Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
First, to the Scavi to venerate the remains of St Peter in the crypt. Thereafter, I would venture up to spend time with Pope St John Paul II. I would also pay my respects to Pope Benedict XVI. It blows my mind these three popes and almost 100 more rest within this holy site.
St Catherine of Siena, who advised and advocated for several popes; St Philip Neri, who is a patron saint of Rome; and my confirmation saint, St Thérèse of Lisieux, who implored permission from Pope Leo XIII to enter Carmelite life at the age of 15. These three holy companions would serve not only as my travel “buddies” but also as mystical tour guides!
Totally a church hall. What’s better than living under the same roof as the Blessed Sacrament? Just imagine getting to re-enact what St Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced in the first adoration chapel that ever existed – the Holy Family’s home. So, yes, sleeping in a church hall would be a sublime delight.
Learning from my big sisters and brothers Ss Teresa of Ávila, Ignatius of Loyola, and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, the Lives of the Saints would be my must-have. Additionally, Introduction to the Devout Life by St Francis de Sales, The Secret of the Rosary by St Louis-Marie de Montfort, Uniformity with God’s Will by St Alphonsus Liguori, and The Catholic Manual of Civility by Marian Therese Horvat. Other than that, a copy of the textbook of holy living – the Gospels – would be with me, in addition to the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Horologion, the book of hours used in the Eastern Catholic Churches.
1 Peter 5:6-10 for courage to persevere when the hot cobblestones burned my feet; Ephesians 6:10-17 for vigilance during spiritual warfare; and Isaiah 41:10 for reassurance should I feel lost in the streets of the Eternal City. Finally, Psalm 27 for trust while praying that my pilgrimage is being guided by God Himself, and that whatever sites I am not able to visit are all according to His plan.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
“This is the day... this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it...” Then louder, bumping up the volume: “I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Then softer again… “This is the day... this is the day that the Lord has made!”
Nuxe’s Huile Prodigieuse, a multi-purpose dry oil for face, body and hair. It has seven precious botanical oils that nourish, replenish and beautify all skin types. Oh yes: in my bag it goes!
Having appetisers at an ordinary-life restaurant actually consist of something light, like a salad, and not pasta up-front. Still, when in Rome…
