Tuesday Monieca & I enjoyed breakfast in a Vatican courtyard and then toured the Vatican Museum before it opened to the public. Afterward we toured the Sistine Chapel (no photos allowed) & St. Peter’s Basilica. The frescos, paintings, murals, tapestries, and ceilings were beautiful beyond description. A few were also inspirational.

It’s interesting how much Roman artifacts were moved to the Vatican in past centuries. Some of the Museum’s contents have no religious or Christian meaning. The Sistine Chapel & it’s ceiling painted by Michelangelo are spectacular. Some of the scenes he painted demonstrate great theological insight and offer inspiration. Other scenes he painted on that famous ceiling reflect his personal animosities and bad theology. I’m glad I saw it & would encourage anyone to do so. His talent was amazing.

St. Peter’s Basilica is massive. It is also beautiful and filled with impressive sculptures & mosaics. While tourists filled the Basilica, a few believers chose to worship in one of the several alcoves reserved for reflection & worship. Mass occurs several times a day in one of those alcoves.

Wednesday we traveled by train to Florence & spent the late afternoon / evening walking around the city. I’ll tell you more about this unique city tomorrow.

Pastor Steve Hogg