Attending mass at St. Peter's Basilica?

Yes, as well as a number of confessionals with signs indicating which languages they use.

Wonderful, thank you!

The experience of attending Mass, realizing that you are standing in St. Peter's Basilica, absorbing the amazing art and history of the place is one of the most intense spiritual experiences available. I know non-Catholics who have the same feelings, and then when you throw in the solemnity and glory of a Mass, it's beyond words.

I'm sorry to say there is a downside; the crush of tourists taking pictures and selfies does not exactly contribute to one's spiritual fulfillment. The last time I attended Mass at St Peter's I was literally shoved out of the way so a tourist could have her picture taken with the altar as background. During Mass! I was flabbergasted, and my (non-Catholic) husband was outraged.

But go, and marvel. Peace. Or if you're old enough: pax vobiscum.

Mass at St Peter's was a highlight of my friend's trip when (unannounced) the celebrant was the Pope!!
I would also recommend the Mass at San Marco if you are in Venice on a Sunday. You have to enter thru a side door - the area is closed off . it doesn't substitute for a tour of the cathedral, but it was a lovely experience. They are very clear that you can enter ONLY if coming for and staying for the Mass. About 10 mins after the mass is over, they will start asking you to leave, but you are free to take photos and tour for that time if you are discrette.

You can also attend Mass in the Parthenon @ 5 p.m. on Saturday-only those who attend are allowed to enter and they don't re-open for tourists until 6 to 6:15 regardless on when Mass is over. We stumbled on this on our June trip when walking through the piazza and saw the hordes of people trying to enter and being stopped by an usher at the entrance.

Thanks! And we will be in Venice the following Sunday, so will keep in mind your advice.

GerryG means Pantheon, I am pretty sure.

There are masses in several languages throughout the day in the smaller side chapels. This was the only church I didn't attend mass. I am always offended by the tourists. Mass times (For all of the Vatican chapels http://w2.vatican.va/content/liturgy/en/events/year.dir.html/2016.html

However, if you are there on a Wednesday you can attend the Papal audience at 10am. Pick up a free ticket Tuesday evening from the prefect of the guard (Head Swiss Guard standing to the left of the main stairs but the bronze gate, opposite the tourist security entrance). http://www.papalaudience.org/tickets

If you want to celebrate our faith in a more meaningful/spiritual way. I suggest going to St John Laterno for Mass and doing the holy steps. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbasilica_of_St._John_Lateran.

This is a Jubilee year so you may want to consider setting up a walking pilgrimage which includes getting to walk through the special Saint Peter's Holy door at the Basilica (not sure if you get to skip the line and security?) Pre-registration on the website is required. You'll also get a souvenir certificate. Be sure to let your parish know you are doing a pilgrimage. http://www.iubilaeummisericordiae.va/content/gdm/en/partecipa.html

FYI the Yellow Roma Cristiana tour bus is a Hop on Hop off bus that hits more of the holy sites than the secular tours. There is also a helpful guide to doing the Jubilee pilgrimage without a diocesan arranged group. http://www.operaromanapellegrinaggi.org/en/jubilee
I recommend reading this site's information on celebrating our faith while on vacation. I think it will help you make some informed choices and avoid disappointment.

I second what Diane said about St. Mark's in Venice. We were there in July and attended Mass by entering through the side door. Much better than the line of tourists. You can celebrate your faith and take in the cathedral at the same time. And yes, there is time to take a few photos afterward, and it isn't crowded!

I'll disagree with using the Roma Cristiana tour bus. Rome hohos in general - including this one - have been seeing reviews negative enough for long enough that I wouldn't consider them an efficient, enjoyable, economical way to get around at all.

Rome is a wonderful city to walk, and you'll absorb so much more of the city's vibe on your feet than through a window. You can always hop public transport (for a lot less $$) if you get tired, and you'll be able to stop and look long at anything interesting you happen run across (there are many of those things!)

I agree with Kathy about the Roma Cristiana bus - nothing you cannot do on your own, probably more efficiently, and at your own pace.

If you are interested in early Christian churches, Santa Prassede is very near Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Clemente is near San Giovanni in Laterano (Quattro Coronati is just up the hill from San Clemente). Keep in mind that the stairs that mandy... refers to are in a separate building; stop in to see the Baptistery st SGL as well.

JerryG - was the Mass at the Pantheon in English, Latin? The website just say "for European Language speakers". I have no idea what that means.

I should have been more clear. Read the information on the Roma Cristiana site...I wasn't recommending the HoHo bus unless you have mobility issues. You can see far more on foot. I do however suggest you take transportation of some sort to St John Laterno, and the other older churches, as this quarter of the city is up hill. You will be able to see a lot more if you don't wear yourself out walking hills in the heat.

Mass was in English and Italian.

Mass at St. Peter's - daily mass during the week is at 5 pm in the apse (behind the main altar/ Bernini's Baldichino). There are barricades now. You approach from the center of the nave/main aisle and security will let you walk past the barricade to the apse for mass. Don't be intimidated by the barricades and guards. The guards are protecting YOU. Take a RS guide with you. As you sit in the pew before mass - you can look around the apse and see many interesting features. Enjoy!

I am attending Mass on a Sunday morning at 10 am.October9th. I did have to request in writing and received a letter telling me where to collect my tickets. Probably to be able to have a seat (I presume) I did sign up for the Jublee of Mercy Pilgramage for that weekend. (The Marian Celebration) I am very excited to be at St Peters for Mass.
I have a question regarding other churches in Rome but I will open another discussion.

Pat