Purgatory Usa

Bab's and Family

Nikki and Babs with Svenge

Sorry, that I haven't continued my blog in a while. Things have been very crazy since returning from Italy. We have been continuing to work on the Messenger Album, as well as, begin filming a Christian Sit Com with Sonlight Pictures. My daughter, Tiffany is playing a girl named Babs. It is really funny. Here are some still pictures from some of the episodes.

Babs and Nikki share some love

ALL PICTURES ARE COURTSEY OF SONLIGHT PICTURES

THANKS PETE

PLEASE CHECK OUT SONLIGHT PICTURES WEB SITE AT www.sonlightpictures.com

Scavi Vatican Tour

St. Peter's Square

The Scavi Tour is a tour that is difficult to get tickets for because of the limited number of tickets. I purchased our 6 months ahead of our trip, and it is well worth the trouble. This was one of my favorite things that we did in Rome. This tour takes you deep under St. Peter's where the catacombs have been excavated. The Vatican Hill was where St. Peter crucified up side down. The actual spot is now just marked with a simple plaque on the ground. Papal vehicles drive right over it everyday. Fr. Lynn, who was our tour guide, it from Atlanta and graduated from St. Pius in Atlanta. He was very young, but very smart.



He explained how St. Peter was so revered by early Christians that they stole his remains away from the Romans and placed him in a Poor man's Grave. He was then moved over time. The Basilica changed levels and was evolved over time. The catacombs surrounding his burial site were full of early Christians that wanted to be closed to St. Peter. Do you blame them? He does hold the keys to Heaven after all. These graves were recycled from early Romans's whose remains were moved after Constantine took over the area. It was amazing to see the graves that had at one time been above ground with a road running down the middle. The were constructed with house from facades.



We finally made it to St. Peter's bones. According to the Vatican, there were no feet or skull found with his remains. It is believed that his skull is in a statue in the high altar in St. Giovonni Laterno, the original Papal Residence before St. Peter's Basilica was completed. As for his feet, when the early Christians removed him from the cross they had to move very quickly as to not be caught by Roman Soldiers, so they cut them off to remove him quickly. Kind of gruesome, but still amazing. A mouse's skeleton was also found with him, not many people know that factoid. Two priests began excavating during WWII and did it in complete secrecy by Papal order. The Pope didn't want Hitler's want for religious artifacts to come to the Vatican. Amazing historical facts and lessons.

Day 3 Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's

The Ross' and the Trevi

The Trevi Fountain

We rose early around 6:30 am. We had breakfast and started a major day of walking. First, we strolled upon the Trevi Fountain. There was no one there. I guess to early for normal tourists and Italians. There is a belief that if you throw a coin in the fountain over your shoulder, that you will return to Rome. We all tossed coins in, but Greg, Hum?

We began to head to the Vatican. Did you know that the word Vatican has no religious meaning what so ever. It is believed by Vatican Scholars that it is from the name of a family that first owned the land that St. Peter's now resides on.

We were completely confused at first, but God showed us the way. For example, Mrs. Citro, my son Spanish Teacher, called our room to tell us where to buy our religious items. 152 Borga Pio. It is where all the clergy go to buy. What a find. Then, when we got to St. Peter's, the line was really long. We went around to the left hand exit and showed the Security Guard our Scavi Tour passes. The guards let us in the exit. No line. God Wink. We went to check our back pack and get an audio tour of St. Peter's. We saw the Pieta, my favorite, there is something so powerful about that piece of art. It almost looks wet.

The Pieta

We travel through the right side of the Basilica to the St. Sebastian's Chapel. It is said to be the holiest place in the St. Peter's. If that is possible. We prayed in Eucharistic Adoration for a while. It was incredibly powerful to pray in front of Christ in the Vatican. God Wink!

