Sorry for the long delay in posting.

We have been busy and the wifi has been sketchy. We will post a ton of pics tomorrow and some youth updates. Since last I posted, everyone had a chance to report back. The Vatican museum was astonishing with the amazing density of exquisite art and architecture. the Sistine chapel was stunning. Jodi shared how as a young girl they had a teacher who had them color on paper taped to the underside of a desk. She saw the Sistine and really appreciated the ceiling art. St. Peter's was both huge and beautiful. several people talked at length about the Pieta. Rachael shared how especially moving it was for her having played the role of Mary the last 2 years in the stations at St. Michael's.

Then Tuesday, we all went to the Trevi fountain. Navigating the bus and metro was a snap. Most of us tossed at least one coin in the fountain. One boy threw 3 coins. Hope springs. We learned how the Trevi  was the terminus of the Roman Aqueduct. The giant abundance of water allowed for a gargantuan fountain.

Then we saw the Pantheon. we gazed on the tomb of Raphael.We learned about ancient concrete and why there is a hole in the ceiling. We learned how a former temple to all gods - "pan-theon" was converted to a place for holy worship.
The we lunched in the Piazza Navona. Delicious and a bit dear. After lunch we learned about the tremendous Bernini Fountain in thecenter of the square. We learned how 4 rivers were represented and how it and the facade of St. Agnes are a running commentary on the work of Bernini's student- who did the church. And on Bernini's work on the sculpture.

More to come tomorrow and pictures too!