It all started at the Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Church of Relics) which houses portions of what is believed to be part of the cross and a nail from the crucifixion of Jesus and also contains the index finger of Saint Thomas, why you ask? It is supposed to be incorruptible, meaning it has not decomposed. FYI the Catholics like to put on display in glass coffins their incorruptible saints and saint parts!!
Next was the Scala Santa (the holy staircase, the steps in which it is believed Jesus crawled to his sentence of crucifixion from Pontius Pilate) the only way allowed up these steps, which are marble covered by wood to protect them, is on ones knees. This is how the devout go, otherwise you may go up a two side staircases instead. Well, devout I am not and Ashley is not even Catholic but adventurous and curious we are!
Therefore, up the steps via our knees we went! I am here to tell you it was one of the most painful experiences in recent memory! I can only assume that is the point but dang!
All I could do was look next to me and see the 70 year old nun, children, handicapped person and lady who cried and prayed the entire way up (I wanted to cry but I do not think for the same reasons) and think what a wimp I am!
Note: below is a photo of me at the top, I know I look kinda spiritual but I was really just in pain!
However, I have to say that whenever I have visited religious sites and we have been to several around the world from Catholic, Buddhist to Hindu; I am always amazed and have great respect for those who can believe so much in their faith. I am sure it probably makes many things in life easier to handle or understand by having the ability to just let faith takeover.
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