By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Dec 20, 2024 / 13:35 pm
Rome during the Christmas season is a feast for the senses. Twinkling lights drape over the city’s cobblestone streets, towering Christmas trees adorn piazzas, and Nativity scenes beckon from churches and storefronts alike.
Against this dazzling backdrop, the first pilgrims for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee, which begins on Christmas Eve, have the unique opportunity to enjoy the Eternal City’s many Christmas traditions.
Pope Francis will open five jubilee Holy Doors in the Christmas season between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6.
And 38-year-old Immaculate Atieno, a jubilee pilgrim from Nairobi, Kenya, is hoping to witness all of the solemn door openings with the pope.
“It’s worth it,” Atieno told CNA. “This is a once-in-every-25-years thing to do. So why not give it your all?”
Atieno brought with her a long list of prayer intentions from family and friends in Africa in addition to her desire to pray for the needs of the world as she receives her jubilee indulgence.
“We are at a time where the world really needs lots of prayers,” she explained.
Are you ready to embark on a spiritual journey filled with prayer, reflection, and culinary delights in the heart of Rome? As we offer our prayers and intentions, we also remember the Holy Father during this special time.
For jubilee pilgrims spending the Christmas season in Rome, the city offers a feast for the senses, including the iconic panettone bread. This egg-rich, buttery delight, studded with candied fruit, can be found in every corner of the city, tempting passersby with its sweet aroma and festive packaging. Some bakeries even go as far as creating edible Nativity scenes out of panettone and chocolate, adding a touch of whimsy to the holiday season.
While Italian families gather for elaborate seafood feasts on Christmas Eve, both pilgrims and locals can enjoy the magical atmosphere of Rome’s streets, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Catholic sisters from Indonesia recently marveled at the beauty of Via del Corso and the sparkling Christmas tree at the Spanish Steps, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit.
As Sister Angela of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary noted, every store and church in Rome has prepared stunning decorations to welcome Christmas with open arms. The city comes alive with a sense of joy and anticipation, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of the season.
So, whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, cultural experiences, or simply a taste of Italy’s culinary delights, Rome during the jubilee season is sure to leave a lasting impression. Join us in celebrating this special time and embrace the magic of Christmas in the Eternal City. Welcome to Rome during the Christmas season, where the city is alive with the spirit of the holidays. As Sister Tarcisia and her companion prepare for the opening of the holy doors, they are praying for all the jubilee pilgrims who will be visiting Rome. Their wish is for peace and justice to be experienced by people all over the world.
The streets of Rome are adorned with large Christmas trees in Piazza di Popolo, the Spanish Steps, and St. Peter’s Square. The festive atmosphere is contagious as pilgrims stroll through Piazza Navona and browse the small-scale Christmas market, filled with Nativity figurines, ornaments, and Italy’s traditional Christmas witch, Befana dolls.
In St. Peter’s Square, visitors are captivated by the Vatican’s grand Nativity scene, featuring a replica of the lagoon of Grado, a charming Italian town on the Adriatic Sea. The Vatican’s “100 Nativity Scenes” exhibit, located under Bernini’s colonnade, showcases an international collection of Nativities made from coral, pine cones, papier-mâché, and even pasta.
Experience the magic of Christmas in Rome as the city comes alive with festive displays, Christmas markets, and the spirit of the season. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday cheer and wonder of the Christmas season in Rome. Capture the beauty of the season and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Source link
