The Colosseum could never have been more stunning, and stories of Simon falling to his death never could have been more invigorating. I truly feel that any minor ailment, from a headache, to a tad bit of Tinea, can be cured solely from love. Whether that love be from an appreciation of a sight, a sound, a culture, or even a companion as stated before, it is the great people around us and the experiences we surround ourselves with that allow us to be free. Allow us to be free to truly experience life to the absolute fullest. And freedom is the outlet to prosper. The goal of our trip, to ameliorate ourselves.........Ciao Chafe!
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