We received ticket vouchers for Easter Mass at the Vatican. I wanted to know what to expect - what does it really mean to have a ticket? How early should we get there? What is appropriate attire? Also, has anyone attended the candlelit stations of the cross led by the Pope?
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
It's the Superbowl of Christianity! I was there two years ago, along with 100,000 others and it remains the highlight of my life! Receiving the Eucharist from the Pope. Went to reconciliation at St. Peters on Thursday. Just waited for an English speaking Priest, and there are many, didn't have to wait long.
So, it being the Superbowl, we stayed at a hotel across the street from the Vatican and walked over at 0830am. Surprisingly, at that time there was no "reserved seating" for Clergy, Priests or Nuns who came from all over the world, and the seating is first come, first serve. We got a seat in the closest 25% of the seats, center. I would recommend seating to the right side as you face the alter, as the Pope will walk right by there, and being in the center and close, there were TV cameras blocking our view.
We had to take our vouchers to a convent near the Trevi Fountain to get them converted to tickets. I remember taking a taxi for this, and despite that, once we arrived in the neighborhood, we still got lost on foot. Again, go early, as there will be lines there as well. The Sisters were so sweet, and lit up from within.
We asked before the trip what would be a nice gift for the Sisters, and we were told bags of U.S. Candy, and we brought those. They told us they share them with the young American Priests studying there and they were so appreciative!
Regarding the Stations of the Cross -- we unfortunately did not go, as Rome was having January weather in April;. It was blowing 25 mph and raining horizontally. If I were younger I would have toughed it out. It starts at the Colloseum.
Enjoy, I wish I could go again this year, but the budget will not allow it.
Posted by
217 posts
thanks for your reply! We will be at the Easter mass this year and this first hand account really helps! I love the idea of bringing American candy for the priests & nuns! Just curious, how long ago were you there? Were you there at the Saturday Easter Vigil mass or the Easter Sunday mass? We have tickets to the Easter sunday mass at 10am and have been advised to get there 3 hours early and the Easter Vigil mass it is advised to arrive 6 (yes, S I X) hours early according to the email received from those sweet nuns!
To the OP, the stations of the cross are at the Colosseum and begin at 9:15pm on Good Friday. No tickets are required. I would love first hand advise from anyone who has been to that. Where is the best/worst place to "station" yourself and how early should you arrive?
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I would not think it's necessary to arrive at 4am on Easter Sunday! I think we arrived at 7:30am, and got a good seat. Six hours of waiting seems like too much unless you're wearing diapers! The facilities are not easy to get to, and not enough for 100k people!
That was EASTER Sunday Service, not Saturday Vigil.
I was there in 2012. Not that long ago.
I hope someone else responds re Stations of the Cross in Rome on Good Friday -- OR you could Google it, or email your hotel for a good spot for seeing it.