Rome

= = = //St. Peter's Basilica Rome, Italy// = = = = = **//What world religion is this pilgrimage a part of?//** = St. Peter’s Basilica is a Christian basilica and is known to be one of the holiest sites in Christendom. St. Peter’s Basilica was the largest church built, until recently, and is located in Vatican City, a city within Rome. St. Peter’s was named after Peter, the apostle who is considered the first pope. The Basilica is located at the site where Peter was crucified and buried; Peter’s tomb is located under the main altar. St. Peter’s was originally founded by Constantine in 324 but was then rebuilt in the 16th century by Renaissance men such as Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini. =


 * //What is the history of the pilgrimage?

Before it was a basilica, the area was a chariot-racing stadium, that was built during the reign of Claudius and Nero. Nero was the emperor who began the persecution of Christians in Rome. This stadium became home to the deaths of many Christians at the time. Some were either crucified, thrown to wild animals, or had oil or tar poured over them while their bodies were lit on fire. One of the most famous Christians who died there was St. Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles. He took a great part in the establishment of the Catholic Church, and was a minister for thirty years before he went to Rome. He was crucified in the stadium in 64 A.D and was buried where his tomb still lies today – underneath the front of the Papal Altar, which is about 20 feet below the basilica. After Christians were given their freedom under the reign of Constantine, they decided to build the basilica above St. Peter’s tomb. //**


 * //What does the pilgrimage entail? Where do they go? What do they do?//**

People from all over world travel to one of the most holiest pilgrimage sites, St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Peter’s is now more of a tourist spot for pilgrims, rather than an actual praying site. Pilgrims who are interested in seeing the magnificent artworks and sculptures that are constructed inside the Basilica travel to St. Peter’s. Despite being just a tourist spot, there are many Catholics and other ethnic groups that travel to this holy spot in search of a new light and new meaning for life. Catholics denote their time in trying to gather as much information as they can about their roots and where Christianity started from. Pilgrims travel to St. Peter’s in hopes of experiencing continuity in the relation of the apostle to his successors, the Roman Popes. This Basilica is centered around Christian worship and brings pilgrims from all around the world together to experience the magical and enlightening experience. On a arriving to Vatican City, pilgrims and tourists travel through the city where they will find the powerful and holy church. During the tour, tourists and pilgrims will get to see the exterior of St. Peter's Basilica, the nave, right aisle and transept, the dome area with baldacchino, the cathedra of St. Peter, the left transept and aisle and the crypt/grottoes. St. Peter’s is one of the largest churches in the world. It holds over 60,000 people and covers an area of 23,000 m² (5.7 acres). Every part of the church displays the finest Renaissance monuments, and showing the works of such great artists, Michelangelo and Bernini. One of the most well known sights in the church is Michelangelo’s beautiful, Pieta. It is a sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead Jesus in her arms after his crucifixion. Another important artifact is the four piers of the dome; Saint Helena, St Longinus, St Andrew, St Veronica are statues on the piers. The tombs of Pope Pius X and Pope Innocent VIII are against the piers. Pilgrims and tourists get the chance to see the tombs of the previous Popes and the first Pope, St. Peter.

Who goes on it? What statistics can you find on the participants? What are their demographics? The Basilica was created to hold thousands of pilgrims a day. People come from all over the world, who belong to all different religions, to marvel over the Basilica. The church embraces people from all backgrounds, cultures, and religions. The Basilicas pilgrims visit to pray to be better Christians, to follow the Lords teachings, and to pay respect to St. Peter.

//**Why do they go on the pilgrimage? What are the historical and contemporary reasons? **//  The people of the church have visited St. Peter’s Basilica since the first century AD. At that time, St. Peter’s Basilica hosted the Circus of Nero and a cemetery. Although when and where St. Peter’s martyrdom took place is still in question, many believe St. Peter was martyred in the Circus and then buried near by. St. Peter was the first apostle and considered the first pope. After his death, faithful people visited his grave frequently. Emperor Constantine built a basilica over his grave in year 324. Since then, the shrine is one of the holiest places for the church, and one of the largest churches ever built. St. Peter’s is special because of the excavation underneath the church. A visitor to the site is advised to go there and get a first-hand look at St. Peter’s burial. People also come to experience the spirituality one feels at that site, feeling the connection from the first Apostle and pope to the apostles and Popes of today. St. Peter’s Basilica is also so frequently visited by pilgrims because of the amazing church itself. The architecture and artwork inside are both amazing and breathtaking. The statues and decorations throughout the church makes the physical qualities have almost as big of an effect on the pilgrims as the enormous emotional effect the site makes.  Tomb of Pope Pius XI (d.1939) Pope John XXIII (d.1963) Tomb of Pope John Paul II (d.2005)

**// How does it connect to the faith? This pilgrimage connects to the faith because it is not only one of the holiest places for Catholics, but also a place where the people of today can visit the grave sites of past important holy people, such as, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II and Pope Pius XI. Since these important figures in the church (plus many more) were buried here, it is considered a sacred place. This site also connects to the faith because St. Peter died for his faith at this site. When someone comes to the Basilica, they feel a connection to St. Peter and God. It is such an important place for Catholics. The Basilica is a place of worship, so pilgrims can celebrate Mass here. //**


 * // What important beliefs does it express? //**

St. Peter’s Basilica is known as the symbol of Christianity. St. Peter, the apostle who is known as the “prince of apostles,” was one of the most prominent workers of the Christian faith, and had a large hand in the establishment of the Catholic Church. His death represents the suffering and oppression that Christians had to go through during Nero’s reign in Rome, and his tomb represents the beginning of Christianity. When pilgrims visit this pilgrimage site, they feel that they are connected to its history and to the papacy. Pilgrims also believe that the artwork reveals the history of Christianity, therefore allowing a more intimate understanding of its history.

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