Waking up in Rome this morning was wonderful. The early temperatures were just right, but like a typical Oklahoma summer day, quickly turned hot. But we started off in air-conditioned buses while our local guides gave us a tour around the city.
We then began a walking tour to see ancient history up close. One of the many interesting places we saw was the Church of San Lorenzo de Speziali in Miranda. Originally it was a pagan Roman temple dedicated in honor of Antonines and his wife Faustina. It is located within the Roman forum and there are huge columns in front – the tops of which have deep grooves. It’s said that these grooves come from the efforts of Christians trying to tear the building down because of its pagan history. As they were unsuccessful in removing them, they left them and instead turned the building into a church. Also within the Forum was the remnants of the Temple of Vesta. The Vestal Virgins were priestesses who lived there and kept the holy fire lit.
Just before lunch we made it to the Trevi Fountain and made sure to throw our coins in. The tradition says that if you throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, you’ll return to Rome someday – so we’re all coming back!
We took a tour of the Colosseum and then set off for dinner. In between each course of dinner there were two opera singers who sang the most famous opera pieces. We might not have been able to sing along, but we all recognized the music! The singers had magnificent voices but were also very entertaining. They interacted with the audience and happened to bring a certain Senior Pastor up front to join in on the dancing. It was a perfect ending to a beautiful day in Rome!
– Wendy Lambert
A day spent viewing and exploring the pagan Rome… a city where history is woven throughout the 7 hills of Rome. We explored the ancient wonders of Rome including the Colisseum, Circus Maximus, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. All were involved in Pagan worship, gladiator challenges against themselves or beasts of prey(lions, tigers, and elephants. We saw many palaces and villas owned by members of the Senate or the Emporers families.
We visited the Roman Wall, Appian Way, and triumphal arches including the Constantine arch. Constantine defeated the Moors with a cross on his shield and in 333 AD declared Christianity as the official Church of the Roman Empire.
We finished the day with an excellent meal with operatic and country music. Some even danced.
A long day with tired and weary pilgrims growing in their faith and spirituality.
– Dr. Gary Brown