We made it half way through the Vatican, when Greg wanted to take a break. So, the kids and I went to the Vatican Bookstore. I noticed a Dvd of a movie about Pope John Paul II. I told the kids how much I liked the Hallmark movie called Karol, Man who would be Pope, better. Standing in front of us was a Dominican Priest, and he agreed with me. He offered to give us some tips on Rome. God Wink, his name was Fr. John Paul Walker. Coincidence? He was very generous and explain some pretty cool things. For example, the actual steps Christ climbed to be judged by Pontius Pilate are here in Rome. You must kneel in pray as you ascend them. He also, told us that in a church called Santa Giavonni Il Laternano, it is believed to house the actual skulls of St. Peter and St. Paul in the high Altar. He finished by explaining the history of Saint Cecilia, Patron Saint of Musicians. She has a pretty unique story as well. I will fill you in on that later.

Greg and I in St. Peter's Square

I will continue Day 3 the Scavi Tour tomorrow. Put on your Indiana Jones Hats. You'll need them.

Day Two Rome, Italy

Tiffany and Matt on the Double Decker Bus

Termini Station, Rome

Okay, so I'm very excited, so I'm going to post 2 days right now. Day 2, Friday, We woke up at 9:30am. We decided to start out slow. We walked toward the Termini Station. We purchased tickets for the 110 Red Double Decker Tour Bus to get an all over tour of the city. We got lost heading to Termini and got directions from 007 US Version. He asked us where we were from, and we said Tampa. We asked him where he was from in the US. He cryptically said that he was a soldier. He was in a $3000 Italian Suit, hence, 007 Us version.

Then, we rode the bus all the way around the 11 stops, and back around to the Colosseum stop. It was so amazing to be standing there. Almost as overwhelming as the Grand Canyon, but different. Some famous wrestler guy was in front of us, but I have no idea who he was.

Matt and Tiff

Greg and I

Back to the Colosseum, we finished taking pictures and began to walk to the Palatine. When we got to the gate, the exhaustion hit and we decided to head back to the hotel for a picnic of beer, wine, cheese, sandwiches, and pop. Lights out.

Tomorrow, the Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican Scavi.

Rome, Italy

The Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy

Wow,

We made it home safely from Rome. I can't begin to describe how much I have grown in my faith. A man studying at the North American University in Rome, (where we picked up our tickets to see the Pope) said, "You must have faith first,then gain the knowledge and grow." He was so right. I have always had a faith connection with Christ as long as I can remember. I was always trying to find my own way religiously. Now I feel like I truly have gained so much knowledge that I want to share a bit with my family and friends. Please don't take this as preachy or holy roller. I hope that when you read my blog for the next few weeks, you are able to find your own knowledge and way whatever that might be. I believe that those who have knowledge first struggle with faith because they think they know all there is to know. Anyway, God has really touched my family and We are so very blessed.

I am going to leave excerpts from my journal that I kept in Italy along with photos of the trip. I hope to leave a new one each day to document the whole trip. My prayer is that you enjoy the ride and gain something of your very own from it.

Here it goes.

Day One, God Wink Journal. God Wink defined by Cathy Ross is a moment all your own that you feel that God is Winking at you. It could be funny or heart touching either way it is a moment that you and God connect on a very deep personal level. A wink in which He lets you know He is there and loves you!!!

We arrived in Rome at around 11:30am Rome Time. We took a cab "Thank God" from the airport to our hotel. We unpacked and watched President George Bush drive past our window. Of course, we waved as he and the secret service drove by. We unpacked and headed to the Spanish Steps. We had our first margarita pizza and raspberry gelato in route. What a great way to start our trip!!! We came back and passed out.

Session#3

The Band Hard at Work!!



Jim Grasso and Chilton Bono recording bass and guitar tracks!

Wow, Session 3 is on the shelf. Everyone worked so hard last night to finish our first song, "Blessed Be the Name". We will be started the 2nd song on Sunday. The energy in the room was magical. We goofed around some and chatted some and worked a lot.

I am recording vocal tracks or just being confused not sure which!

