Each, in its own way, was unforgettable. It would be difficult to – Rome! By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live.

Princess Ann, Roman Holiday

I hope you don’t mind reading a few of my musings from my recent visit to Vatican City.

I’ve been considering the power of a building. I have visited a few Catholic sites on my pilgrimage so far, but none so powerful and influential as Vatican City — specifically, St. Peter’s Basilica.

This building had a much different feeling than any other church I’ve visited thus far. There are plenty of reasons for this, such as its enormous size and height. More than that, though, I felt that this massive structure had a very different purposes than the other places I’ve visited. While most of the chapels I’ve seen have been grand and breathtaking, their goal is on a smaller scale: they want to bring individuals to God. The feeling I got while in the Vatican was much different. This building’s goal is global, aiming to bring the church to everyone in the world.

While being grandiose and beyond compare, I struggled to connect spiritually while I was in Vatican City. I’m sure this is mainly because I am not Catholic. I found it deeply moving to see hundreds and thousands of Catholic pilgrims visiting these holiest of holy sites. I also think this building’s differing purpose made it more difficult; as the church reaches out and invites the whole world to see what it has to offer, it can be nearly impossible to feel seen as an individual.

Because of my experience, I’ve decided that from here on out, I want to visit sacred sites with their intended purpose in mind. Not every building is made to affect the viewer in the same way. In fact, if that was the goal, the world could stop constructing sacred sites as soon as they completed just one.

I think it’s important to do this because it will broaden my experiences. People often put parameters on spiritual experiences that aren’t always necessary, i.e. needing it to be 100% silent or only while sniffing a certain scent. But when only certain spaces provide your preferred spiritual environment, you can brush them off as unimportant and less holy. But this is simply not fair or accurate! When we keep a place’s purpose in mind, we can be more mindful about the techniques it uses to help viewers along that journey. Who knows, I might even have a new type of religious experience while using this new approach!

What place do you consider the most holy place in your world? Why?

Vatican City

“One of the most sacred places in Christendom, Vatican City stands as a testimony to a history of about two millennia and to a formidable spiritual venture. Site of the tomb of the Apostle Saint Peter, first of the uninterrupted succession of Roman Pontiffs, and therefore a main pilgrimage centre, the Vatican is directly and tangibly linked with the history of Christianity. Furthermore, it is both an ideal and an exemplary creation of the Renaissance and of Baroque art. It exerted an enduring influence on the development of the arts from the 16th century.” 

“Vatican City.” UNESCO. (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/286/)

Roman Catholicism

Prominent Christian branch. Begun during the Apostolic Age of Christianity, soon after the death of Jesus Christ. Over time, the bishop of Rome became the most powerful leader in this church. Many councils met over time to determine doctrine and clarify beliefs. Great Schism of 1054 led to separation between Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Protestantism split off of Catholicism. Beliefs include sacraments, the authority of scripture and tradition together, and that the Catholic Church is the one true church.

“Is Catholicism a Branch of Christianity?” Christianity.com. (https://www.christianity.com/church/denominations/what-is-catholicism.html)