[NYer]

Holy Week in Rome ... I’m jealous, ping.

[Cronos]

I spent Holy Week there in 2009 and while it is overwhelming for Good Friday, the masses that are held IN St. Peter's are underwhelming as quite frankly you can't see or experience anything beyond crowds.

The open air masses are incredible, with the joy and enthusiasm of people from all over the world, chatting in their native language.

The way of the cross at the Colosseum is also overwhelming.

Ok, ok, it is nice, but sometimes it could be too many people in the Basilica and you prefer going to one of the many Cathedrals...

[Melian]

Love the CDs Scott Hahn makes. I listen to them on my way to work. They never fail to uplift and inspire me. I am so happy to be Catholic. How I envy them this trip; it’s on my bucket list.

I am trying something new: I set the alarm on my phone for 3pm, the “Hour of Mercy.” Every day at 3 when my alarm (a harp) sounds, I take a moment to pray for the salvation of the souls in Purgatory, the intentions of the Holy Father, and I then reflect on the Passion. I also try to thank God for His tremendous mercy.

I also have a “Lent” playlist on my iTunes and use that to reflect on the Passion and Crucifixion, along with a nice Stations of the Cross app.

That will have to do until I see Rome!