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We enjoyed a
private visit to the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel which is located just
outside the doors of the Papal Apartment. Traditionally, Pope John Paul
II used this chapel during his
annual spiritual retreats as well as for his homilies given during
Advent and Lent. The chapel was completely redone with over 600 square
meters of mosaics on the walls and ceilings as a gift to John Paul for
his 50th anniversary of ordination to priesthood. Pope Benedict XVI
uses the chapel for Mass several times each month.
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| Fr.
O'Connell auditions for membership in the Swiss Guard inside the
Apostolic Palace. |
Frank
and Stevie in front of the Papal Apartment. Benedict XVI did not answer
our knock! |
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| Mosaic
of Jesus on the side wall of the chapel. In the full mosaic, he
is surrounded by the Apostles and Mary. |
Here is the altar in the chapel. It was dedicated by Pope John Paul II on Sunday, November 14, 1999. |
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| The
lectern used by the Pope. |
The
throne in the chapel. |
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| This
mosaic of Christ adorns the wall directly above the throne. |
This
depiction of Mary is on the side wall. She is surrounded by the
Apostles -- above their heads are "tongues of fire." |
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| The
center of the ceiling of the Redemptoris Mater Chapel is decorated with
this classic mosaic of Jesus. |
Moses
is not surfing; he is parting the Red Sea! |
