After time with Father Cassian, we depart, at last, for Rome, and for the Vatican City State, the heart of the Church, the focus of our Easter Pilgrimage in Italy. We stop for a light lunch at an Italian Autogrill, known for good Italian meals and snacks.
After lunch we continue to the Eternal City, and arrive at Hotel Michelangelo, our home for the next 5 nights. Taking a few moments to settle in, you might enjoy a brief rest before dinner. After dinner we depart for St. Peter’s Basilica for the Easter Vigil Mass with Pope Francis.
It is one of the most impressive liturgical experiences in the world. The enormous basilica is in total blackness, and Pope Francis lights the Paschal candle. Then one by one, the candles of all the faithful are lit, and the entire basilica glows with candlelight. The Pope comes down the aisle and a cantor sings hauntingly of the return of the light, of the return to life of the Lord. Suddenly, the Basilica’s lights come on, and light floods over everyone. We feel how the Apostles felt, going from deep darkness to joy with the news of the Resurrection. Christ is Risen!