Dave Dohanish, Dea Bauer, and I

Matt and Stephanie Grasso

Pete Bauer " Our Amazing Cinematographer "

Matt's Graduation

Matt and Carly George with the Principal's Award

Pictured Left to Right: Tom George, Theresa George, Principal Peggy Penn, Me, Greg

Carly George, and Matt

We are so proud!!!!

Our Family and Father Mike Morris





Matt and Tiffany before Graduation

It is completely normal to be proud of your children, but sometimes they surprise you in the most incredible ways. My son Matt is a normal, average, 13 almost 14 year old boy. He loves video games, baseball, hanging out with friends, and most of technology. He is very much like my father and brother that way. He gets good grades, but has to work really hard to do that.

Last night at his Graduation from Espirtu Santo Catholic School, he received the highest honor that can be given. It is not for academics but for honor, integrity, and good character. We were all surprised when Mrs. Penn ( the Principal) gave a very moving speech about true good character. She talk about people that had changed her life because of their character. Then, she announced that 2 students had achieved this high honor, Matt's best friend Carly and Matt.

He was beaming from ear to ear and so was I. I thank God everyday that I am the mother of 2 amazing kids. Matt, you ROCK!!!!

I can't finish this blog with out bragging about My Tiffany. She lettered and received a pin for academics at CCC. She also worked very hard at motivating her Theater Director, Mr. Wendt into doing the 1st ever musical at CCC. He plans on doing Nun Sense next spring, and he asked me to be the vocal director.

Session 1

Day One was pretty incredible. First, we just set all the equipment up and checked everything out. Oh yes, Bobby, Matt , and Chilton jammed for an hour, while Terry and Jim downloaded the music programs that we needed. We finished by doing some rough recording of Blessed Be the Name. Wow, the instruments sound so good. The vocals were mine and Terry made me sound so great with his amazing mic. I probably should give you some back ground on this wonderful group of people.

Terry Read, he is the former keys player to the Canadian Group "The Guess Who". He is amazing on keys. He writes, produces, and arranges our music. He is the brains behind the CD. He is the most creative person that I have ever met. I love him dearly. He and I are the original members of Messenger, and we have been through a lot with developing this ministry.

Jim Grasso, he is the shy gentle giant. He builds and plays guitar. He is such a calming force when all the cautious is going on. He loves to play 80s rock and would give Santana a run for his money.

Matt Fedorovich, he is our lead guitarist. He is growing so much. It is wonderful to see his talent develop and mature. He is in college, has a job, and still finds time to write music. He wrote a wonderful song that will be on the album called, "It's A Long Way".

Bobby Dickson, he is our drummer. This dynamo carries more God given talent than I can tell you. He plays drums, guitar, keys, and did I mention sings. I love harmonising with him. He also writes music. He has a thing for Leprechauns.

Chilton Bono, he is our bass player. He brought his family over from the Philippines. He plays guitar as well and has a really funny sense of humor.

Ron Guiffre, he is a vocalist, drummer, percussionist. and all around comic. He loves to break into song at a moments notice.

Dave Donhanish, he is a vocalist, drummer, percussionist, and connected to the mob (possibly). He is always wanting to whack someone or something.

Alexa Read, she is a vocalist, violinist, and is leaving us this year. She is going away to college in the fall. We will miss her.

Dea Bauer, she is vocalist, percussionist, and a joy. She helps me keep everyone in line and focused on the task at hand.

Tiffany Ross, she is my daughter, a vocalist, and Matt Maher #1 fan. She will be a Senior in the fall. I am dreading that.

Matt Grasso, he is a vocalist, and a college student. He has been with off and on for almost 3 years.

Peter Bauer, he is our documentarian, publicist, and great friend.

Greg Ross, he is my husband, sound tech, and head roady. He lugs more equipment than anyone, because he loves me so much.

That just leaves me. I am a vocalist, director, and Mama Partridge. We meet again on Wed. to continue the adventure. I will give you an update then.