# Rome Day One – The Real Cross and the Living God
*2016-09-08*

> Bill Young shares his first day in Rome, describing visits to the Holy Door, relics of the True Cross, and reflecting on how the living God is encountered through the charitable work of saints and modern charities.

## A Day in Rome

We began our tour in Rome by passing through the Holy Door at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. From there we visited St. Paul Outside the Walls and other major sites. The highlight was seeing fragments of the True Cross—the wood, the nails, and the small sign that read “King of the Jews” in several languages. These authentic relics reminded me that the Cross on which Christ died is not merely a symbol but a real, tangible object of our faith.

## Encountering the Living God

Seeing these relics made me think of the Living God at work today. The example of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta stands out: her tireless service to the poor, the homeless, and the hungry shows Christ’s love in action. Likewise, countless sisters, brothers, and laypeople continue this mission through organizations such as Catholic Relief Services, Christian Service, and local charities that respond to disasters—from earthquakes in Italy to floods in Louisiana.

## Prayer for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy

We concluded the day with a prayer for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, invoking the words of Pope Francis:

“Lord Jesus, you are the visible faith of the invisible Father. Grant us mercy, that this Jubilee may be a year of grace. May the Good News reach the poor, the blind may see, and the captive be set free. Through Mary, our Mother, we ask this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

## Looking Ahead

Tomorrow I plan to visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the shrine of St. Clare, where her relics are kept. I also hope to share a new reflection on Mother Teresa. I apologize for the poor audio quality—recorded by phone from Rome to the United States—but I trust the spirit of the day comes through.

*The real Cross reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice is tangible, and the Living God is present wherever love and charity are lived out.*