Thousands of pilgrims crowd the city today. Impossible to get near St. Peter’s unless you sleep on the street! We watch Easter Mass on TV; a beautiful spectacle, especially the Pope blessing each nation in its own language. Each group cheers wildly and waves flags. Throughout Rome, a profusion of white lilies and sweet-smelling roses jam the churches. Gold everywhere. We’ve attended a total of five masses. (Should delight certain family members!). The music, incense, the sincerity of prayers, the light in the churches—there’s nothing like it. I used to be critical of all the grandeur; but I see the beauty nourishes the soul. It doesn’t matter what religion we are, does it? It’s the meditation and practice that matters.
Comments from Arthur Blumenthal's Student: