Early Tuesday we rode the busses from Sienna to Orvieto. The walled town of brick and stone is on the top of a hill. We took a rail tram to the top and a shuttle bus to the Cathedral with a façade that leaves you breathless. Not only that, but there is a eucharistic miracle present there that dates back to 1263 and is rarely displayed. The rector generously decided that it needed to be brought out for the group to pray with. We scurried into the Chapel of the Corporal for a privileged view of the dried blood of Jesus on a linen corporal. It became a highlight of the trip for many. In every Mass, bread and wine actually changes into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The Eucharistic Miracle was a proof of Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist and inspired the Feast of Corpus Christi. It was incredibly moving to be confronted in our own lack of belief. There
was a short time for us to find lunch and our own way back to the tram, but several people got lost.
Once we had everyone gathered, we were able to reach the catacombs of St. Callistus. The dark corridors were decorated with inscribed slabs and ancient art.
When we reached Rome we were joined by the seminarians who study here. The dinner was rich, crowded, and efficient. The homemade short bread desserts were excellent. After a quick meal of carbonara and melanzane parmiggiano (both classic Roman dishes), the group meandered our way over to the Vatican Museums for yet another gift: a private after-hours guided tour. Walking through the Vatican Museum to experience timeless beauty is one thing, but to be the only ones in there when you are normally joined by thousands of your noisiest best friends is quite another. We divided up into a few groups of 20 and were quietly guided through with explanation every step of the way. Finishing in the Sistine Chapel was the perfect cherry on top. After 20 minutes of taking in beauty that transports us out of this world, the group headed back to the hotels for some much-needed rest.
