A Trip to Rome<br/><br/>
I arrived in Rome around noon time on March 21, in order to attend the ceremony of the installation of 15 new cardinals at St. Peter’s Square on March 24. I stayed at the Pontificio Instituto Missioni Estere (PIME) house when I was in Rome. Upon my arrival, I paid a visit to Pope John Paul II’s tomb at the Basilica of St. Peter. I prayed that this Pope, who held China dear to his heart, would look over His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Zen, who obviously will play an important role in fostering a better relationship between China and the Vatican. I also dedicated the CMCC parish under his care. April 2nd will be the first anniversary of his passing.<br/><br/>
The next day, together with pilgrims from Toronto, I visited the Basilica of St Paul outside the wall, Basilica of St John Lateran and Basilica of St Mary. We also went to The Chapel of Holy Steps. These marble stairs are believed to be the very same ones that Jesus stood on trial at the court of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. It is customary for pilgrims to ascend the stairs on their knees. When I was there, I put down my pride and did just that – kneeling all the way to the top.<br/><br/>
On the day of the ceremony, all of the better seats were already taken when I arrived.<br/><br/>
However, God has miraculously reserved a good place for me in the house – a reporter put a chair in front of the VIP section so that he would be able to take better pictures. However, he was asked to move away by the security. Then I moved up and took his seat!