The end of another eventful and very full day! BT and I have learned by experience a few things we did not expect on this trip...there is a LOT of security and a LOT of walking involved! And this on cobblestone sidewalks, hills and steps. Our hearts have gone out to one of the OCD German nuns who is using a walker and a few other nuns we've seen with canes and who are otherwise challenged by the distances. Nothing in the literature we received could have prepared anyone for this.
And the security...! More than Swiss guards...there are armed military at key points all around the Vatican and the equivalent of a TSA check every time you go inside the area of the Vatican. Keep in mind there are 4,000 + religious at this meeting! This morning we arrived to join a security check point line that stretched on beyond our vision. It took us an hour just to get through. See below...
Finally through security - BT passes the Swiss guards.
Paul VI Hall is the smaller, white building in the background.
We were at least 45 mins. late for the first presentation
A veritable SEA of religious of every variety!
We were all given these headphones to pick up simultaneous translations. They were, unfortunately, very cheap and many of us - BT and I included - had to turn ours in at some point because they stopped working. Very frustrating!
From L: Srs Allain, Marie Therese (Africa), ? (New Guinea), Christine and BT in Paul VI Hall
The contemplatives were served lunch in the Urbanian College. (Not sure that name is right - but I'm too tired to check!). It was another considerable walk. I photographed this delightful group of Korean Carmelites along the way.
Lunch was spectacular and so was the company!
Contemplatives from Mexico
Below...Contemplatives....not sure from where...
Very distinctive habits with an emblem of the Blessed Sacrament on their scapulars.
I found a Franciscan Nun from Santa Clara, Espana and introduced myself as we were among a very small number of contemplatives without veils! (I counted 5 out of about 900 - 1,000! Another was a Visitation Nuns from MI)
We made our way up the hill for Mass.
BT here with Mother May Catherine and companion from the Philippines. 
The college chapel where we celebrated Eucharist.
Before Mass...
In order to re-enter Paula VI Hall for the afternoon talks we were absolutely amazed to have to go through security AGAIN after lunch.
It was dark by the time we came out!
BT and I enjoyed dinner at 8pm with the 2 sisters on the right from Croatia:
Srs. Mirjam and Jelena. Delightful people. And Sr. Mirjam's English is excellent.
(Cannot remember the nation of the Sr. on the left!)
Not much left of that bottle when I left to write my blog tonight.
I hope this gives you an idea of our amazing time here in Rome! BT sends love along with me.
Blessings and love!
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