Oh the beach!

Congratulations to tynelson8, thats my dad, on answering the question correctly! He also declared the doctrine of papal infallibility. The painting above depicts that declaration and is also in the room where he is buried. Notice the keys in his right hand.

Yesterday, we visited the Catacomb of Priscilla. From the 2nd to 4th century it was used as a burial for Christians. Because of the great number of people living in Rome and the high mortality rate Christians needed a better spot to bury their dead. So they used the old quarry. It was the site of burial for seven popes and many martyrs. All of which have been translated to various churches and shrines throughout the city. One of the neatest things is to see paintings, frescos from the 3rd century. These include various depictions of stories now in our gospels. Such as the multiplication of loaves and the infancy narrative. Now what is so amazing is that these are some hundred years before the canon was approved as it now is in 393 at the Synod of Hippo. These books especially the gospels had long been taught before the Church had made any official declaration. Also in the catacombs, exists the earliest existing painting of Madonna and Child. Unfortunately they would not allow any photos.

Me at the Catacomb of Priscilla

Msgr. Mueggenborg, our vice rector, celebrated mass for us at the church which is now built on the same foundation on which Pope Sylvester I erected a church in the early 4th century. He made a good point in his homily which relates to the martyrs. When they sacrificed, they didn't give something "up" as if it will be worth nothing to them in the future. But they "handed it over to God." They gave their lives over to Him so that He would then make them holy. For myself who left family and friends and what is familiar for a significant period of time, I desired the Lord to stretch me through this experience. But with Msgr's homily he gave me some vocabulary to be able to put what I hope for into words. I am handing over family and friends and the possibility of a beautiful catholic wife and children to God so that he can purify me with them and make me holy. The more we give to God the more we receive back. I guarantee the martyrs and saints would do it all again knowing what they are experiencing now.

One thing that I heard from a wise spiritual director, when he was asked why there aren't more saints? He replied because people lack generosity, both to others and to God. We need to hand more over to God.

Today we spent the whole day at the beach. I spent 10 euro to rent a chair to lay on and a large umbrella. I knew enough that I didn't want to get burned. It was a beautiful day and the Mediterranean water was refreshing.

Me soakin' in the rays

There are 10 or second year guys here who have set most of this week up. They have been really selfless and made this week so enjoyable. They know the top 5 or so things to see and do in Rome and therefore we are getting the best possible Rome experience only a week into my stay here.

Mike Garry and Eli Gieske

Again, this college is amazing. It is ginormous. I wish you all well.

"He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister." Col 1:22-23

Today's question: Pope Pius IX was the 2nd longest serving pope. Who was the longest?