In the Ghetto





Last Sunday, I went with a friend to Trevi Fountain and then to the Jewish "Ghetto" where the famous Roman synagogue is. It was a gorgeous day, and I am so glad I was able to go to a place where I had been wanting to go for a long time. This section of Rome was developed by Jews as early as the 1st century AD. This would have been an area that both Sts Peter and Paul would have frequented, if not lived in, when they were here in Rome. But first we'll stop at Trevi Fountain--my absolutely favorite spot in Rome! (at least that's what I'm planning. I have no idea what order this program will decide to put my pictures in.... sigh....)

Belissima as the Roman's say. Words would never do this piece of art justice.

A street artist we saw on our way from Trevi  Fountain to the Ghetto.
One of the most original art forms I have EVER seen. Love the colors.

Well, we're not there yet. Yes, I got distracted. Saw a sign for the Church where St Catherine is buried. I have always wanted to go there since she is my patron saint (my baptismal name is Mary Kathleen...for those of you who may not know that). Outside the church in the piazza is an obelisk.
I fell in love with the elephant. Wouldn't you?

Yes, one more distraction. My goodness you can't move anywhere in Rome without bumping into something. In this case, I turned about 40 degrees from my lovely elephant, and there in front of me was.... the PANTHEON... tucked into the neighborhood.

I promise this is THE LAST distraction. However, I am sure I am not the first tourist in Rome to have this happen to. This is the famous Tortoise Fountain that I had seen pictures of but had never seen in person. It looks like I'm not the only one enchated with this fountain. These birds still just long enough for me to capture them. 

We are finally here. And this is the entrance to the neighborhood. Interesting apparatus here at the opening. Makes you wonder what made it necessary, doesn't it?

Small metal plates like these can be found outside of houses, identifying the people who were arrested, imprisoned and murdered by the Nazies. It's pretty impressive.

Some ancient buildings in the Jewish neighborhood.

The temple. It is lovely from the outside. I hope to visit inside of it one day. We arrived too late to visit the museum and the synagogue. I'll have to go back another day.

I finally made it to the English section of the book center. Now I have spent time in each of the sections of the book center except the administrative section. And yes, I am taking an inventory by hand, again. Great way to get to know the inventory, though! Here is a picture of myself and Sr Giovanna, who staffs the English section. We are on the roof of the North American College.

Disclaimer: Yes, I am still a sister. Our community here in Rome has chosen not to wear the veil. Wearing the veil is an option in our constitutions. Therefore, when I joined the community here, I adopted their choice. It's all a part of community life!

This next week, the sister who staffs the French section will be making her spiritual exercises. And I will be taking her place in the book center. Exciting! Let's pray another Pentecost miracle is in store! Thank God most of the people who come into the book center also speak Italian.... But when you have to look up French titles...well, I will let you know how it goes.