Pantheon on Pentecost

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,

they were all in one place together.

And suddenly there came from the sky

a noise like a strong driving wind,

and it filled the entire house in which they were.

Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,

which parted and came to rest on each one of them.

Acts 2:1-3

On Pentecost Sunday, I went to Mass at the Pantheon.  Actually, I went to Mass at St Mary and the Martyrs, a Catholic church that was originally the Pantheon.

This is what the Pantheon looks like when half of it is covered in scaffolding.

This is what the altar looks like from far away

This is what the oculus looks like

Mass was packed, because there is a tradition at the Pantheon on Pentecost.  When Mass ends the firefighters of Rome situated on top of the dome throw red rose petals upon everyone below. This is intended  to represent the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles and Mary at the first Pentecost.

I expected a few rose petals, and a cool visual, but I had no idea. 

The rose petals fell steadily for quite a while. It seemed as though it was raining rose petals. 

Also, during Mass a white bird of some sort (probably a pigeon, but it is nice to think it was a dove) flew into the church and circled the dome for some time.  Finally he left, only to return with the roses. It was a really cool moment. 

Here are some pictures of roses falling from the oculus of the Pantheon, sorry they kinda suck. (The pictures, not the roses.)

You can see the bird flying on the right side of this picture.

This was such a great way to celebrate the birthday of the Church, and to end the Easter season.  The Catholic Church, sure knows how to celebrate. :)  

Oh, I also ran into some Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from Nashville, who are studying here in Rome.  They introduced me to some of their classmates. So, I finally have some friends here.  Horray! 

At the end of the day I was able to Skype with some awesome teens in San Antonio, it was an excellent day. 

Happy Pentecost, indeed.

Here is a video of the roses falling from the oculus of the Pantheon.



I did not take this video, but a nice person I do not know, but I was at Mass with did, and put it up on Youtube so I can share it with you. :)