Procession in St. Peters

During my trip to the Vatican I saw many interesting statues and detailed frescoes. However, one of the most exciting things that occurred while I was circling St. Peter’s was the procession. I had been looking around for at least an hour when all of a sudden bells began to ring and loud instrumental music radiating from the organ. Everyone rushed to the center of the church to see the priests and cardinals walking to the papal alter. They were dressed in the red, gold, purple, violet and white linens that are mentioned in Dickens’ writing. It was so cool to see the three cardinals pass by me from only about 5 feet away. The three cardinals are possibly the second most important figures of the Catholic Church. When the Pope passes away the cardinals choose who will become the next Pope in the Sistine Chapel. The alter servers held their long white candles close to their bodies, while surrounding the tall metal cross in the middle. As they passed, the strong aroma of incense consumed the air. The rich, natural scent is contracted from certain resinous trees in preparation for the offering of the Eucharist. It is said that incense is used a as symbol of sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the saints rising to heaven. I think that visiting the Vatican and seeing the procession was the first time that I was actually really excited to be in church.

"Incense." Wikipedia. 30 Apr.-May 2008. 27 May 2008 .