Originally written in 2016
It is said that there are over 900 churches in Rome alone. When I first heard about it, I couldn't believe it. It is really incredible, but it is true. As I stroll around the streets at Rome, it is very easy to see various churches here and there. Rome is truly harmonized and colorized with diverse churches and historical sites.
What a pleasant gift it is for me to take a day off a month! Thanks to this opportunity, I recently made a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura), one of four ancient, major basilicas in Rome.
Building the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls was originally started by Emperor Constantine I at the site of the tomb of Saint Paul the apostle and martyr. Construction was started in 324 and completed in 1626, but unfortunately, a fire broke out in 1823. Restoration after the unexpected disaster was completed in 1854. In between those years and up to the 1900s, the original edifice was expanded, enhanced and embellished continually.
Looking back on those long, long years of the enduring history of construction, I can't but appreciate the spirit of perseverance. The church is not built within several years. With a short span of time, we can't achieve such an awesome and miraculous grandeur. Talking about the Basilica of Saint Paul alone, it took over 1,000 years to construct.
Not only the Basilica of Saint Paul but other churches as well are filled with holy images, paintings, frescoes, mosaics or sculptures. The figures of each image are so vivid and ardent that they lead us to feel something much awesome, marvelous and inspiring and thus deepen our faith. Their presentations created and weaved by a lifelong work of creation with much perseverance and sweat reveals the mysterious wonders and love of God for people.
Surely, it might have been an enduring and patient job for artists and sculptors to paint or carve on the lofty ceilings and the walls.
Furthermore, much reflection, inspiration, sacrifice, dedication, and energy are necessary to create such amazing works of art. Appreciating every single work of art in the churches, I feel the innumerable sweat and hidden efforts to realize their invisible faith and devotion in the visual arts.
Throughout the countless stories of history, Rome has become a museum itself. Roman culture itself now saves and sustains the country. Without such perseverance, they might not achieve the present inheritance and spiritual relics.
As I study the Italian language, I appreciate more about the works of art in the churches. Probably their sincere and profound longing for eternity had stimulated and inspired them to create and present various works of art.
Just before a sister in charge of on-going formation in Korea visited Rome several weeks ago, I was so much stressed with my slow steps of learning Italian that I found something was wrong with my body. Because of my weak condition, I had to take more rest and sleep to recover balance.
After a week or so, every single negative sign of my body disappeared as if nothing had happened to me. Being encouraged much, I just accepted my reality as it is without any resistance and made up for my lost studies. It helped me in many ways to experience and learn more about perseverance and humility.
In fact, deep in my heart, I was wondering whether it is worth continuing my studies or not. Since I studied English long ago, I thought I could master Italian within several months, but I realized it was an ambition. Like building the church over a long period of time with much perseverance and a long-term view, studying something new always takes much time, effort, sacrifice and self-control.
Life itself takes time. Everything takes time. Being in a hurry and doing something quick always make more trouble. Look at Rome! The whole city is a lifelong work of art established throughout thousands of the enduring moments of life, love, hope, faith, joy and gratitude. Now people from all over the world come to pay respect and appreciate the culture of Rome. The enduring time proves it.
The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ February 28 (online), 29(offline), 2016
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2016/02/162_199210.html
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