We were greeted with beautiful sunshine as we began our fourth day in Rome.  Today was the day we were all looking forward to: concelebration with Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica. 

After breakfast at Bonus Pastor, we boarded our bus for the short trip to St. Peter's. The Swiss guards welcomed us and directed our entry through the sacristy to the place where the priests vested outside of the grand stairs leading to the Sistine Chapel.  I vested inside the Basilica near the Altar of the Tomb of Pope John Paul II with other bishops and cardinals. Ordinarily, we would not have concelebrated but only attended so this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of us.

The music began and everyone processed up the center aisle to their places. The bishops and cardinals led the Holy Father in and Mass began. Our priests had a great view line of Pope Francis as he recited the ancient Latin prayers. It was a spectacular and very moving experience. During Mass, one of the Swiss Guards fainted with a loud crash and our own Fr. Juan Daniel Peirano went quickly to his aid. The guard came to quickly and was escorted away.

The priests, to a man, were overwhelmed by the experience of Mass with the Pope. It was an occasion they will never forget.  At noon the Holy Father appeared on the balcony of the Apostolic Palace to give a greeting and pray the Angelus.  The crowds were huge and our priests were among them.

Many returned to Bonus Pastor for lunch and then headed out again for another adventure in the Eternal City.  Some went to ancient Rome's Colosseum and Forum; others visited some different Churches featuring precious art; still others went shopping for gifts at the Spanish Steps or just wandered about the city.  For my part, I took a siesta and prepared for some meetings in Curial offices for later this week.

In the evening, Jason and I were dinner guests of the Superior General of the Oblates of Mary I Immaculate.  I knew him in Washington and one of Jason's seminary friends was studying scripture there.  It was a lovely way to end the day.

Returning to the hotel, several of us enjoyed digestivi before turning in. Tomorrow featured a trip to Assisi or a tour of the excavations below St. Peter's.  Either way, it will be a fascinating day!