The next part of the tour was a busy day. We were received at the Palazzo della Rovere by the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Here a song (the piece that Dr. O'Shea wrote) was being dedicated to the Order and to Cardinal Foley. The Cardinal was unable to receive us, but other dignataries from the order were there and gave us a tour of their beautiful space. This palace is just a block away from Vatican City. Can you say prime real estate.
The Chamber Singers perform
O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem at the
Palazzo della Rovere
After the visit at the Palazzo del Rovere the students had a short break for lunch and then it was on to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica. We had a three-hour guided tour of these beautiful spaces. Some pictures are attached, but not even the photos can describe the splendor that is in these venues. Simply amazing!
The dome of Saint Peter's Basilica from a courtyard within the Vatican
Museums
Bryan Moore and Katie Sapper pose for the camera in a Vatican Museum
courtyard.
Some of the Vatican gardens
Some students take in the view before continuing on with the
Vatican Museum tour
Tyler Ringeisen, Gabbi Langan, Courtney Ganser-White, Heather Hurner
and Jessica Ingvalson hang out by a fountain in a Vatican Museum
Courtyard.
Michelangelo's
Pieta which is located in Saint Peter's Basilica
The main altar at Saint Peter's Basilica
What a great day! It was for me a great honor to be invited to the headquarters of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in the lovely 15th-century Rovere Palace. As a member of the Order since 2009, I had wanted to dedicate a musical composition to the Order, and to its Grand Master, Cardinal Foley. Although the recent resignation of Cardinal Foley, due to failing health, prevented us from meeting him in person, we were greeted by Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea, the Assessor of the Order and its effective head while a new Grand Master is sought. We were also welcomed by Dr. Adolfo Rinaldi, the Vice Governor General, and Monsignor Hans Brouwers, the Chancellor.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of some construction noise coming in through the windows, the performance of "O Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem" was warmly received by the above dignitaries and staff of the Order.
The tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel which followed was a bit overwhelming - so much to take in and only about 3 hours in which to do it.
-PMOS