Our family (two boys, my husband and I) are traveling to Rome to hear our oldest son sing with his choir (The Minnesota Boychoir) on Sunday, June 26th at 5:30 p.m.. We are traveling independent of the "companion" tour group who will have a special entry reserved for them. We are not able to participate in this reserved entry and seating because we are not officially with the group so we will have to do the general public entry process. Clearly, it is very important to us that we are able to witness this wonderful, once in a lifetime experience and event so I want to make sure we have access to a good seat for the mass and that we are able to see the choir sing. (The regular church choir is "off" that day so they will be the only musical group.) I am looking for specific information about when to go and where to go (both inside and outside the church) and what to bring ,etc. Is there a chance that we wouldn't be able to get in? How do we get "up close"? (I already know about the dress code...) My youngest son has dietary challenges and needs to eat about every two hours...He will be celebrating his 9th birthday that day as well. Thank you for any help/advise you can offer!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11818 posts
Katie:
I think all you have to do is arrive early and be in position to get a seat. I assume the service you want is this one as listed on the Basilica website -- 5 PM: Vespers at the Altar of the Chair followed by Mass at 5:45 PM. General guidelines are to arrive at least an hour early. Don't bring any large packs that might have to be checked. All backpacks are prohibited, but you can bring a large-ish purse. You can also contact the Chruch of Santa Susanna which is the home of the American Catholic Church in Rome. They may be able to offer better help or even preferential seating.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34143 posts
The Church of Santa Susanna suggestion by Laurel is golden. I'm so glad you remembered that. It completely slipped my mind. There's a fair chance they may be able to help.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11818 posts
Thank you Nigel. ;-) My memory still kicks in now-and-again. Katie, by the way, St. Paul is my hometown!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Tickets are only used for mass when the Pope is leading it. Otherwise you just show up and grab a seat. I don't think there will be a problem finding a chair. You will not be able to eat in the basilica so have someone save your seats so your son can eat his snack/meal and be OK to attend the service. Although St Peter's is busy there actually are not that many people actually attending mass. Congratulations to your son for being able to sing at the big house!