Dreams Fulfilled in Vatican City
I don't know about you but, when I think Rome... I think the Vatican. I have always dreamed of one day visiting this sacred place. Being raised in a Catholic family and attending a Catholic university has only furthered this dream of mine. A week ago, I was fortunate enough to tour the Vatican with my study abroad group.
Vatican City, a city-state that borders Rome, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican city is the world's smallest independent nation-state. The city-state has 600 citizens including members of the Swiss Guard. The construction of the basilica began in the 4th century A.D. St. Peter's Basilica has become a center for Christian pilgrims. The Vatican Museums have expanded throughout the years holding some of the most notable artwork in the world.
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| St. Peter's Basilica, Dome of Sistine Chapel |
As the sun beamed over St. Peter's Basilica I immediately felt like I was in the presence of the divine. Our Italian tour guide led us through the gardens and museums of the Vatican. My appreciation of the surroundings continued to grow. The historical and spiritual significance of the Vatican is illuminated through the perfectly painted ceilings and shiny marble floors. Masterpieces of famous artists Michelangelo and Raphael hang from the walls demanding the attention of their audience. The tour guide provided us with historical insight along the way which deepened my understanding of Catholicism.
I was overwhelmed with the grace of Vatican City; however, one aspect I was disappointed with was the Sistine Chapel. I expected the world-renowned chapel to be the most memorable of everything I saw. Our tour guide warned us that silence is required in this part of the Vatican as it is considered a serene and holy place. I entered and guards screamed "QUIET!" at the crowd. However, many of the noisy tourists did not respect the sanctity of the chapel. I made my way towards the back hoping to find a place of peace. I observed hundreds of people shoving their way through the mob. The Sistine Chapel was impressively crafted; however, I couldn't help but feel part of my experience was shorted by the disrespectful tourists.Thousands of people, of all religious backgrounds, tour the Vatican in awe of the beauty. Not to say that a non-Catholic person does not appreciate the sacred grounds they are in; however, I think the experience of a Catholic follower is much different. Being in this spiritual place inspired a feeling of closeness to my faith.
I didn't let my impressions of the Sistine Chapel taint my vision of the Vatican. My tour of the Vatican has caused me to hold Rome close to my heart. I grew up attending a small church in a two stoplight town. And now, I have visited the spiritual symbol of Roman Catholicism. I gained a deeper recognition of my faith as well as an appreciation for the significant history behind it's glory.
I was overwhelmed with the grace of Vatican City; however, one aspect I was disappointed with was the Sistine Chapel. I expected the world-renowned chapel to be the most memorable of everything I saw. Our tour guide warned us that silence is required in this part of the Vatican as it is considered a serene and holy place. I entered and guards screamed "QUIET!" at the crowd. However, many of the noisy tourists did not respect the sanctity of the chapel. I made my way towards the back hoping to find a place of peace. I observed hundreds of people shoving their way through the mob. The Sistine Chapel was impressively crafted; however, I couldn't help but feel part of my experience was shorted by the disrespectful tourists.Thousands of people, of all religious backgrounds, tour the Vatican in awe of the beauty. Not to say that a non-Catholic person does not appreciate the sacred grounds they are in; however, I think the experience of a Catholic follower is much different. Being in this spiritual place inspired a feeling of closeness to my faith.
I didn't let my impressions of the Sistine Chapel taint my vision of the Vatican. My tour of the Vatican has caused me to hold Rome close to my heart. I grew up attending a small church in a two stoplight town. And now, I have visited the spiritual symbol of Roman Catholicism. I gained a deeper recognition of my faith as well as an appreciation for the significant history behind it's glory.
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