Sunday in Rome

What's a good Anglican boy to do on his Sunday in Rome?  At first my plan was to go to Saint Paul's within the walls, the local Episcopal church.  But on the bus this morning I had a very original thought: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  I got off at the next stop and made my way to the church that drew me to Rome in the first place, Santa Maria, Trastavere.  Arriving about one hour before the service I had a chance to wander in the church a little and soak in the the spirits of all who had worshipped on that piece of real estate since the 2nd or third century.  Then over to a local bar for a cappuccino and watching the world go by on a Sunday morning. 

I have to admit, that was my favorite part; sitting on a little Roman street, sipping cappucino of a perfect sunny Sunday morning.  I don't get to do that very often!

I also had the chance to make notes about the previous day's travels.  Most intrguing was San Clemete church.  With recent excavations they have expose a 4th century church under the existing 12th century church, and under that a 1st century worship place for the cult of Mithras. You start at the top, and walk down the stairs through centuries of history.  The day also included an aborted trip to the catacombs (They closed for lunch for two hours just as we arrived, ahh to be Italian!), San Giovanni Lateran, first great basilica of the Roman church, and the Pantheon.  I closed the day with a walk through the lively piazzas that are around every Roman corner.

In all this talk about church stuff and history I don't want to leave the impression that it isn't great fun being here.  The city comes alive each night in the piazzas.  With sellers and buyers of cheap knockoffs, people having dinner at outdoor cafés in every alleyway, and people gathered around the fountains enjoying one another.

I did make it to church by the way.  The sermon was well delivered but I think I missed the main message (it was in Italian after all).  The church was full, the music was nice, a lot of children and really a joyful place.  It was good to be worshipping with the Saints of Rome who were gathered there today.  The saints include those who were there and those who surrounded us from centuries past.

Peace.