Wow, what a day.  Hard to put its splendor into words.  We left the hotel at 7:15am this morning for St. Peters for our own Mass in the Basilica.  St. Peters in the early morning is unlike anything else.  Entry is restricted to those who have arranged worship, including Priests and, as we waited, we noticed that each of the multitude of chapels included in the main hall had a Priest at the Alter celebrating Mass - it was wonderful to see the church used for what it is really for.  The ability to absorb the ambiance of St. Peters without a crowd is wonderful.  We were escorted into the floor below the main floor - the sanctuary of the tombs of the past Popes for our Mass in a small chapel.  It was wonderful - in addition to our Mass, we overheard others celebrating in other chapels nearby - only meters from the grave of St. Peter. 
After Mass we spent the next two hours touring the basilica, starting with the tombs of the Popes who have not been beatified.  Pope John Paul was the spiritual highlight for our group and many other pilgrims as his legacy proceeds toward Saint hood.  The magnificence of the main basilica cannot be understated, and in addition to the many works of the great artists of the time, the Pieta, created by a 23 year old boy wonder named Michelangelo cannot be understated. 
After a relaxed Italian lunch we had a short nap break before we headed back to Vatican City for a private tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine chapel.  It was truly private.  Only 40 people in the entire museum - one of the most important museums in the world.  We spent more than 30 minutes in private reflection and viewing in the Sistine Chapel marveling at the work of Michelangelo and learning the depictions of the many many works of art that adorn that miraculous building of such historical significance.  Sitting on the sides of the chapel in silence and with opportunity to reflect and meditate without the influence of the masses is without equal.  It's beauty and solemnity are without words.

The day concluded with a bunch of us getting together for some local pizza, as there was no dinner in our schedule.  Tomorrow is a free day followed by dinner at a local restaurant where members of the Rome Opera sing as part of the dinner program.