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 Stop... look... really look... listen... listen some more, and reflect....

We began our afternoon excursion in the beginning of this program at St. Peter's Basilica. Why am I now only writing about the Teaching Chair of St. Peter's? Because it doesn't do justice to simply write about it without having to experience more of Rome and doing some more research about it. (I found my source here). 


This baroque sculpture of gold and oak is by Bernini, who's humbly buried at St. Mary Major's Basilica (see Paul's post on Bernini's Humility). 


                                    The "Chair" is located in the nave of St. Peter's Basilica.

                                                        Panoramic view of the Basilica

The first altar is called the "Baldachino" (4 pillars) which marks the site of the Tomb of St. Peter. The Chair looks like it is being tethered by the Four Apostolic Fathers of the Church (Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Papias of Hierapolis) to remind us of St. Peter's legitimacy of founding the Catholic Church. Therefore, all the Popes who came after him have the authority because of St. Peter who obtained it from Jesus.
The Teaching Chair of St. Peter reminds me of the teaching authority of the Catholic Church. To me, this means that its members not only need to be open to learning, but to teaching each other as well. 

The baroque explosive in gold reflects the angels who are bathe in the golden light. This mirrors the miracles which are gifts from the Holy Spirit that is the centre (in the form of a dove) taking the form of light. As the angels elevate the chair, there is a sense of weightlessness ("My yoke is easy and my burden is light"). 

Being an educator, all the above resonated with me. How do I teach with authority and weightlessness with authenticity reflecting the humility of Jesus? Authority and humility are contradictory in nature; but both are necessary to be effective in learning from each other for there to be receptivity. 

The nave of St. Mary Major's Basilica; closer look - Jesus touching Mother's Crown

As I conclude in my second week of experience here in Rome (and Siena and Assisi), it has been evident that Mary our Mother and the great Saints I learned about all lead to Jesus who is gentle and humble of heart in the way He teaches and corrects us through the Church. And we are all a part of the Church!

"Come and see" the magnificence of St. Peter's Basilica!




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