Crypt Walk
Last weekend I was out and about Rome, checking out all the churches that happened to be in my path. As always, I came upon some beautiful churches, and saw wonderful sights. What differentiated this outing from the rest, was somehow, a theme emerged. I unintentionally arrived at several saint's (and one blessed) crypts. There are tombs, and crypts all over Rome, so this is not exactly shocking, but it was quite cool. Especially because it was all unplanned.
First, I went to Sant' Andrea al Quirinale, a beautiful church. A wedding had taken place earlier so fresh flowers were all over the chapel.
As I stopped for a minute to say a prayer a woman came out of the sacristy and asked if I would like to visit Saint Stanislaus' tomb. In fact, I would like to, thanks. She sent me up two flights of stairs, in the dark, into an area that felt like a mixture of a house and a museum (which was admittedly pretty creepy). I found a light switch and began to look around.
Once the lights were on, I was able to see St Stanislaus' tomb, an alter on which he offered Mass, and a reliquary. Pretty sweet. I explored, and prayed upstairs for awhile, then headed back to the church, and onto more adventures.
Just down the street I found San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane. Also, a quite lovely church.
This church was pretty small, but it was beautiful. I popped into a little side chapel and came upon a few beautiful paintings, some stained glass, and a ton of holy cards for Blessed Elizabeth Canori Mora.
I was able to learn a bit about Blessed Elizabeth, and her life (click that link) turns out, she is pretty hardcore. I like her. I hope she will intercede for me. It is always nice to make new friends in heaven.
Next, I arrived at Santi Apostoli.
This church is awesome. Huge chandeliers everywhere, and a lot of stained glass. I didn't take pictures because there was a Mass going on while I was in the church. I wandered through the side chapels a bit, and found the crypt, so clearly I went down. Underneath the church I found the tomb of the Apostles Philip and James the Less.
From there I went to St Peter's Square because I needed to buy stamps (I like buying Vatican stamps rather than Italian). Since I was there I decided to pop into the basilica for a second.
When I got to the entrance of the basilica I noticed that the line to the crypt was non existent, so I headed that way. Taking pictures is prohibited in the crypt, so I don't have proof that I was there. You will have to take my word for it. As I walked around under St Peter's I stood in front of the tombs of the popes. Including, St Peter, and John Paul II. The last time I was down there was the first day I was in Rome back in 2003. We had a class Mass at the tomb of St Peter. So it was sweet to relive that day. Also being able to say a prayer at John Paul II's tomb was a great treat.
On my way back to catch the bus home I stopped inside Santa Maria sopa Minerva (mostly because I was trying to find a bathroom).
I know that I have been inside this church before, but I'm not sure if I knew that St Catherine of Siena was buried at this church. Anyhow, she is, and it was a lovely surprise to see her tomb. I like Catherine of Siena so much. She is so feisty. It was like seeing an old friend.
Also: I did the C-walk while I was crypt walking across Rome. (Its apparently not pc to spell out the OTHER kind of crypt)
