WANTED

with Rome and Vatican City.
I had no idea that Catholicism
would affect me the
way it did. St. Peter’s Basilica
is to blame for that. At
night, it is a magical place. I
remember standing near the
fountain and looking in awe
at the Apostles, who peered
down at us as if guarding the
holy place. The history of
their time, the beauty of the
sculptures and the tragedies
they have silently witnessed
over centuries was almost
overwhelming. Partly because
I have a strong understanding
of the importance
of history and the lessons we
are able to learn from the
past, but also because personally,
I am on a quest to
find where I fit spiritually in this world. This trip to
is becoming more than a college class. It has begun
a rebirth within myself.
Day two started for me when I laid eyes upon the
Ecstasy of St. Teresa. St. Teresa profoundly affected
Professor Emeritus of Art Clem Allison, at left, with wife Bev
Allison and Professor of Political Science Dr. James Reid.
Jacki Ewing, left, along with fellow journeyor and student Rebecca Munsey '05.
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me in one way – her incredibly fierce faith! Her vision
of a cherub piercing her heart repeatedly, and
the ecstasy amidst the pain she felt clung to her for
weeks. After hearing this, I kept staring at her sculptured
face looking for some sign, a hint as to how I,
too, could feel that way. She remained silent, caught
up in her permanent state of bliss created by the incredible
hand that carved her. Gown draping, body
flowing, the sculpture almost floats. I floated hesitantly
out of the church.
After the Spanish Steps, lunch, and a quick change
into appropriate clothes, we were back at St. Peter’s.
How grandiose – these massive sculptures and
paintings! The Pieta, and St. Peter himself – they
carry so much importance. The artistry, their religious
significance- both qualities make these pieces
priceless, and I don’t mean in the monetary sense.
After taking in as much as I could in one viewing, I
noticed people lining up to touch St. Peter’s feet.
One woman in particular came in, went directly to
his feet, stood for a moment praying, all the while
gently caressing his feet. Finishing her prayer, she
turned and left. Again, the issue of incredible faith!
Obviously she was burdened with a trouble that she
knew only St. Peter could resolve, but to be so privileged
in that this magnificent cathedral is her church!
She could come here daily if she wanted; she could
attend services weekly and listen as the Pope spoke
outside. To me, this special place full of treasures
was a once in a lifetime, maybe twice, experience. I