Parlo Italiano?: Churches & Organs & Doors, oh my!

Before we get started, here is a shot of my whole class. Fun folks! Some from Holland, Germany, Spain, England and France. I'm the only American!

Yesterday I had a whirlwind tour of a bunch of churches and different historic parts of Roma. One of my classmates from Holland brings her students here every year for a tour (she's studying Italian to help her understand and communicate better with the locals when she comes). Trix took me around to some of the churches and other sites ieri pomeriggio (yesterday afternoon).

Santa Maria Maggiore. This church is important, because this was where the Pope supposedly saw Maria and it snowed in the Summer. Now, every year, they drop white rose petals from the ceiling to reenact the snow.

The organ at Santa Maria Maggiore

And another one off in the wings.

Basilica di San Giovanni in Latereno: A statue of St. Bartholomew

There are 10 sacred doors in Rome. They are opened one day every 10 years. The Pope will go around to each of the churches where they are and open them. Many people make this day the focus of a pilgrimage. It is said that if you walk through all 10 doorways you will be cleansed of all your sins.

Well...4 more years before the next time they open. I have plenty of time to sin!

The apostles on top of Basilica di San Giovanni in Latereno

Me in front of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Latereno

Next door there is a building that houses the Sacred Steps (Scale sacra). These are the supposed 2? steps that Jesus walked up to stand in front of Herod to stand judgment (Lucky Barrabas!). Many people come to these steps and pray for those who are very sick or those in need. You're supposed to pray on each step and stay on your knees all the way to the top!