Here are some pictures from our journey this morning to the Shrine of Divine Love (Santuario di Divino Amore) where we celebrated Mass. It is a popular place for Roman pilgrims. We were led by police escort ... a great way to get through heavy morning traffic in Rome. In one image I am standing with Bishop Sharfenberger of Albany, NY and Bishop Bawai Soro of the Chaldean Eparchy in San Diego, CA. [The icon above the sanctuary, donated by a priest in 1570, is believed to have been painted in the 14th century though who painted it and when is unknown.] The presider for the Mass was Cardinal Vallini, the Vicar of Pope Francis for the Diocese of Rome. He encouraged us to rely on the grace we have received in our ordination to face the many challenges we will have as Bishops. Afterwards, the staff of the Shrine provided a breakfast snack for us including pastries, tramezzini sandwiches, porchetta (pork sandwiches), caffe, juices and water.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:09:55 +0000