Day 3 in Italy: June 13, 2025
Dr. Cook - Reflection on the day:
On our third day in Rome, our last full day here, we looked forward to visiting the Vatican and seeing these holy sites within the context of the Jubilee year. The Jubilee celebrates another 25 years of the continuity of the church and welcomes pilgrims from all over the world to the center of the Catholic church. Of course, that meant we were engulfed in masses of others who had come to do the same. The heat and crowds made it difficult to slow down and engage deeply with specific monuments, but all were grateful for this perhaps once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the Jubilee.
One particular highlight was the opportunity to walk through the Holy Door (pictured below) of St. Peter’s Basilica, which is only opened for the Jubilee year. It was a moving and memorable experience to be sure.
After a much needed (air-conditioned) rest over lunch, we headed to the Galleria Borghese for a juxtaposition of the Baroque and Roman collections with a contemporary art installation by Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu. The exhibition “invites us to consider the museum differently – not as a wonderful archive, but as a shifting field….Her works are thresholds. They do not explain, they expand.” In reading this introductory text, I had the feeling that we were again at the threshold of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s, where the divine is not explained, but in the impossibly large interior of the basilica, it immensely expands and makes one feel entirely human.
Mia McElhatton - Vatican Museums:
My class and I had an incredible time exploring the Vatican Museums in Rome, where we were amazed by the vast collection of art and history. We especially enjoyed the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling left us in awe. As we walked through the galleries, we discovered beautiful sculptures, ancient artifacts, and detailed tapestries. We all learned about the importance of the Vatican in both religious and artistic history, which helped us appreciate what we were seeing even more. The visit was both fun and educational, and we left feeling inspired by the beauty and meaning behind the art.
Orla McCorry - St. Peter’s Basilica:
In addition to our visits to The Vatican and Sistine Chapel, we got to experience the rich history of St. Peter’s Basilica. This basilica is a significant symbol of faith, art and history. Even though it is a Church, it also represents a community's desire to grow their faith and their connection with God. As we toured the basilica, we were given the opportunity to see where the Pope will be seated as well as learn about other Popes who served in the past. We are so excited to move to Florence and continue learning about other parts of Italy!
Elizabeth Walsh - Galleria Borghese:
During our third day in Rome, a theme that kept coming up was communication. One of the most difficult parts about being in Italy has been the language barrier. We rely on communication in every aspect of our lives. That’s why the Galleria Borghese was so important to our trip. Art communicates differently than words. After climbing what seemed like an endless staircase, we were met with magnificent marble sculptures and intricate paintings. Each one communicated something different. They depicted the pain of Persephone, the cruelty of Hades, and the tragedy between Apollo and Daphne. The high ceilings showed beautiful masterpieces including the Baroque “Hunting of Diana” which had the contemporary work titled “Bloody Rug” on the floor beneath it. They each featured a unique display of intrusion and control. This place allowed us to both explore vivid art pieces and benefit from this special way of communicating.
At the end of the day, we visited the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin and wish for a speedy return to Rome. Tomorrow morning we’ll say “Ciao Leone” and “Arrivederci Roma” as we head to our next stop in Florence!
