Last day in Rome. I'm sad.

This morning I began packing, met Gabriel for a quick breakfast at the Termini, and began my last day of site seeing in Rome. It began with this church, designed by Michelangelo (originally as part of a Bath, I think).

Santa Maria degli Angeli, formerly part of the Baths of Diocletian

Next I wandered around the National Museum - Anna, I thought about you the whole time. I sure you would appreciate this more than me. The galleries included many sculptures, especially ones Greek-inspired. It's amazing that these have lasted since before Christ. 

the athlete at the National Museum.

The museum also houses mosaics and jewelry from antiquity. After a nice lunch, I headed to more churches.. The first to see the controversial St. Teresa in ecstasy as an Angel removes God's golden arrow.

swooning St. Teresa in Ecstasy at Santa Maria della Vittoria.

Next was St. Peter-in-Chains, where I enjoyed an English mass from a Bostonian (visiting) priest. We read over the verses were St. Peter is freed from the prison after mass. What good things the Lord does for those who believe and spread His word.

 

these are the chains that the Angel freed St. Peter from. how cool is that?

Michelangelo's Moses, with Rachel and Leah on either side. @ St. Peter-in-Chains

Another Michelangelo work. Apparently the artist worked on this Moses for over 30 years. That's a big project.

After these churches, I headed back home to finish packing and eat the rest of my groceries: stuffed pasta, salad, yogurt, juice, etc. My train leaves at 9:00 tomorrow morning. I plan on getting up at 6:30, very early compared to how long I have been sleeping. I just hope everything fits in my bag and I don't forget anything.

Hope all is well!