Roma

Today we started our day with a Mass in St Peter's Basilica - what a special mass. Deacon James preached the homily and talked about vocations whether they be religious, single or married life. Fr Michael then blessed all parents, mothers and couples on the pilgrimage. We then made a sign of the cross on all our children - our own or ones that wanted a blessing from us. It was very special and a lovely part of our mass. We then explored all things that the vatican contains - the Basilica, the Museum, the garden, the grotto and of course the Sistine Chapel. It was very busy and very hot but wonderful to visit and see all of the beauty that it contains.

We then visited the St Mary Major Basilica which houses a piece of the crib from Bethlehem. From here we went to the Basilica of St John in Lateran which is the Cathedral of Rome. Next to this were the Holy Stairs brought from Jerusalem to Rome. They are said to have had his blood on them. They are covered in wood and pilgrims climb the stairs on their knees, stopping to pray at each step. Many of us chose to do this.