Holy Week in Rome is a time of prayer and silence, but it is also a good time to visit the relics of the Passion found in the Eternal City, such as the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.
KEVIN MALDIVIA
It's very famous because they have very large relics of the True Cross that Saint Helena brought from Jerusalem. I've also heard that the Basilica was built in the Holy Land, meaning they brought soil from Jerusalem and built the Basilica on top. Besides the cross, they also have the finger of Saint Thomas the Apostle that he pierced into Jesus' side. The nail, there were three nails that Saint Helena brought, and one of them is here.
This is precisely what this group of young university students has decided to do: visit this basilica that brings people closer to the Passion.
EMILIANA REY
I think one of the most beautiful things you feel when you enter this church and see the relics is being able to experience the feeling of gratitude to the Lord, to say how much He loved us and everything He went through with serenity and complete love to save us.
CALIA MABEL
It hurts me the way I see like when they crucified him, the way he was on the cross… that hurts me a lot and I can not say that I share the pain with him, it was painfull to see this
Furthermore, after this unforgettable visit, the group walked to another of the most significant spots during these days of the Passion: the Holy Stairs.
It is a place highly venerated by Catholics traveling to Rome. It is said that beneath the staircase ascended by the faithful are the 28 marble steps Jesus climbed in Pilate's palace to be judged before the Roman governor. In fact, on some of the steps, there is a glass window where you can see the blood of Christ, immortalized on the marble.
It is a must-see place during these days, and one that captures the hearts of many who come here, even those who repeat the experience:
MARICARMEN HERNÁNDEZ
What impressed me most was seeing people climbing on their knees… with great faith, I truly believe, from feeling what Jesus felt climbing those stairs.
For those who experience it for the first time, like Carmen, it is also a source of emotion and truly moving:
CARMEN ESTEVE
It was super exciting - painful because climbing on your knees is difficult because the timbers aren't even, but super exciting to know that Christ walked up there… that staircase… I recommend everyone to have that experience because it truly is super special and exciting.
During Holy Week, Rome offers a unique opportunity to get closer to the heart of the faith. It is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on those who visit it.
BAM
TR: GS
